Reset search
Europe 2018
  • Lou and Col
Apr – Jul 2018

Europe 2018

A 84-day adventure by Lou and Col Read more
+1
FollowInsightsCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    April 9, 2018
  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Flight to Singapore

    April 9, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Damian joined us for a nice easy flight with Singapore Airlines. Arrived about 7:15, just after dark
    Had a free transfer lined up as part of singapore stopover deal, but this was a big mess as the shuttle went missing. Grabbed a taxi and were at the hotel in 15 min. Checked in and went out for a quick bite. Then off for a good nights sleep. We're all ready for a great couple of days in good old Singers.
    Hotel Royal @ Queens is fine for a basic hotel and in a great location.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    View from hotel room

    Singapore

    April 10, 2018 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Woke up to great news.
    We have been upgraded to premium economy for the Joburg leg. SA has a bid to upgrade system and we bid $200 each, well worth it!
    Spent our first morning in Singas over in Little India then taxied across to Fort Canning for a look before walking down to Clarke Quay for lunch.
    Had a rest then headed over to Marina Bay Sands for a trip up to the observation deck on top. Great views!
    Over to La Pau Sat for some beers and satays then China town for more to eat.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    SINGAPORE DAY 2

    April 11, 2018 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Breakfast at the hotel ok not great.
    Taxi to Mt Faber for the cable car to Sentosa Island.
    Coffee and sweets at the Shangri La hotel then cable car back to Mt Faber. All on Damian's birthday.
    Walked down to the Henderson Wave walk then on to the bottom of the hill and taxi back to the hotel for a rest.
    Going to be a big night tonite with our 2am flight to Joburg    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Journey to Africa

    April 12, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today we took the 2 am flight to Joburg arriving about 6:30am after a 10 hour all night time flight. Thank goodness for premium economy.
    Easy process through the airport then grabbed our hire car for the drive to Welgevonden.
    Easy drive up the motorway then on to the turnoff to the Western Gate. Very rough gravel road for the last 16 km to the gate. Arrived at 1:00 pm then were transferred by game drive vehicle to Nungabane Lodge where we were welcomed by the entire staff of the lodge. We gave the afternoon drive a miss and went to our room after lunch for a welcome nap. Took a walk up to the hide at the lodge where we were lucky enough to see zebras, gnus, and then out of nowhere came a mother and baby rhino for a drink. Amazing sight!
    The other guests at the lodge were a party of Germans. All quite friendly. Crashed into bed after dinner in anticipation of our 5:30 am wake up call for our first game drive    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    1

    Nungabane Day 2

    April 13, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Out of bed at 5:30 am for our first game drive. Very cold but had ponchos in the 4wd to keep us warm.
    Great starting drive. Saw female lion walking down the road and right past the vehicle. Also rhinos, zebras, gnus, and assorted other animals.
    Back for breakfast about 9 am then a rest before our afternoon drive.
    Afternoon drive was amazing when we came across a herd of elephants that were browsing right on the edge of the road. Baby elephant only a couple of metres away and one female came right up to touch the truck with its trunk. Very scary for those in the back. At the end of the drive we were told that a lion pride was at a dam close by. We drove over and they were all on the dam wall. We could only see them by car headlights but was great just to see them.
    Also saw rhinos resting on the side of the road as well as the usual assortment of other wildlife.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    1

    Nungabane Day 3

    April 14, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Early morning drive was the highlight of the trip. We got see a pride of lions on a kill. There was male several females and cubs all only a couple of metres away. Absolutely awe inspiring!
    Also saw rhino, giraffe and wilderbeast on the way back to the lodge. Meals at the lodge are lovely; two choices for mains!
    Afternoon drive highlights were a great drive down a valley to a part of the park not been to before, and coming across a rhino with a 2 week old baby. Extremely cute and only a couple of metres away.
    Also saw a group of giraffes on side of road.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Trip to George

    April 15, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today we sadly left the lodge and made our journey to George. We arranged an early transfer to the car at the park gate only to find the battery was flat. Luckily we got it started with the help of the manager and some passing locals. After some light hearted ribbing about ball tampering we were on our way. The trip to Joburg was ok except fot the local driving which can only be described as reckless.
    The flight to George was late leaving but smooth until landing as George was fogged in. We got down but could easily have been diverted to Capet Town.
    Picked up our hire car and had a foggy drive to the b&b. Chinese in town for tea. Very cheap    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Falcons View Manor
    Sailed into this headland over 30 years ago

    Knysna Day 1

    April 16, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we left George for Knysna. First a trip into town to see St Mark's Cathedral where Louise's great great grandparents were married and a trip to the mall for sonne lunch supplies.
    Then a drive along the 5 Passes Road to Knysna with a side trip to a national park. A nice drive but not quite as good as it was made out to be.
    Arriving in Knysna we went straight to our B&B the Falcons View Manor. This is a beautiful old mansion set high on the hill overlooking Knysna and the bay. Spectacular views and a great room.
    After booking in went for drive out to the heads. Caught the sunset and views of the entry into the bay. Tea was at an amazing seafood restaurant down by the bay. Very cheap by our standards and very tasty!!.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Lou at Storms River

    Knysna Day 2 - Trip to Storms River.

    April 17, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Started our day (8th wedding anniversary) with a delightful breakfast in the garden ar Falcons View B&B. Decided to travel down to Storms River which is a national park area with a deep river ravine straddled by a suspension bridge. It was a pretty hard walk to the bridge but worth it as the ocean thunders all around the entrance and then mellows as it enters the ravine entrance. Lots of German tourists about who looked in poor shape for the walk but to their credit, soldiered on. Returning to Knysna we stopped for a refreshing strawberry, mint and lime cocktail at the Plettenberg hotel. Another vast and beautiful view. Sadly, like most of the Australian East coast the level of ugly developments in this part of the Garden Route is disappointing. Surprised and unhappy to see quite a few shanty towns as we drove along. The Africans resourcefully build little huts from timber offcuts and whatever offers protection from the elements. It's a pretty poor state of affairs for some of these folk. Tonight Mr T and Moi are having a special meal at our B& B which is apparently renowned for same!!!!Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Knysna Day 3

    April 18, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today we put the car away and went for a walk down the hill into Knysna Town. Visited the old gaol museum and Thesen Island.
    The museum had a very good display of the old history of the area. On the way we met a Norwegian couple staying at the B&B whose ancestors were the original owners of the mansion.
    Had a nice lunch inluding local oysters at 34 South restaurant and then did the long walk back up the hill to home.
    After a rest we took the car for a spin over to Brenton on Sea. Great views back over the harbour to town.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Airlies B&B Montagu

    Drive to Montagu

    April 19, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    After another lovely breakfast we packed up and hit the road to Cape Town. Taking the longer scenic route, our overnight stop was at the town of Montagu. This is a great drive if you can avoid the crazy drivers and overloaded trucks on the road. We stayed at Airlies B&B in Montagu where we were the only guests and had the whole place to ourselves. Dinner was at the Montagu Hotel which was of art deco design throughout including all the furniture. Unfortunately the food was pretty ordinary.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Drive into Cape Town
    Grimsby Road 23 is our best bet

    Drive to Cape Town

    April 20, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    After breakfast we hit the road again for the last 180km into Cape Town.
    Stopped at a little town for a nice lunch. The road into Cape Town is spectacular as it winds through rocky mountains with vineyards in the valleys between. The GPS took us neatly to our new B&B Braeside Manor in Green Point.
    After checking in to another delightful room we dropped the car off at Budget in town then walked back to the B&B.
    Finished off the day walking up to Grimbsby Tce to try and find where Louise's great great grandmother, Magdalena Allen lived in the 19 th century. Found a possibilty but cannot be sure as the numbers have changed. It was a terrace house though and the right street.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Hout Bay fishing boats

    Cape Town Day 1

    April 21, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Breakfast was followed by a walk down to the V&A Waterfront to catch the tourist hop on off bus. First stop was in the city where we visted St Georges Cathedral where Hamilton Ross was meant to have a commerative plaque. We could not find it. Then a walk up through the Company Gardens to the Mount Nelson Hotel which is on the site of a property owned by Hamilton Ross.
    Back on the bus we travelled to Hout Bay. This is a fishing port and tourist spot out of the city. Had a great lunch there entertained by the resident seals and then on to Camps Bay where we joined the trendies for a seaside promenade. It's a wonderful cliff drive but a bit close to the edge for my(Lou) liking. Finally back to home for an early night.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    Cape Town Day 2

    April 22, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The travel has started to catch up to us so we had a sleep in and a slow start to the day. After breakfast we Ubered down to the bus and went out to the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. These are the best gardens we have ever seen,an absolute delight. We Ubered back to the V&A via the San Souci girls school which was the Hamilton Ross estate and where he died . It is in a very lovely part of Cape Town, leafy and elegant homes all with a beautiful mountain backdrop. What a place this is!!!. Picked up some dinner then an early night.Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    View from the V&A
    Our cabin is up there somewhereThere it is, two up and two along on the balcomies

    Catching the Queen

    April 23, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today we join the ship to England.
    Up early for a nice breakfast then packing to get out of the room.
    Taking the opportunity to catch up on the blog while we wait to go to the ship. Not much of a day for wandering around outside, a bit damp. Last night we woke up around 1am and checked the QE position on the seascanner. She was just rounding the Cape of Good Hope. We could hear the foghorns from the harbour-they blow all night while there is fog. It was so amazing to think of all the shipping that has passed these waters, including Great great great grandfather Richard Hamilton Allen who skippered the Hamilton Ross sailing ship and was also the North Wharf master here in Cape Town. Quite a wonderful realization.
    Ship boarding was straight forward and well organised. On board and in our cabin by 3pm. Verrry comfortable. Found the restaurant for a late lunch then off to the laundrette to do a couple of loads of washing.
    A late dinner at the buffet then off to bed. No fun and games tonight.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 2 Departing Cape Town

    April 24, 2018 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Our first day on the Queen is in Cape Town port. After a good nights sleep in a very comfortable bed, we headed off to breakfast and then off the ship into town. Our objective was to meet people from the Iziko Museum to have a look at some Hamilton Ross items in Bertram House.
    Back to the V&A for some last minute shopping then bus to the cruise terminal, clear immigration and on board and ready to leave. Lifeboat drill at 4:30 then the ship is easing out from the dock. A quick race up stairs to watch Cape Town and the mountains behind slowly leave us behind. A great sight to see!!
    Dinner in the Lido Buffet, a quick quiz game in the English Pup bar then off to sleep.
    Disappointed that the Hamilton Ross paintings have been removed from Bertram House. The lady who showed us around though has given me her contact details and I will be able to get a digital copy once they have been retrieved from archives. I get the feeling historical records are being mismanaged a bit in SA.
    It was wonderful though to leave Cape Town by ship knowing that our Great great grandfather had done the same as crew and Captain of his own vessels. Looking back towards Table Mountain and Signal Hill it is truly a moving and beautiful view. So many sailors must have marvelled at it's uniqueness before heading either east or west into the great oceans. How brave and amazing they were. I of coarse disgraced myself by feeling queasy within a few hours.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Bowls anyone?

    The Queen Day 3 At Sea

    April 25, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Started the day with breakfast in bed (decadent I know, but why not).
    Attended Anzac commemorisation at 9. Very moving and well done by the captain and crew.
    Tried our hand at the table tennis comp, but out of practise and did not last long. A good first effort though.
    A quiet afternoon of rest before a quick hit of table tennis then dressing for dinner.
    Our first attendance at the formal Brittania Restaurant. Were expecting to make up a table of 6 but we were the only ones at the table. The others must have gone to the buffet. Will have to try again. Food was very nice.
    After dinner watched a bit of the old time dancers in the main lounge then checked out the show in the main theatre. A couple of acrobats who had hung around too long and were a bit past their prime. We took the first opportunity to exit stage left.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 4 Walvis Bay

    April 26, 2018 in Namibia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Woke up to find the ship already docked at Walvis Bay, Namibia. We had a tour booked so breakfast in the room then downstairs to immigration and catch the bus.
    Bus full of the usual old fogeys and then we were off on the trip. First stop was the lagoon where we saw flocks of flamingos in the shallow water of the bay. This was a fabulous sight and the lagoon is recognized as an important sanctuary for many birds.
    Next stop was Dune 7 which is supposed to be the highest sand dune in Southern Africa. Quite impressive especially the sharp contrast of the orange dune against a very azure sky. Following was a long bumpy ride out to see some rare flora that exists in the desert then on to an area which looks like a moonscape and is quite ancient and definately out of this world. Route home was a bit shorter and through Swapokmund and along the coast. More Namib Desert right up to the sea. Wind was blowing up as we headed back and the desert dust was blowing in. All a bit surreal. Overall impression of Walvis Bay area is one of extremes. How people live and function in such an inhospitable environment is a mystery. The dust storms would be reason enough to leave town.
    Glad to get back on the boat for a sense of sanctuary. Kept the balcony door shut to avoid the dust and never more grateful for a shower. Tea at the Lido again. Checked out the theatre where Mark Donoghue was playing. A full house but not to our taste. Departure delayed 2.5 hours due to the wind which meant that the ship couldn't safely negotiate the channel. Back to the room for a nightcap, a bit of T V and bed.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 5 At Sea

    April 27, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Our first day of 8 at sea before Tenerrife. After breakfast a couple of laps of the deck. Then on to the theatre to hear the celebrity lecturer, John McCarthy. This first part of his story of capture by Hezbollah was both fascinating and engrossing. Cannot wait for the next installment on Monday. Went on to dance classes next where we attempted to relearn the slow waltz. Quite good fun, but a way to go to be as good as some of the oldies on the ship. Squeezed a coulple of games of table tennis in before lunch. After lunch had a go at the Guess the Melody quiz. It was TV show themes which was not our forte. But we got 11 out of 20. Quiet afternoon of reading and a couple of laps of the deck before dinner. Black & White Ball formal night is the go but we will not be attending as we did not bring the penguin suits.
    Dinner at the Lido. Had a wander around the ship and a walk around the deck before hitting the sack. Must say the bed and shower in our cabin are fantastic and we have both slept well. I think the sea air is making us tired, especially with a full tummy. Temperature is rising each day as we approach the equator and their are many Bubbles and Desirees gracing the pool deck. We haven't had a dip yet but maybe will later in the afternoon one day. Sun protection is not an issue for some folk on board and you wonder why not!!    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 6 At Sea

    April 28, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Today the ships clocks were set back by one hour, so we were up early for a brisk walk around the deck before breakfast. We then took the plunge and had a go at the line dancing. We actually enjoyed it and will go back for more. We followed up with ballroom dancing again but are still struggling to get it right. A bit of practice will fix it I hope. In between we attended a seminar on Tanzanite.
    After lunch we did the music trivia with another couple from Australia.
    Dinner was at the Brittania where we finally met another couple on our table. Frank and Gerry are an interesting couple from Kansas and have been on the ship from the US. He has a Salvador Dali moustache which made our first meeting a bit weird. We felt like having a good laugh but modicum prevailed and got through dinner successfully. The a la carte restaurant has been lovely. We have different tastes for brekky, me preferring porridge and Col, the full monty. Fortunately, there is always a great selection of fruit, including fresh pineapple. Yum    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 7 At Sea

    April 29, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Started the day with a Sunday sleep in then a leisurely brekky.
    Put the phone on to get the good news that the Eagles had beaten the Dockers. Made my day.
    A quiet morning with just another gem seminar. After lunch had another go at the music trivia quiz. Mr T not much help but Mrs T got a few.
    Evening show was a magic comedy show which was fun and worth seeing.
    Tonight we cross the equator and enter the northern hemisphere.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 8 At Sea

    April 30, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Bit of a sleep in this morning
    After a late breakfast headed off to the theatre to see John Mcarthy and the second part of his hostage saga story. Again a good show.
    Before lunch we tried the music trivia quiz again with the usual result. Had more success with the the pub quiz a bit later. The weather turned a bit stormy as the day went on, giving us some great sights of the rain coming across the water.
    The night was another formal so we kept to the Lido for tea then went to the Yacht club for a dance. The DJ played some good 50'6 to 70's music which we had a good jig to. However the live band was pretty ordinary so we sat them out. Off to bed with tired legs and sore feet.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler
    Verandah Restaurant Menu
    Verandah Restaurant Menu

    The Queen Day 9 At Sea

    May 1, 2018, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We have booked for the Verandah Resturant tonight so are taking it a bit easier with the food today. A couple of quizzes and not much else during the day. Seas have got very calm as we cross the equator.
    Dressed up and headed off to the restaurant at 7:30
    The meal was a gastronomic and visual feast. We both enjoyed our special night out.
    Back in the room we were not enjoying it as much as we both had too much to eat and drink.    Read more

  • Lou and ColEurope 2018Traveler

    The Queen Day 10 Still at Sea

    May 2, 2018, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Late out of bed and skipped brekky as a result of our over indulgence last night.
    Spent some time reading in the Garden Lounge then Lou gave me a table tennis lesson.
    Dinner in the Brittania Room and trivial quiz in the pub. Met another couple from NZ who have been on board since Auckland. Continually amazed at the numbers doing multiple legs. Approx 20% of passenger are doing the full world trip.Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice