Winter in Europe

Christmas is over and it's time to explore... Read more

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Trip start
January 4, 2024
Winter in Europe
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Day 2
Friday, January 5, 2024 at 1:46 PM
🌧 6 °C
Altitude: 91 m
Wales Llangollen Station 52.969692, -3.16843652°58’11” N 3°10’6” W
A Weekend in Wales
January 5, 2024 in Wales ⋅ 🌧 6 °C
We jumped the channel to visit family in Wales. We were only here for the weekend to attend the funeral of Nicky's aunty Eileen, who passed away last month.

While a sombre occasion, it was a chance to catch up with family and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman.

Heading back to the continent tomorrow to continue the adventure.Read more
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Day 7
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 3:48 PM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 121 m
Italy Monumento Equestre a Vittorio Emanuele II 45.464003, 9.18937545°27’50” N 9°11’22” E
Milano
January 10, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
We arrived in Milan, where we caught up again with Jarrod and catch our train to Switzerland in a few days.

But in the meantime we wandered around the centre of Milan to see the old castle and the 4th largest cathedral in the world.

The castle was more an old fort, but was very interesting as many of the old drawbridges were still there and you could see how they worked.

The cathedral was very impressive, but I can't help but think the church could spend their money on better things to help peopleRead more
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Day 8
Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 11:05 AM
☀️ 4 °C
Altitude: 216 m
Italy Piazza Mario Cermenati 45.857539, 9.38790845°51’27” N 9°23’16” E
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Tirano
January 11, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 4 °C
From Milan we jumped on a train to Tirano for the next leg of our trip. Tirano is in the lower part of the Alps and the train passes by Lake Como on the way up. Beautiful!

It was a beautiful, albeit cold, day and snow on the mountain peaks made for a beautiful backdrop.

Tirano itself is a relatively small town, but has a great atmosphere. We were hungry by the time we arrived at 1, only to remember that Italy all but shuts down between 2 and 6 for those all important Nanna naps. Luckily found some food and drink before exploring this pretty little townRead more
TravelerLooking forward to your travels in Italy. I haven't seen much of it but loved what I did. Well except Venice. A place you have to go at least once in your life, but so many other places to go.
1/14/24Reply
TravelerNot sure we'll be spending much time in Italy, so many other places to see and we saw a fair bit of Italy in 2022...there are some places I'd like to go back to though.
1/14/24Reply
Traveler 🤣
1/14/24Reply
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Day 9
Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10:05 AM
☀️ -3 °C
Altitude: 1,046 m
Switzerland Cavagliasco 46.336825, 10.06013946°20’13” N 10°3’37” E
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The Bernina Express
January 12, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C
Today was the start of our Swiss rail adventure, the Bernina Express running from Tirano to St. Moritz. What a stunning trip.

And today was Jarrod's birthday... Aren't we good parents... 😁

I'll let the photos speak for themselves.Read more
TravelerHappy Birthday mate! That train trip looks similar to the one from the Sunny Coast to Brissy! 🤣
1/14/24Reply
TravelerYou do realize that you are making my backpack in the top of the wardrobe Yell at me 😖😖
1/14/24Reply
TravelerHa ha...it won't be too long until your backpack comes out of the wardrobe.
1/14/24Reply
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Day 9
Friday, January 12, 2024 at 1:03 PM
☀️ -5 °C
Altitude: 1,776 m
Switzerland Lej da San Murezzan 46.494072, 9.83910346°29’39” N 9°50’21” E
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St. Moritz
January 12, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ -5 °C
The got off the Bernina Express at the famous ski town of St. Moritz. This is where all the glamorous people come to be seen, so the perfect place for us.

And it's the perfect place to be if you like really cold weather... like -13° cold weather. The sun was out and the sky was blue, but it was bloody cold.Read more
Traveler Beautiful
1/18/24Reply
Traveler Wow
1/18/24Reply
Traveler That looks like it goes fast😃
1/18/24Reply
Traveler Looks like a movie set😃
1/18/24Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 9:07 AM
☀️ -10 °C
Altitude: 1,717 m
Switzerland Samedan Station 46.533358, 9.87308146°32’0” N 9°52’23” E
The Glacier Express
January 14, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ -10 °C
After a day in St. Moritz, we boarded the Glacier Express, which is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

We had spectacular weather and were not disappointed. The train was very comfortable with large windows. You just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery with a bottle of Prosecco... and maybe a bottle of red. It was a long day, leaving at 9 and arriving at 5.

Forgive my photos... it's hard to take a picture through the train windows at speed...Read more
TravelerOnly one word. WOW.
1/18/24Reply
Travelermagnifique
1/18/24ReplyTranslate
TravelerMagical 🤩 it is so dam hot and humid here so jelly loving your photos
1/18/24Reply
TravelerNot sure which is worse...it's minus 8 at 11.00 a.m. here in Bern🤔
1/20/24Reply
TravelerFor me definitely this heat and humidity! But I love the cold 🥶 ❤️ #nofrizzyhairdays 😂
1/21/24Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 5:23 PM
☁️ -2 °C
Altitude: 1,613 m
Switzerland Zermatt Station 46.023708, 7.74836746°1’25” N 7°44’54” E
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Zermatt
January 14, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ -2 °C
The Glacier Express ended in Zermatt, which is a quaint little ski town next to the Matterhorn.

It was cloudy the first day, but cleared up enough to get a glimpse of the famous mountain.
Traveler ❤️
1/22/24Reply
Traveler Cheeky wow wa?
1/22/24Reply
Who is under the dress up [Gracey]
1/22/24Reply
Traveler Goats?
1/22/24Reply
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Day 14
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 11:47 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 568 m
Switzerland Lütschine 46.688447, 7.89910846°41’18” N 7°53’57” E
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Interlaken
January 17, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Next stop was Interlaken, a relatively quick train trip under the Alps. It seemed quick, but the tunnel is 18kms long and the train is doing 200kms an hour. Love Swiss engineering.

Interlaken is in the middle of 2 massive lakes and the photo ops just kept coming.Read more
Traveler 🤣🤣
1/22/24Reply
Traveler So cute
1/22/24Reply
Traveler Stage fright or exhibitionist
1/23/24Reply
Traveler🤣
1/26/24Reply
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Day 15
Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12:47 PM
🌬 10 °C
Altitude: 546 m
Switzerland Bern 46.947986, 7.44923646°56’53” N 7°26’57” E
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Bern
January 18, 2024 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌬 10 °C
The last stop of our Swiss adventure was Bern. Another interesting town with lots of history.

We were surprised to wake up to a beautiful blanket of snow from an overnight storm.
Traveler There she is👍😃
1/23/24Reply
TravelerBeautiful!
1/23/24Reply
Traveler Dr Bruno and Leannes old stopping ground.
1/26/24Reply
TravelerOh that's where they lived...nice place!
2/5/24Reply
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Day 18
Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 2:40 PM
☀️ 9 °C
Altitude: 187 m
France Place des Jacobins 45.760492, 4.83365345°45’38” N 4°50’1” E
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Lyon
January 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
Stopped at Lyon on our way to warmer climes to see what was there. A nice city, but didn't have the same vibe as many of the others.

Mind you, didn't help that I booked accommodation 3kms from anything of interest. Lots of exercise. Speaking of which, we walked to the top of the hill to see the Basilica... Very impressive and great views of the city, but a sh*tload of steps.

But that was a good excuse to justify some authentic French food at a small cafe in Old Town. French onion soup and fillet mignon... Creme brulee for dessert... Yum!Read more
Traveler Where’s Goldilocks?
1/27/24Reply
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Day 21
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11:44 AM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Spain Plaça de la Sagrada Família 41.403161, 2.17283341°24’11” N 2°10’22” E
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La Familia Sagrada
January 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Continued our trip south with a quick stopover in Barcelona. We were here last year, but couldn't get in to see La Familia Sagrada. So we booked tickets way ahead this time.

This is by far the best cathedral I've ever seen. The architecture is absolutely marvellous. Antoni Gaudi was the architect and his ideas have resulted in an absolutely stunning building.

His use of space and light is awe inspiring. He modelled the interior pillars after trees, and they support the entire structure. Which allowed him to have massive stained glass windows.

The building is still years away from completion, but all the architects and artists have held firmly to Gaudi's vision. I found it interesting that he would model his ideas ahead of time in plaster and stone, a practice continued to this day using 3D printing.

Anyone with an interest in architecture has got to see this building.Read more
TravelerWould love to get back there and see more.
1/27/24Reply
Traveler Perhaps the greatest engineering feat is the crane at the top.... I'll check with Brendan and Andrew on thst......
1/27/24Reply
TravelerThis thing has been under construction for over a 100 years... Would've loved to have the crane contact on that one 🤪
1/27/24Reply
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Day 22
Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 3:50 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 25 m
Spain Plaça de l'Ajuntament 39.469783, -0.37611439°28’11” N 0°22’34” W
Arriving in Valencia
January 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Next stop was Valencia, a popular tourist sport on the south coast of Spain.

Arrived in the afternoon and had a quick wander off the streets before checking in.
TravelerAt least it looks a bit warmer.
2/1/24Reply
TravelerDefinitely..sat in the sun yesterday afternoon, following the locals Sunday afternoon drinks in the plaza, it actually got too hot..would believe that
2/5/24Reply
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Day 23
Friday, January 26, 2024 at 2:47 PM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Spain Pont del Mar 39.470339, -0.36501939°28’13” N 0°21’54” W
Valencia Markets (and gargoyles)
January 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Spent our first full day wandering the streets of Valencia. I really like it here. Lots of streets to explore and not much traffic.

We visited the main markets and it was a hive of activity. Everything looked so fresh... and the tomatoes. They were huge! Check out the photo.

We also went through the old mercantile exchange from back when Valencia was one of the main trading hubs in Europe hundreds of years ago. I have to say I'm partial to gargoyles... 👿🤪Read more
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Day 24
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1:47 PM
☁️ 19 °C
Altitude: 23 m
Spain Glorieta 39.468297, -0.36922839°28’6” N 0°22’9” W
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
January 27, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Last day in Valencia and we explored Turia Park, a 7km park that runs through the city along the old course of the Turia River.

After the great flood in 1957 the Spanish government planned to reroute the river and create a park. It's a nice walk that culminates in the fabulous Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences).

There are 4 major buildings being an iMax, performing arts centre, city gardens and an aquarium. The architecture is stunning and the buildings are massive. Loved itRead more
TravelerLooks amazing.
2/9/24Reply
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Day 26
Monday, January 29, 2024 at 1:12 PM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 31 m
Spain Teatre Arniches 38.342822, -0.49572538°20’34” N 0°29’45” W
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Alicante
January 29, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Took the train down to Alicante. It's a beach town, so I expect it's very busy here in the summer.

When we got off the train we stopped at a small cafe tucked away in a corner. Our off the tourist area, we were in with the locals and the food was fantastic... and cheap.

After dropping off our bags, we went for a walk along the beachfront. The town is dominated by a large hill crowned with Castell de Santa Barbara, an old fort that's been there since Roman times. Looks like a bit of a hike, but looking forward to paying a visit.Read more
Traveler Typical Wurtulla tourists🤪
2/9/24Reply
TravelerAhh, about an hours drive from where my mum lives, I’ve spent a bit of time in Alicante. However, I’ve never climbed the mountain!
2/17/24Reply
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Day 27
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 10:45 AM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Spain Plaza Calvo Sotelo 38.343628, -0.48696438°20’37” N 0°29’13” W
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Castell de Santa Barbara
January 30, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Today was the day to climb the mountain to Santa Barbara Castle. It was a bit of a climb, but well worth it. The views from the top are stunning.

The castle itself has been around a couple thousand years in various forms... built, destroyed, rebuilt, knocked down, etc.

After all that exercise, we rewarded ourselves with tapas and caña (cervesa)... 😋Read more
Traveler Randall playing dress-up ?
2/9/24Reply
Traveler Mushroom from Alice in Wonderland?
2/9/24Reply
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Day 29
Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:36 PM
🌙 13 °C
Altitude: 132 m
Spain Gran Teatro de Córdoba 37.884711, -4.78218637°53’5” N 4°46’56” W
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Hello Cordoba
February 1, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
Long train today to get to Cordoba, arriving late in the evening. Still bustling though... Restaurants, cafes and bars are packed. Good to see a bit of life.
Traveler Love the decorations
2/9/24Reply
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Day 30
Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:48 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 132 m
Spain Plaza de las Tendillas 37.884508, -4.77993137°53’4” N 4°46’48” W
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A Day in Cordoba
February 2, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Jarrod will be joining us later in the afternoon, so we went for a walk to explore the old parts of Cordoba down towards the river.

It's a lovely city with a lot of history and we really like it.

And it's warm... Nice to not to have to wear layersRead more
Traveler At last in the sun 😃
2/9/24Reply
Traveler Nice😃
2/9/24Reply
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Day 31
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 3:57 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 107 m
Spain Universidad De Córdoba / Facultad de Medicina 37.875203, -4.78509437°52’31” N 4°47’6” W
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Explore Córdoba
February 3, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Visited the roman bridge and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, an old mosque that was converted into a church back in the dream time. Fantastico!
Traveler Interesting read Nicky?
2/25/24Reply
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Day 32
Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 11:40 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 115 m
Spain Plaza de la Corredera 37.883681, -4.77403637°53’1” N 4°46’27” W
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Last Day in Córdoba
February 4, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
One final day... taking it easy... exploring the different parts of Córdoba and experiencing the culture. Check out the video with the local's reaction when some musicians rocked up for an afternoon jam... I could live here, I thinkRead more
Traveler How was your paella 🥘? Looks delicious 😋
2/25/24Reply
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Day 33
Monday, February 5, 2024 at 2:13 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 27 m
Spain Catedral de Sevilla 37.385275, -5.99243637°23’7” N 5°59’33” W
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Hola Sevilla
February 5, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Arrived in Sevilla and did a quick wander through the city... so much to see and do here
Traveler Wow, What is that?
2/22/24Reply
TravelerHuevos rotis con patatas, guilas y langostinos
2/26/24ReplyTranslate
Traveler Thought that was you for a second there Nicky! Then I put my glasses on 😂
2/25/24Reply
Traveler Love it
2/25/24Reply
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Day 34
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 2:24 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Spain Catedral de Sevilla 37.385983, -5.99285637°23’10” N 5°59’34” W
Catedral de Sevilla
February 6, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Today we visited Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
and the Catedral de Sevilla. But first, a stop at the iconic Setas de Sevilla... a large, impressive timber structure.

Walked up to the Alameda de Hércules, an ancient Roman square dedicated to Hercules.Read more
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Day 35
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 1:17 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Spain Santa Cruz 37.382978, -5.99116137°22’59” N 5°59’28” W
Real Alcázar de Seville
February 7, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Today we walked through the royal palace to see the beautiful architecture and gardens.

This is our final day with Jarrod before he jets off to Tunis. It was really enjoyable sharing our adventure with him.

And this is the end of the European leg of our adventure before we head to Morocco.Read more
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Trip end
February 8, 2024