• KimErinAllanah
  • KimErinAllanah

Portugal Adventure

6 months of travel starting in Portugal and ending who-knows-where... Les mer
  • Blue City Morocco

    28. mai 2018, Marokko ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Looking for ways to get out of the Fes Medina, today we drove 4 hours north from Fes to Chefchaouen to see the ‘Blue City’. Yup, it’s blue. And there is a Medina and there are people selling the same things as in Marrakech and Fes.

    What we did find though is that overall Chefchaouen was more calm and peaceful compared to our other stops. We had a nice lunch with views to the towering mountains above the town.
    Les mer

  • Morocco reflections - ticked that list

    30. mai 2018, Portugal ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    So we arrived home (in Portugal) after 10 (long) days in Morocco. It was an interesting trip to see how life outside of Australia operates.

    The Medina’s (markets) that have been around for 100’s of years haven’t changed - with open fruit/vege stalls, hand made goods (although these days they are mass produced imports - so sad) and butchers where they kill the chicken that you want - right in front of you 😫 with camel heads and hoofs to boot.

    Needless to say, that after 5 days in Morocco we all went vego.

    Disappointing to experience poor hospitality from locals in both Fes and Marakech just wanting to scam you for money at every turn😢.

    We did see some great things like Ouzod Falls and Chefchaouen - Blue City.

    For anyone wanting to visit Morocco - don’t stay in the Medina and book day trips before you arrive!

    Oh - and don’t brush your teeth with tap water - maybe a rookie error we learnt the hard way!
    Les mer

  • Italy Lesson #1 get your coffee right!

    4. juni 2018, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    For lovers of coffee looking for tips - in Italy there are a few things you need to get right.

    First of all - you need to know what you want. I asked for a cafe latte with half milk. I basically got a glass of warm milk - weak and gross. I asked for an espresso to add to it. They watched with a horrified look as I poured the espresso into my latte!

    Secondly - say it loudly! My first mistake was asking for a cafe macchiato meekly amongst the noise of the morning rush hour. I ended up with an Americano. I also received rolling eyes and I am sure some Italian swear words when I said I wanted the macchiato.

    Thirdly - skull and go. Yup, more eye rolling and Italian swearing (with a bit staring from others in the cafe) when you take your little coffee (and the bonus glass of water) to sit down.

    No fear - I have been able to order coffee properly after 3 days in Italy with the compulsory cornetti!

    I have made the mistakes for you so you can thank me later 😂 cheers, Erin
    Les mer

  • Italy - Day 4

    5. juni 2018, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    I am not sure if it is because we came from Morocco to Italy - but this country is beautiful, friendly and easy to get around. We fell in love on the first day.

    After a quick intro to Rome seeing a few of the tourist spots like the Pantheon, coliseum and Trevi fountain, we headed south to Salerno.

    Our first full day we caught a train to Paestum (40 mins south of Salerno) on the recommendation of our host. We passed the Roman ruins dating to 600BC and walked to the beach. Rows of umbrella’s and chairs where we played in the sun, swam and drank Lemon Granita’s.

    Our second full day we ventured to the ancient city of Pompeii. Paying our €20 for our mobile guide (well worth it) to listen to the history as we strolled through this huge city that was covered in ash from the 62AD eruption of Mt Vesuvius.

    Needless to say that I was knackered each day trekking home after an average of 16km walking ...

    We head back to Rome for a few more days to see the old town and maybe a catacomb visit - whatever takes our fancy before we meet Dinny in Florence as our tour guide. Looking forward to it.

    Cheers,

    Erin
    Les mer