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SICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023
  • LinaRogersTravels
maj – jul. 2023

SICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023

So we have wanted to do this trip since pre-Covid 2019. It has changed a couple of times but our main goals were to finally get to Sicily and to spend over a month in France. That and more - can't wait. Læs mere
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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Great London Night!

    9. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    After lunch we walked back via Hyde Park - it proved a little difficult to find even after asking 3 Londoners who didn't know - what's that about? Eventually, it was obvious, and then took ages to get through to Paddington. What a huge and lovely park and consequently loads of people use it. The rest at home was needed but we did a very quick turnaround (by our standards). We got dressed up and firstly walked to find the Heist Bank bar/restaurant - to meet Jayne & Mark Kelly and a lovely old scholar, now drama teacher - Lucy Rackham. Big surprise to also meet Rosie & Greg Egan there also. We had a great hour with them and then had to leave to get our underground train to the Kit Kat Club to go and see the musical CABARET! After one stop we were kicked off the train - with thousands of Londoners going home from work. It was very crowded and we were herded out and eventually walked back to Paddington again. Once there we grabbed a taxi which took ages and cost lots. Perhaps the driver took us the very long way around London but we eventually got to the theatre and saw a most amazing, entertaining night and we felt like we were actually in Berlin at the time. The theatre in the round was great; it was small, intimate - truly a fire risk!! However got home by train okay and I sat next to one of the cast - a very cute, friendly dancer/singer/entertainer. WHAT A GREAT DAY! But the theatre put a sticker on our phones and we were not allowed to even take selfies :( Photos are of the underground, Harrods, drinks and the London taxi.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    LONDON LONG WALK :)

    9. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    This morning after breakfast we set off again on the long tube rides. This time we went all the way to the London Bridge station. Initially, we tried to see the shard but it was better from further away - the main feature is how tall it is! So we set off towards the Tower Bridge which we have never walked over and although there was no obvious reason it did open up for us. Quite a handsome bridge and really close to the Tower of London which we have visited previously. London is certainly massive and has loads of tall buildings. Next walking on to Leadenhall Market which was closed but we did enjoy a great coffee and shared an almond croissant. Onto past St Paul's Cathedral and we crossed the Millenium bridge and saw the Tate Modern and the wonderful Monument to the great Fire of London That building was very big indeed and next was the Globe Theatre. As I said today was a walking day. I was actually exhausted but when we went past the Golden Hinde boat I was quite exhausted and not feeling the best today. Our great Spanish lunch at the Borough Markets helped. Tapas Brindisi facilitated enjoying a sangria, roasted patatas, lemon chicken, and a great warm spinach salad with almonds & golden raisins. We bought some cheese for later and really enjoyed looking around this market. Long ride home - it is so hot on the underground and so crowded. Fell asleep and have done a covid test which is negative thank goodness. In the evening we found the Wyndham Theatre as Craig had booked OKLAHOMA - he loves the songs. Initially, we froze in the theatre - we complained at the interval and it was better afterwards. We didn't know enough about this musical beforehand but it was great singing, quite serious topics, and more like a play than a musical. Late night home - talk about thousands of people on the tube at 11 pm!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende
    2

    More London photos

    10. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Last day - shopping & British Museum!

    10. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    This morning after breakfast we set out a bit later - just because. It was certainly much hotter and a no-jacket day today. I must admit I have found the underground unbearably hot and crowded this time. We first went to Piccadily Circus to do some shopping. The streets looked grand and still have many union jack flags up everywhere. Craig did find a white tee shirt to replace the pinkified I wrecked. I didn't find a lightweight jacket but did buy some Body shop moisturiser, a lovely orange top from Mango, and a gift for our friend's granddaughter. We eventually got to the British Museum and it was great but dreadfully crowded. Craig was very organised with what he wanted to see and the Sutton Hoo treasure, Egyptian, African and Syrian antiquities are magnificent. Of interest is that they are no longer calling the 'stolen/gifted?/taken?' marbles the Elgins! They are now called the Parthenon sculptures. Give them back to Athens I say but they were beautiful and there ARE AN AWFUL LOT OF THEM here in London!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende
    Hayfever cause - we think!!

    Evening meal & walk

    10. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Tonight we went down to the Victoria Pub again for a quick drink before dining at the Greek restaurant the Ammos at Hyde Park - good food including fava, nice haloumi, moussaka, and creamy spinach - nice. We also enjoyed the walk home - lots of people out and about because of the warm weather. There are lovely little green squares where people are sitting on the lawn, having drinks, picnics and playing cards. We also walked to a nearby church. We have certainly stayed in a lovely area this time - Hyde Park near Paddington station. The only negative is the ridiculously bad hayfever we are getting along with a lot of other people!!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Compton Arrival

    11. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    A much enjoyed quieter day. We took the train to Didcot Parkway and Tony Gartshore picked us up. Lovely day eating and enjoying our dear friends' Jane & Tony's company here in Compton. The warm sunny day turned into a lightning storm. All good though.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Compton Morning Walk

    12. juni 2023, England ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    This morning we set out for a morning walk around Compton village and it is a very pretty cute village! Some extra photos of Mottisfont also included.

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende
    1

    Mottisfont Gardens

    12. juni 2023, England ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Jane drove us to Stockbridge which is south of Compton. We went to Mottisfont which is a magnificent National Trust house and garden. This house was crafted from a priory founded in 1201 and set in a beautiful riverside gardens which later became a country home of Maud Russell - married to a rich banker. The garden was blooming with beautiful flowers and it seemed at its best. We had scones with tea etc and walked around for ages looking a lovely flowers mainly. Craig and I also had a look at the house which is simpler than most but still lovely. Mottisfont is a spring and there was certainly plenty of water there.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende
    11

    Highclere Castle!

    13. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Jane and I set off to go to Highclere Castle whilst Craig and Tony went to pick up our rental car and then have lunch at The Bell hotel. Jane and I were very excited as this was a very expensive tour and it did not disappoint. We were only allowed to take photos outside (for security reasons??) but the tour guide was outstanding. The castle is magnificent and there are many beautiful rooms. It is owned by Lord & Lady Carnavan and his great? grandfather was the Carnavan who financed Howard Carter who found the Tutankhamen treasure. We heard all about the history of the family, their links with royalty (big deal) and also all about the filming of Downton Abbey. Afterwards, we were served High Tea - which was rather filling but we did have a lot of fun doing this. As part of our tour we were given a copy of the Countess's latest book which is rather heavy!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Winchester

    14. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Last evening we had a nice dinner at the Renegade Brewery near to Compton. It was lovely to have Jane's dear 100-year-old father join us and I enjoyed my first-ever Strawberry cider. It has been great to renew our 40-year-old friendship with Tony & Jane and it is always sad to leave. It was an easy drive down to Winchester this morning although there are a lot of trucks on the roads - like Northern Italy! We found our lodgings in Hyde Street, and it feels like we are in a basement although at the moment we are grateful for the cooler retreat from outside as once again it is hot and our hay fever is playing up! It was great walking around Winchester - it's a good sized English town and the Cathedral is great - steeped in history. We paid 10 pounds to get in but enjoyed a 1.5-hour in-depth tour with an informative guide. It has a history going back to Saxon times with several bishops buried there from important times like the signing of the magna carta. The stained leadlight windows were huge and put together again after the roundheads smashed it all during the English civil war. Gothic arches were prominent as were several chantry chapels. Jane Austen is buried here as she died in Winchester. The 'screen' was full of historic statues - most impressive all round. Afterwards, we shared a healthy halloumi salad and then walked around seeing the City Mill, a lovely canal flowing through Winchester, the posh schools, and so on. The only thing we didn't like is the ongoing heat and hay fever!!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Winchester 2 photos

    15. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Great day tonight we had dinner at the brasserie blanc which included cheese soufflé and very nice lamb and beans.

  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    New Forest & Wimborne arrival

    15. juni 2023, England ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    This morning we walked out and had a lovely breakfast at the cabinet rooms of yummy granola and croissant. Then we left the JustaB lodging where the B stands for basement and then set off on the road down to the new forest where we were going to meet Pete and Morgan. We saw lovely rural views and horses and cows and cute donkeys along the way. All went well and the four of us set off for a long forest walk, where Pete knew exactly where we were going for the 8km!!! but the rest of us thought we were lost. Afterwards we went to the Royal Oak pub and had a lovely drink with Ploughman‘s lunch. It was very pleasant sitting outside in the rural area.

    After getting to their lovely home, I went for a haircut - very needed - in Wimborne and since then we have been enjoying food, wine and lovely company:).    Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende
    1

    Studland walk on Jurassic Coast

    16. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    This morning we had a lovely breakfast and then set off in the car through pretty areas and stopped at a place called Studland. We did another long walk - easier than yesterday and saw the amazing limestone coastline - it has been another lovely sunny day. Part of the walk also included a forest with a lot of wild garlic. Eventually, we got to the pub and had an outdoor lunch of baguette. Craig is enjoying the beers.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Kingston Lacey beauty

    17. juni 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    This morning after breakfast we first of all had a quick look at the church and other nearby lovely areas to the Lawton’s home. It is a very gorgeous area. Then we set off and drove about 15 minutes away to a magnificent home which is National Trust and called Kingston Lacey. The inside of the building was not only magnificent but all the volunteers were outstanding in giving us excellent detail about all the lovely rooms and about where the art came from and the wealthy Bankes family that owned all this.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Worst day

    18. juni 2023, England ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    We set off on Sunday morning from beautiful Horton staying with the Lawton‘s and it was a wonderful time. The evening before we had our final meal with Peter and Morgan at the Museum pub which is located in the town of Farnham. After the nice dinner we had a wonderful walk around the village which had many pretty thatched houses. We drove up to Wells on our way to Bristol Airport and saw another magnificent Cathedral and Bishop’s house. Whilst we were waiting for a fairly awful lunch we got a message that our flight to Bordeaux had been cancelled. An additional pain was that my phone Optus card wasn’t working and still isn’t! Wtf!! We managed to change the flight to Gatwick for the next day. So we set off driving through the rain. Gradually got worse and at one stage we were diverted and then the M3 was actually closed. Traffic was awful through most of the trip. Eventually we arrived and we had trouble returning our car because we had changed the drop off point from Bristol to Gatwick. Then all the hotels were full because of all the flight cancellations. We did get a booking.com for the Marriott. Change of terminal and a long walk later, we finally arrived only to be told that they were full and the booking was for the 19th not the 18th. Wtf again. However the woman serving us was Italian and I cried on purpose and for an extra cost we miraculously got a room.
    Next morning now and so far we are on our flight which has been delayed but we should get there.    Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Bordeaux arrival yea!

    19. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We arrived at our apartment and were meant by Catherine who was very helpful. It is certainly hot and humid here today. After showering etc we set out for tram tickets With a little help from a young woman And went into the historical centre of this beautiful city. The Saint Andrew Cathedral is Yet another magnificent catholic church with very, very high ceilings and fluting and magnificent, colourful Leadlight windows. At the top of the outside is huge statue of the Madonna in gleaming gold and she seems to be looking at us!!! Especially Craig. We continue to look around and take many photos of various gorgeous buildings. Bordeaux looks very much like A mini Paris and in this part of the town it certainly looks beautiful. We had a lovely walk along the promenade of the lake last night with a good gelati but nothing on Sicily🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Bordeaux day 2

    20. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    This morning we set out on the tram again in the opposite direction towards the newer part of Bordeaux. It was a late start because we slept in and it was absolutely bucketing down with rain. We had a look at the magnificent Cite du Van which is an architecturally very interesting building focusing on the wine industry. Neither of us wanted to start consuming wine in the morning so we ventured out into the pouring rain across the road to the Bacalan market. This was full of gourmet food and we did have a coffee and a cannelle each but neither of us rated them. Our next adventure was to take the tram again and then a bus to get to the Incredible Bassins Bordeaux Des Lumieres. This was an ugly looking building which was the submarine pen built by the Nazis for World War II. Huge very strong and very unattractive but nowadays it is used as a cultural arts Centre and we were definitely impressed with the wonderful Dali and Gaudi Sound and light shows. Better than the ones we have seen in Adelaide much bigger much more creative and so impressive in such an eerie setting with reflections in the water adding to the experience. Wow!!!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Bordeaux Last Day

    21. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Last night we ventured out to the nearby neighbourhood to seek nightlife of sorts. We had an enjoyable wine at a tapas bar which also sold interesting cheese. We resisted that and walked on to find the La Bocca restaurant. Yes, it was Italian but we really enjoyed sharing a plate of pasta with truffle sauce and the tomato/mozzarella/salad/avocado entree. Needless to say, I was extra excited that we saw the handsome star of CALL MY AGENT (Asaad Bouab) walking down the street towards us!! See photo! We then did a lovely after-dinner walk around the gorgeous neighbourhood of Notre Dame (and yes there is a church), then along the riverfront.

    This morning after breakfast we got the tram initially to PLACE DE LA BOURSE - which is a great square of buildings. Unfortunately, the water was not on in order to see the famous reflection. After that, we went on to the train station to pick up our last hired car. All went well for pick up but once we got on the road the GPS was playing up again - and there were road closures and deviations - annoying BUT the amazing Craig got us and the car safe and sound home and into the car park.

    We had lunch at Vatel - which is the nearby training hotel/restaurant - with creative and tasty food.    Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Last night - au revoir Bordeaux

    21. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    Tonight we saw that a "Musique Fete" was on in Bordeaux. We walked and took trams to see many, many people out enjoying eating, drinking, and listening to loud music in VERY crowded areas. The police (avec weapons) were out in force protecting us and the atmosphere was certainly a good party. Craig enjoyed listening to a band playing Jimi Hendrix. This town is full of young people, young families, pregnant couples and both Craig and I have noted that bra manufacturers would not be making a profit here. People are generally friendly, seem happy and are willing to help. They speak to each other nicely and are very kissy, kissy. I like it! I also read that "Year after year, Bordeaux is ranked among the best student towns in France and the most pleasant metropolitan areas in Europe" and I do agree with this. Oh, and I forgot to mention it is a very successful wine region. Our walk certainly included many potential Covid parties - very crowded scenes especially where the young people were. However we did also manage to see the lovely Port Cailhu gate - one of many historical gates to this beautiful city. Leaving in the morning!Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Rural France: Montignac, Sarlat & Carsac

    22. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    This morning we left efficiently and to start off with the traffic was easy to get out of the city. However, as we approached getting onto the motorway there was a huge traffic jam - after 30 minutes of very slow movement, we managed to be the first car to get through when the whole accident issue was solved. Of course, Craig was excellent - always impressed with his driving. Onto the motorway which proved to be expensive tolls - but the roads in France are MUCH better than Italy/Sicily and even the UK. After a couple of hours, we made it to our first very pretty rural village - Montignac-Lascaux. We had a very pretty walk around. Unfortunately, it had been raining all morning and was still spitting here but we did stop for a coffee and crepe. I chose the one that had 'strawberries' but unfortunately it was jam, not fruit. Not to my liking. Back to the car and onto Sarlat-la-Caneda. What a very beautiful town this was with a medieval centre and many pretty buildings. This all meant it was also quite touristy. Certainly worth seeing but not good to spend money in.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Carsac-Aillac - beautiful spot to stop

    22. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    It certainly is easier to drive in rural areas. The roads are winding but ever so pretty. We arrived at our home for the next two days at Carsac-Aillac in the Dordogne region. We Eurocamped in this area with the boys in 1989 and loved it and did want to revisit. Carsac-Aillac is new to us - it is small and pretty and we are staying with interesting "Ian and Gladi" who are Americans who decided to leave the US - California, firstly because it is so hot and secondly because Trump got voted in. Clearly, I like him! It was also interesting to hear him say that Macaron opened avenues for Americans to live in Frace - making it easier - as long as they are making money and paying taxes! It is a gorgeous spot with green hills, and old castles in the background and it is so quiet here after young and vibrant Bordeaux! We did jump in the infinity pool - our first chance - a little cold but we enjoyed that and the walk around the village afterwards. We also had a lovely walk around the local town and enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by our host - dining outside with the beautiful views. It is so restful and quiet here - we love it.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Rocamadour

    23. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    This morning after breakfast and a chat to Gladys (our host), we set out for two gorgeous rural towns. The first one was Rocamadour. It's a town built on a cliff. Long and winding roads eventually got us to the top of the mountain and then we had to take an 'ascensur' or lift down to the historical town which has been built into the side of the mountain. Many pretty buildings and the compulsory touristy shops were there along with gorgeous views. We saw the castle, the church, and lots of very impressive cyclists, and as the day continued it changed from a foggy start to warm and sunny! I also liked seeing the Stations of the Cross as we went down and up the hill - a very Christian town clearly! Apparently, in the 12th Century, Henry II's son sacked this town so they built defenses so that they got their town back safely. Brave people with amazing engineering skills.Læs mere

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  • LinaRogersTravelsSICILY/UK/FRANCE 2023Rejsende

    Last night at domaine Lacoste

    23. juni 2023, Frankrig ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    We had our last night in beautiful car Zac staying at an excellent Booking.com com called Domaine Lacoste. We have really enjoyed getting to know the owners Ian and Gladys who are from the US and really giving this lifestyle change a go. He is an excellent chef and that is why we chose to eat at the restaurant attached to their house two nights in a row. Craig had veal and I had the duck and both were delicious. After dinner we went for a Great walk on the Former train track and along the way we really enjoyed discovering the locals all playing bocce on a Friday evening. We saw that the community has many facilities for various age groups including a skate park and play area for little kids and we found Carsac-Aillac’s eX train station. What a truly lovely stop this has been maybe our favourite so far and remember I’m Italian. The last two nights we have also enjoyed watching the penultimate episode of Ted Lasso. We are both feeling very sad that it will finish for us soon.Læs mere

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