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Learning To Swim
  • Sandra Bourke
Aug – Sep 2019

Learning To Swim

One year ago...
A-'So, what would you like to do to celebrate your 50th?'
S-'I would love to sit at a cafe in Paris and watch the world go by',
'and you?'
A-'I'd love to go to the Greek islands and party'
S-'We should just do it'
A-'Yessssssss' Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 17, 2019
  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    Freezing Melbourne

    One week to go!!

    August 10, 2019 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 7 °C

    We've got all our tickets, thanks Amanda. The Louvre is booked. Now to pack.

    It's 41 degrees in Athens today ☀. Freezing cold in Melbourne 🌨.

    Athena is checking out the rooftop bars in Athens and an Irish pub in Venice, so we'll be right for a drink or two.
    Time to buckle down and get my shit together 😱    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    Our hotel in Paris
    Gorgeous Amanda ♥1The Pantheon

    In a Paris cafe eating onion soup!

    August 18, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    So thankful to arrive at Charles De Gaulle at 3.00PM. Baggage took a while. Our transfer taxi was lovely.

    Overcast and a humid 23 degrees in Paris today. Our hotel is Le M Saint Germain.
    The room is perfect and the first thing I see is a balcony, my favourite thing in any hotel. I step out amongst the zinc roofs and look out onto those fabulous sandstone buildings. Am very thankful. Paris is gorgeous.

    Athena spies a lovely gift from Amanda (our travel agent, such a blessing, go see her at Berwick Travel) Colourful French macaroons. They were great with a tea, thanks Amanda.

    After a much needed shower and mobile charge, we head out for a stroll towards the Seine.

    I spy the Pantheon at the end of our street so we head up that way. I discover we are walking the wrong direction, whoops 🤭 The Notre Dame is the other way!! We stroll past beautiful cafes full of diners and head back for the river. The streets are full of tourists.
    The Notre Dame is closed off and we see the fire damage and works being done. Grateful that we had both already visited inside four years ago. We were shocked when we heard the news.

    We walk up to Saint Chappel church and Athena looks longingly at a beautiful restaurant. So, we take a table, order onion soup and a 'chardy' and settle in.
    Half way through dinner, I realise that, this is it! Sitting outside a beautiful Paris cafe, watching people walk by, drinking wine with my beautiful friend! This was my absolute wish for my birthday.
    Dream big I say, with some effort, they come true!    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1111

    The French Restaurant

    August 18, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Well our onion soup came and it was devine. Chewy baguette bread and some frittes 🥖 Sitting there I realised that I was doing exactly the thing I wanted to do to celebrate my 50th. A year ago I said it as a joke, but then if you want it bad enough you can make it happen. We basically got piddled and went back to the hotel for some overdue sleep zzzzzRead more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    The Lady and the Unicorn

    August 19, 2019 in France ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Woke at 5.00am, so not too bad. Breaky in hotel. The bread is devine. Salami and cheeses.

    Off to Musee du Cluny to see the medieval tapestries The Lady and The Unicorn. They depict the 5 senses along with desire. Massive red and dark wall hangings filled with millefleur and forest animals. Loved this so much. Read the novel and it's Harry Potters common room. So beautiful. The lighting is dark to keep from fading.

    We get to the museum just at opening time, bonus.
    The first room we enter is an old bath house. Massive empty room with a few statues and items from the era. A copper bathtub sits at one end. Loved this room. Next we check out a room full of jewellery and medieval artwork. I come across a golden rose. It looks to be important, so I take a photo. I may sit still one day and learn about it. But not now.

    We look at other tapestries leaving the best til last.
    Then we enter 'The' room. It is quiet, dark, black with a crimson glow from these magnificent tapestries.
    I am beguiled and take my time to investigate each one.

    Loving this so much. Finding treasures that you never think you will ever see. Then here you are in front of them. Always blows me away.
    I love this because it is like time travel.
    I imagine the pressure and artistry it takes.

    The intricate flowers are devine. The bunnies and birds whimsical.

    Even Athena says she really enjoyed seeing them.

    Bucket list tick ✅    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1

    Saint Chapelle

    August 19, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Lots of young hot gendarme around. Bit distracting to Athena and I !!

    Saint Chapelle sits opposite Notre Dame. We walk up the winding staircase and I turn to watch Athena's face as we enter the chapel room. Oh wow she exclaims.
    Inside the cathedral walls are all devine, set in stained coloured glass columns. Such a pretty thing to behold. Breathtaking and peaceful.

    Although it was packed we didn't feel squashed. Whenever the din got loud, a voice over the loud speaker all told us to hush please in French.

    On our exit we passed down the tight spiral staircase worn slippery smooth over time. Athena became quite petrified making her way downward on the steeped steps. She regained her composure once out in the courtyard faced with the handsome, tight bummed youthful gendarmes.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    The Big Bus Tour

    August 19, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We head toward Notre Dame where lies the pick up point for our Big Bus city tour.
    Up on top with sunshine beaming down and wind in our hair, we head through the Paris streets following the Seine. The trees wacking the bus top wasn't something I expected!

    We passed museums I'd visited and stunning parks. Heading up the Champs-Elysees toward the Arc de Triomphe where we were planning to get off but someone mentioned having a picnic at the Eiffel tower and the Arc was bypassed. Armed with a baghette jambon sandwich and a coke, we squatted barefoot on the grass at the Trocodaro view point of the tower.

    Kids laughing and blowing bubbles, fountains spraying cool water in the air and people sprawled across the lawns. This is the life hey Pete?? (We face timed Pete knowing she is a night owl).

    Whilst leaving, I asked Athena to take a photo of me holding the eiffel tower 🗼 between my hands. So after much directing from her you can check out the amazing results via photos below! 😂    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1

    Galleries Lafayette and the Blue Line

    August 19, 2019 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Up off the grass and off to catch the bus to Galleries Lafayette (the shopping centre) and I end up getting lost trying to enter The Opera Garnier. We didn't end up going in though as I thought it does not really catch my interest. Let me know if it is worthwhile please?

    I asked a young female how do we get to the dome in the shopping centre. The look on her face reminded me very quickly that I am not in my own country. I forgot to speak French, can you imagine?? 😂 She pointed right then left. So off we trot. She soon enough tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to the correct entry doors, which weren't where I thought she'd said.

    Inside is like a massive exquisite Myer, In the middle is the glorious dome. Very pretty. Athena was impressed. We headed to the rooftop for a coffee. Go up the top, it's free, you can see all of Paris from up here.

    Our Big Bus tour has a 'Blue Line' which drives around Montmartre main streets. Whilst waiting for the bus I popped into a lindt shop. Athena wasn't coming in with me until she saw them hand me a lindt ball. Then straight in behind me she followed.

    Martin was our guide, he stood in front of us up the top and spoke in English. He shared all the quaint details of getting around Paris and the buildings history.

    We passed the sex shops, Moulin Rouge, Nord Gare station, Sacre Couer. Great idea to sit up in the open air and be ferried around the city.

    Once back at Notre Dame I decided to make sure Athena could find her way back to our hotel. I made her read a map and remember the street names to follow and cross. I pointed out any landmarks. Then shut up to let her lead. She did well mostly. She is not too great with following directions.

    For dinner I spied Athena's massive hoop earrings she brought along. I asked if I could wear them (to show her how ridiculously too big they are)

    So big hoop earrings on, Athena lost the plot laughing at me. She told me that they suited her as her head was bigger. She advised me she wouldn't be seen with me in public wearing them. I said ditto. So she agreed not to wear them.

    We were stuffed, so to the corner restaurant for steak tatare, soup and a wine. We are eating bread constantly here. Night!    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1
    1211

    Paris Disneyland

    August 20, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Slow moving getting to Disneyland Parks this morning. I worked out how to catch the M train from St Michael-Notre Dame to Chatalet Halles then switch to RER B Marne de Chessy. A 45 minute trip.

    We started at Walt Disney Studios.

    I rushed to Ratatouille. This ride was a dodgem mouse set in a large kitchen and restaurant. We followed Remy the rat🐀around the floor whilst being chased by the chef.
    Next was Crush's Coaster, where a spinning turtle shell goes for a ride on the eastern sea current. Pretty rocky roller-coaster. Like the mad mouse.

    For lunch we sat at a USA themed theatre studio and had a burger. Then walked to Rockin Roller Coaster. Athena doesn't like the coasters. Me, I'm on it. But 45min wait time in line, I thought better of it.

    I screamed into the Monsters Inc Scream monitors but it didn't register, only the kids with high pitched squeals did.
    I hung with Sully at Boo's pink door. I take every photo opportunity.

    Over to Disneyland Park. Down Main Street straight into Sleeping Beauty's castle. Lead lighting everywhere based on the classic fairytale. I just had to kiss Prince Charming!

    Walked around Fantasyland. No rides for us, as kids on summer school holidays which means 100 minutes to queue.

    Over to Discoveryland. (I call it Future land).
    I found the best way to take a break is to watch a 3D cartoon in a cinema. Called 'Mickey' s Orchestra - Donald took Mickey's magician's hat and made a mess of things. All the Disney characters were singing their signature songs with Donald flying around. I loved it.

    Next Adventureland - we line up 45 mins for Pirates of Carribean then Indiana JonesTemple of Peril just a 5min single line.

    Athena was yawning and ready to leave so we head to Main Street USA. I buy a Pandora charm of the Paris castle 🏰. Athena is very tired.

    Headed back to Paris on the RER rural line and was told to get off at Vincennes. We then caught metro to Chalet Halles and swapped trains for St Michael Notre Dame.

    I know this means nothing to anyone, but I did very well navigating the Paris Metro system. They have a great number of rabbit warrens.
    The entire time I was teaching Athena how it worked in case she needed it at some stage on her own.

    For dinner we went to St Germain, my meal was not good. Horrible terrine and baked chicken, dry couldn't cut it. Athena enjoyed her third onion soup. Home at midnight xx    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
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    Montmarte

    August 21, 2019 in France ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Began with an early breakfast, always the first to breakfast. I think we are going by our tour 4 years ago! Slow start to Montmarte.

    I have been teaching Paris train travel lessons on a daily basis here to my fellow traveller and today, after 4 days, my only student graduated. She was very pleased with her ability. And so was I. However, had she not been able to find her way back then tough shit baby, I was in the Louvre xxx.

    For Montmarte we got off at Abeyss station, per advice from services. Wrong answer!! We should have got off at Sacre Couer. Our trail would have all been downhill. But it was all uphill you twit! Steep uphill steps forever! Whaaaat! This was not my plan. Luckily at the top, after 50 thousand steps lay the Place duTertre. This is the artists square. Portraits, scenes of Paris, famous icons.

    I have wanted to visit here ever since I read a golden book called `Gay Paree` when I was 6 years old. It did not disappoint. I loved the buildings, the hillside views. I bought x 2 paintings. Miniature Sacre Cour and Moulin Rouge. They represent where I bought them. The artist himself lit up with a beautiful smile when he witnessed me returning to his little stall with money in hand.

    I used Google maps to navigate around the cobblestone lanes to points of interest to me.

    Came across the cafe used in the film Amelie. Then to Moulin Rouge. Just the outside.

    Athena said to me at the end, Sandra you have a passion for Paris that I have never seen in anyone before. You just love everything this city has to offer- art, gardens, architecture, music, food, police.
    My answer was yes indeed I do as I marched off to explore the Louvre all by myself!

    (Obviously I asked Athena if she was OK to get to our hotel. To which she replied yes, and for the first time I believed she could actually do it on her own)    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    121221122

    Louvre

    August 21, 2019 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    I needed to be at the bottom of the Montmarte hill by 12.00 midday in order to make it to my entry time stamp of 1-1.30pm at the Louvre.

    This meant catching 2 train lines and lining up for security, for ticket collection and to get into the louvre from the pyramid entrance.

    Well I had no clue what to do, but had every faith in myself to just work it out, and make it happen. It did, I was inside the Louvre in approx 20 minutes.

    Online booking meant I already had my ticket. Time stamp meant had a fastpass in a 30 minute window. I walked past huge lines inside. Until The Mona Lisa!

    I was heading to Vermeer's 'The Lace Maker' in Richelieu wing as this area would be quieter. Not this time. They had moved the Mona Lisa in a room right next to my painting!!!

    Dumbasses. Bloody renovations. I asked staff which direction for Vermeer. They smiled at me as if to say you poor girl, wanting to see a painting next to the most famous one in the world.

    They got it. This was my experience with every staff member I chatted to in the Louvre. They sit there all bored. Then I walk up to them. You see I tried to speak French to them, failed miserably, I would say the magic word 'englais' to them, then their faces lit up with big smiles. They could see in me my joy to be there, a willingness to try to adapt, stuffing it up but smiling anyway. Now where can I find Delacroix?, Canova? and so on.

    Julie asked me to find Eugene Delacroix's 'Frightened horse leaping from water' in lithograph. I looked, nothing in the French artists section. I asked where it is? I was told that if I came back tomorrow, and booked a time, the director could take me into a special room to see the drawings. You see the drawings are not on display, due to their delicacy. Well so sorry Jules I am not coming back tomorrow as will be flying to Italy.

    Walking the Louvre by myself, best thing in the world.

    My arts history teacher, Mr Ross Miller, has taught me about these world famous paintings and artists with huge passion when I was 16 years old. Every slide he showed me has stuck.

    I treat these works of the masters of any era like my old friends. Even tearing up, when I face one unexpectedly. Recognition. I totally know these guys. I see a painting and the artists name comes out of my mouth. I get to really celebrate my own appreciation for these works.

    I eat Quiche at the corner Cafe while staring through the windows at the crowds outside the pyramid.

    I come across my favourite pieces - Canova's 'Cupid and Psyche' and 'Winged Victory of Samarance' (Which always reminds me of Carolyn)
    Bought them on way home in a model shop for 10 euro each. In Louvre were 110.00 euro.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Athena's Last Night in Paris

    August 21, 2019 in France ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    Hi Athena here, just letting you know about our last night in Paris.

    It all started with us chilling in our hotel room & me falling asleep. Sandra finally waking me up as it was 8pm &, we needed to start getting ready for our cruise where we had no idea on what time it was leaving & where it was leaving from & we had purchased no tix. As you can tell, our organisation was non existent. I said to Sandra, OK start getting ready, she responds with I'm ready.... I thought hmmmm, I asked her whether she's wearing what she had on, she said yea why?,i said don't you want to get dressed up for our last day in Paris & the cruise..... Sandra agreed in putting something other than what we call her comfy dress. Well she wore a beautiful dress 👗 and she looks awesome.

    We headed out & realised that the ferry doesn't depart from Notre-Dame & that it actually depends from the eiffel 🗼. So we went on line to purchase tix just to realise that there were no seats available!!!!!. Oh well by this time it was 9.30pm & I was starving for my onion soup for the fourth night in a row.

    The first night we arrived in Paris we had dinner at a beautiful restaurant 🍴 & the food and service was outstanding so we decided to head back & make our last night a nice one.

    As soon as the waiter saw us his eyes 👀 lit up & we found ourselves having e waiter's looking after us.

    Hi Sandra back again... We enjoyed our soup, I got drunk and we walked back, whilst I became all philosophical about what love really should look like.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1

    Flying to Genoa

    August 22, 2019 in France ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Transfer bus arrived at 7am for Charles De Gaulle. Flight at 10.30am to Genoa.

    Whilst enjoying our pastries, I encouraged Athena to face time her mother on FB messenger. Angela was so happy to see her daughter. She kept saying,'I love you Sandra', as she knew full well the coaxing that was required. Beautiful.

    Called Jules and chatted away. Hi Lee. Sunny afternoon in Eumundi. So good to see happy smiling faces of people we love xx

    We wander toward our gate and Athena turns to me and says 'They are calling out our names!'
    SHIT! 'RUN!!!'
    We ran down the glass corridor to gate 33. Phew, just made it.
    So 1hr 20mins to Genoa.
    And here we go from 'Bonjour' to 'Bonjourno' ☺

    Landed and caught the Volubus to Station Principle.
    At a little outside wine and beer bar at the station, I asked for a piece of spinach pie. The woman serving was confused and yelled out 'American, American'. A guy came over to serve me. Of course I said 'No American, Australian 🇦🇺 with a big smile' they laughed and all said ohh Australian!

    I just love interacting with everyone I come across. A cheeky grin 😁 spreads across my face and another wonderful haphazard attempt at speaking foreign flows out of my mouth. It is so great.

    I get our tickets to Monterosso for 11 euro each. And head to platform 20. Athena says she is not sure this is our train. I ask what do you want to do? She said she will go check.

    Our train was leaving in 12 mins though. Our train time came and no Athena. I messaged her to say our train is due now. I thought good god where is she? She turned up in the nick of time. I was ready to leave without her. 😡    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Monterosso

    August 22, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We pull into Monterosso station. It's packed with people trying to get to the towns.
    We carry our massive cases down the stairs and come out the front to the most amazing little italian seaside village.

    It is boiling hot. 30 degrees. Humid, so I throw my thongs on.
    The beach 🏖 is packed with people on chairs and in the water. An array of colourful umbrellas cover the pebble beach.

    You look down the coastline to the left and can easily see Vernazza and Corniglia. Actually you can see all the 4 other towns from here, Manarolo and Riomaggiore too. Amazing.

    Athena just wants to get to the hotel to put bathers on and get down there. I know I will be burn't within 10 minutes and wish to stop for a break. (it can be a bit full on being the responsible one to ensure we catch the right anything)

    We head to the little free beach on the right at the end of our street. A 3min stroll. Athena wants to sunbake. I walk straight into the water. It is devine.

    The beach is made up of a grey rounded pebble. I massage my sore feet on them. I am so happy floating here with lots of very tanned people around. Kids are jumping off rocks and on lilos. Everyone is happy.

    I cannot tell you how wonderful this place is. No advertising, no music blaring, nobody is looking at their phone. just relaxed families and couples all chatting enjoying an Italian summer holiday. All Europeans.

    Monterosso al Mare is in a protected Cove. Boats sit out in the water. I go buy a gelato from the little shop on the beach. 3 euro. Lemon. Sooo good. Creamy with a sweet tartness. I may have 2-3 a day!

    Everyone strolls here. No hurry, no pushing. Lovers are all affectionate. Children are healthy and tanned. I think I am the whitest person here. My legs certainly glowed under the water while I swam.

    I suggest to Athena that we grab dinner now before the crowds. We sit at a table along the beach. I choose scallops with ginger carrot puree and a curry powder. Also served with slightly stewed apricots. Omg delish. Athena chose octopus on polenta.

    Our boat trip is tomorrow, so we went down to the harbour. I walked down to check it out. Couldn't find them. I sent them an email confirming our attendance, however thunderstorms are predicted for the rest of the week so they may cancel yet. Today may have been our only day of sunshine ☀

    The sun is setting at 8.30pm and I watch the little pastel towns begin to glow. Truly magical. You need to come here and experience the yesteryear of this place.

    Athena is tired and wants to go back to the hotel. She has a nap at 8.00, and is still sleeping. I am wide awake at midnight enjoying the ambience outside, cooler now at 23 degrees, and chilling out as I write my blog. Will head off to bed soon. Xx    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Walking the Cinque Terre trail

    August 23, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We head off in our gym gear at 11.30am to find the start of the Cinque Terre trail.
    I am so pumped for this.

    Through the tunnel up the hill and off from Monterosso we go.

    Except,

    Athena stops at some steep downward steps.
    She tells me she can't do it.
    She is afraid of heights.

    (As this is not the first time Athena has pulled out at the last minute on me, due to her fear, whilst adventuring, I say ok I will see you at the hotel. and I simply turn around and just keep walking)

    I did look back to check if she made it down the steps. And sure enough she had. I walk back and ask are you coming then, she says yes.

    Off we go, I am so excited, the first part is very steep, lots of steps, straight up. A good glutes workout.

    However, our adventure turned out to be very slow going.

    So what is mean't to be a 1.5 hour trek turned out for us to be a 4. 5 hour trek.

    That woman was a mess. Shaking. She clung to the rock walls and the shrubbery like her life depended on it.

    In the end she clung to my hand or arm or top whenever the skinny path became open. She never once looked out at the glorious view.

    I did just wanted to walk freely, but was not allowed to just leave her stranded.

    The track was beautiful. Very steep with stone steps along the way. Thin pathways, enough for one person to get through.

    People were walking dogs, one lady had her baby strapped to her back. The walk was easy once you got up higher. The ocean to our right heading to Vernazza would pop out you.
    I'd say 'wow Athena, look at that' but no dice.

    As we went so slowly, I never even broke a sweat.

    We walked through vineyards, between rock walls, over bridges with waterfalls.
    A cat sanctuary sits in the middle for homeless cats. I was sad here.

    4 hours walking a difficult trail in the heat, whilst 'pulling' someone along whom is scared to death, now that deserves a bourban at the end.

    Many hikers passed us. and we would ask how much further. They would tell us 30 mins, which for us translated to 2hrs.

    Honestly, with Athena wearing dark sunnies, it looked like I was leading a blind person over the trail.

    After much trial. We hear the noise of people from the town.

    And the view of Vernazza, is before us.
    HELLO VERNAZZA!!! You beautiful thing xx

    I would walk this trail again, anytime. Even with Athena xx    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Vernazza

    August 23, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We finally get to Vernazza at
    4.20pm.

    It took us 4hrs 50mins.
    It is supposed to take 1.5hrs. (the lesson learnt is do not take Athena hiking on cliff sides)

    Vernazza is beautiful.

    We enter via a steep stepped alley into the small square. It is filled with sounds of diners, swimmers, and languages galore.

    The umbrellas are as colourful as the pastel pink buildings. Mature Italian men sit together in discussion.

    I grab a prosciutto panini and a coke.
    Athena smells the ham, and gets one too. More bread!

    The church bells ring out on the hour and half hr. A little tourist shopping and then we watch the boat disembark with the hoards.

    We go into the church and I go up to the castle.

    I thought a bourban sounds good so into a bar we pop.
    Whilst I pay, Athena suddenly goes into major panic mode rummaging through her bag. She has lost her purse.
    I look at the barman and think hurry up and hand me that drink would you!!!
    I looked on the bar and see a black wallet.
    Is this your purse?
    Yes.

    We catch the train back to Monterosso for dinner at La Cantina on the beach. For me scallopine veal in vino. Athena chose grilled prawns.

    Next to us a man had putinesco in a nut sauce, which made me drool, so I ordered that too!!!!

    On the walk to our room, we grab a limone gelato, before bed because we can 🍦    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Angelos boat tours

    August 24, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    We start the day by wandering around Monterosso old town.
    I buy a pot holder with anchovies on it.
    (the little blue fishies look cute)

    Walk into the striped church which displayed photos of major flooding. Another gelato.

    At 12.00 we met Linda, the host, and Alessandro, the driver, at the harbour. We boarded with eight others. On a little fishing boat. And chugged along.

    I warmed to Linda straight away. She put on some great music and popped the prosecco.
    George Michael's 'Freedom 90' playing loudly made me bop away. Now this is my kind of boat ride.

    We were chatting to the others and then turned around to face wonderful Vernazza. Gorgeous colours.

    Linda spread food out before us. Olives, focccia, pesto, cheeses, salami, all so yum. She kept pouring the wine and I loved everything.

    We anchored for a paddle next to the cliffs. Snorkel and noodle in hand. I jump off the boat and it is glorious. This water is amazing to swim in. Not cold at all. Very salty.

    Everyone comments and one suggests to bring the tequila next time.

    Athena remains on the boat not willing to go into deep water. Me, I was like a kid and jumped off the boat with a big splash 💦.

    All the swimmers just floated and we all chatted. From Ireland, Canada, Seattle. One 50yr old woman with her daughter said she wants to go to Melbourne as hears it is one of the most liveable cities.

    She is a massive fan of the TV show Offspring. And let me tell you she is talking to the right person. Nina Proudman, Billy and Patrick are discussed. When in the water we all chat so freely and openly.

    One of the ladies says she reckons my blog will be funny because I am funny. Yay!
    I just said 'just keeping it real'

    A storm approaches and wind and rain swell. But I am drunk and don't care at all.

    This boat tour is really personable. Highly recommend. Really, just do it.

    When the trip is over, I am toast. I high five all and wobble off the boat. We head back and rest for an hour. Me to blog and Athena to (definately not sleep 😴)!    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
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    Manarola for dinner

    August 24, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After the boat trip we got changed. I wanted to see Manarolo.
    We caught the train and ended up at La Spezia station 🚉 in error. Caught train back to Riomaggiore. Off the train, walked down a long tunnel to the mariner.

    Riomaggiore is a steep skinny fishing town. A quick look around we found it too touristy and not enough restaurants so we caught a 4min train to the next town Manarolo.

    Manarolo is a pretty town. Walking through the back streets toward the bridge at the front.

    It was nightime with twinkling lights everywhere lending a magical atmosphere.

    I wanted to sit and eat at a restaurant looking out at the little bay below us. So we hopped in line. A short wait and were ushered to our seats. I enjoyed the pesto Gnocchi and barbecued prawns. Our waitress was attentive and fast.

    A group of men possibly on an Italian bucks night were making their way up thru the township singing. It was like a mini festival. They were all wearing calamari sunglasses! 😎

    We enjoyed a slow walk back to our precious hotel.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Milan

    August 25, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Caught early train with a 5.00 wake up.
    2.5 hrs to Milan.

    At Milan we have a 'Best of Milan plus The Last Supper Tour' booked at 10:45am
    Our train gets in at 10:00. We struggle to locate the luggage drop off point as it is 3 floors below us. Grab a Taxi with a rally driver!!

    We make it perfectly on time. Eleana is our guide. She is colourful and cute. Earpieces in we begin with the famous Duomo.

    We walk the streets stopping at various buildings and statues. I like the one of Leonardo. We look up at the glass ceiling of the Victor Emmanuel shops surrounded by Prada, Versace, Lois Vuitton and it is all beautiful.

    The Sforsesco castle is amazing. Very old with a massive moat. Very hot today, I slurp on an icypole.

    We head to the church Santa Maria Delle Grazie where the Last Supper is painted on a wall in a room where the Monks would eat their meals.

    I took out my earpiece and sat still. Only small groups are allowed in for 15 minutes.
    The painting is well worn but still colourful. Many restorations have been done.

    All I know about the story is that Jesus and his disciples had just discovered that someone has betrayed Jesus and they were discussing whom it could be.

    Tour finished, we hail a cab to catch our 1.5hr train to Como.

    We are squished on the train and Athena has to hold our cases as they go rolling away on every turn!

    We arrive at Como and it is bustling with people and cars.
    We both wish we had booked more days in Monterosso as it was heavenly quiet.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1112

    Como to Belaggio

    August 26, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Walking up in Como with a view of the lake is devine. Our first hot breakfast of bacon and eggs.

    We book a hydrofoil to Bellagio.
    45 minutes at 14.00 euro.
    I spot George Clooney's villa Oleandra. His speedboat is parked out front.

    We embark at Bellagio. It is small and quaint and much quieter than Como.

    Lunch is at a restaurant called Suisse on the waterfront. Another chardy another onion soup.

    We walk through the streets, up steep cobblestone walkways with shops on each side.

    I buy a little hand fan. We sit in the shady gardens overlooking the lake in the coolness as it is very warm today.

    We head toward Villa Melzi and we are lucky to find it open until 6.30. It is 5pm. So a wander around the botanic gardens with species of trees and plants from all over the world. The main villa is closed but we walk through the family chapel and museum.

    On our map it shows WC which I am in need of, so I tell Athena I am looking for the water closet. I come back all happy 😊 it is then that she learns that I went to the Loo. Well off she went herself.

    Enjoying my leisurely stroll, next minute I roll my ankle for the 3rd time on this trip. Almost fall down the hill. I expected Athena to be laughing but she looked horrified.

    We come out of the Villa exactly on gate closing time. Walk back to the town and we find out the ferry does not go to Como and are told to take the bus. I thought that is ridiculous. We walk further up to the little Port and walk straight on a Hydrofoil. Which zooms us home across the water. Athena nearly falls asleep on the boat so we head up to our room for a nap.

    At 9.30pm, we decide to get dinner otherwise we will wake at midnight starving.
    I had the home made spaghetti with seafood. God it was good. Then off to bed.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1212

    Villa Melzi

    August 26, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Walking the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    Varenna

    August 28, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Up for breaky. We head to the dock and collect an all day ticket for the lake.

    With an hour to spare I took Athena to the beauty parlor, where my pedicure was done. Athena needs her brows waxed. I had left my mobile behind at the dock, and thought shit!
    The lady had it though. Thank god.

    We hit the shuttle boat with umbrella's in hand. It is overcast and raining with thunder overhead.
    We sit at the side windows and the view is sublime.

    Slow cruising with the towns passing by.
    I wish to see Villa Balbianello in the town of Lenno, where Anakin wed Padme in secret, but find out it is closed Wednesdays 😔
    So we continue to Varenna. The boat is truly hypnotic and we just stare out at the water, hills and cascading earthenware villas whilst being gently rocked.

    We stop at Varenna at 2.10pm. It is a pretty town with views across to Bellagio and Menaggio.

    A bit of jewellery shopping. I buy a bracelet with pink, purple and aqua stones. We have a late lunch on the river at Nilus Bar.

    Athena is having the drowned octopus 🐙 soup and I the tagliatelle with bacon.🥓 and parmesan. Athena tells me her drowned octopus is absolutely delicious and she also ordered her favourite food chippies nom nom.

    One thing I have noticed is that we are yet to eat indoors. The weather in Europe is devine.

    We walk upwards through rounded stone pathways toward the Villa Monestery. We go into an ancient church with rock pillars. It is a fairytale town with ivy hanging over everything.

    We head back to the dock about 6.30pm. I grab a gelati and we catch the slow boat again, this time we sit outside and just meditate on the blissful scenery.

    Athena and I play 80's pop quiz's. And a young couple quip in and play.

    Get back at 8.30pm and head off to bed. Doing nothing is tiring.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    1

    Travelling to Verona

    August 29, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Another slow start, having breaky at 8am. Eggs and Bacon.

    Our train departs for Verona from Como at 12:10

    It is very easy to waste time here. Sometimes all we do is stare at the mountains and lake in a trance.

    Lake Como has relaxed us, with nothing on our agenda.

    We wonder if the magnificent gelati shop in the main square of Como is open yet. It is not.

    Here is Athena to have a chat...
    Como is a picturesque town with lush mountains and a crystal clear lake. The view from our room is stunning. For me como made me stop & relax as I was able to be free & shop. We were constantly on the go in Paris & Monterosso. I can honestly say como makes me feel like I am here for a holiday and not the amazing race.

    Me back again.... Ha, ha, ha, 'the amazing race'
    that is exactly what it is like travelling in Europe with me 😋 Poor Athena xx

    We catch our train, first class rail is nice and relaxing.
    I read my novel while Athena chills out with her tunes for the next 2hrs and 20mins.

    We got off the train and I spied a sign to our hotel. It was great that the hotel is so close to the station 🚉
    Approx 300 metre walk.

    As we dragged our bags along in 32 degree heat it looked like this area was for commission housing.

    Athena and I decided, we will take a cab or ride a bike to the city centre, we are definately not walking it.

    At 3:30pm we leave the hotel and catch a cab to the centre for a walk around and dinner.

    Note to self - Taxi is 10 euro 4mins hotel to Colosseum.

    The Verona colloseum is central and used for operas.

    We walk through the skinny cobbled lanes full of stunning, expensive shops. At the end we turn right and we are at Guilietta's house. We walk straight into the courtyard and get photos with Juliet.

    This was way too easy. I expected a massive line and to have to pay, but nope. It was lovely.

    The balcony is here and another pinch myself moment happens.
    'Letters to Juliet' the movie will explain why I chose to come here. Oh and an old baird and his tragic lovers.

    I walk up to Juliet's statue and to ensure good luck in love, you hold her breast.
    I did it, felt really weird. Like I was invading someone's privacy.

    To get to the balcony you pay 7 euro. Off I went, climbing all through the house, about 5 floors. Costumes, her bed, staircases and massive chimneys.

    You are able to write letters to Juliet to help with your love life and she writes back.
    Well they have computers up there now. You type a letter, and provide your email address for a response. This freaked me out. Bit too modern amongst the medieval.

    We then strolled up to the river, found a bar and began drinking, and drinking, and drinking.

    We were shameless. People were smiling at us. We were trying to take sexy photos of ourselves. It was bad, funny bad, but we couldn't care less. Laughing too much. I got up to go to the Loo and wobbled around. Jeez, feels like when I was 20.

    I said to Athena, I need food, proper food, not crisps.

    We eventually left the bar and walked to the colloseum. A massive dressed up crowd lined up for the Opera. And restaurants surrounding the colloseum.
    We grabbed a table and both ordered seafood spaghetti. Yum.

    A taxi back and dropped into bed. (Athena put her shoes out on the windows ledge so we could breathe)    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim
    Lovely medieval townView from the castleThe props for the operas are placed outside the arena.Juliet's breastsMy view on the way to breakfast each morning!

    Hot in the city of Love

    August 30, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Breakfast is fruit, salami and croissants.

    It's 33 degrees today.

    We catch a taxi into the city centre. These taxi drivers in Italy are born rally drivers. I feel like I am back in the Indiana Jones and the peril of doom!!

    We walk the tourist tracks, thru the squares, past stunning medieval architecture. It's everywhere that you look.

    Massive tombs, beautiful brickwork. We walk past the Verona Duomo, I cannot enter as I have my shoulders uncovered. Athena has a yawn but says she is not tired.

    We walk across the pretty red bridge with water running heavily below.

    I want to walk up to the castle. Athena is not interested in walking up the hill so hangs below.

    Up steep steps I go, between buildings out of a medieval fairytale.

    The view from up the top is tremendous. Red terracotta roof tiles. Warm Amber and browns. Red and Pink bricks. The green river running around the historical ancient town.

    Verona is so interesting. Courtyards with olive trees, iron criss cross bars on the windows.

    Cobblestones roads aligned with marble footpaths. Very easy to walk around with many signs.

    We end up back at Juliet's balcony and I nick in to take another look, as this is the reason we are here.

    I try to find the bar we got drunk at last night. I see the river at the end of the road and know it is up the end here.

    We sit under the shade of a massive umbrella. No breeze and it is muggy hot. 2bourban and cokes please. Ahh life is good with a drink in your hand.

    Sometimes, when each of us go get a round, the other will say surprise me.
    Athena orders Singapore Slings in memory of our last Europe trip together. They are sensational. Athena is hungry and grabs a wrap with olive tapenade, salami, melted bococini and grilled capsicum and eggplant. Soooo good.


    It is 5.30pm and Athena believes she has heatstroke. So we head back to the hotel for an early night.

    She asleep in 20mins, me up until midnight, reading, blogging, watching a cooking show. I had a coca cola before bed, so serves me right.    Read more

  • Sandra BourkeTravelerLearning To Swim

    'we have some sad news for you'

    August 31, 2019 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Woke up and Jules video called me. Saw mum and Dad's lovely faces.
    Then Jules said we have some sad news.

    It's about your cat.

    Julie had her saddest face on.

    Off course I hung up the phone after yelling nooooooo!!!

    After walking around in circles and bumping into walls, I called back.

    The cattery thinks it was a stroke or an anurism.
    I think he died of a broken heart and abandonment.

    He was the one that I poured my love into. The one that greeted me. The one that I squished and smooged.

    I am a mess.    Read more

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