Best and Worst

Most interesting accomodation- Tuscany farmhouse
Most luxurious accomodation- Venice Hotel al Ponte Mocegnigo
Worst accomodation-Hotel Marignan Paris- though we did become fond of it after a while and it
was in a great location
Coldest weather- London 6 degrees
Hottest weather- Venice on the boat trip to Murano and Rome in the Colosseum (felt like high 30's)
Most wonderful views-Austria everywhere, followed closely by the view from our accomodations in Tuscany and Amalfi
Best bit for Joel- snow
Best bit for Carlie- Capri
Best bit for me- Remembering Egerkingen, making friends at the tuscan farmhouse & not having to cook.
Best bit for Jim- I haven't asked him yet
Most surprising things-the size of the Trevi fountain- bigger than I expected and the lack of beach space in Amalfi
Worst experience- being asked to pay a fine for not validating our train ticket (we managed to get out of it)

Flight Home to Australia

Our flight was due to leave at 8.45am so we had an early departure from our english pub with some packets of cereal to take with us for breakfast.We arrived at Heathrow bought some milk and ate our breakfast. I aslo bought a travel pillow which I hoped would help me sleep on the plane (it was very comfortable but I still didn't sleep much).The plane was delayed by an hour due to the 'luggage loading being a complete shambles'(the pilots words) at least we have a 4 hour wait at Banda Sari so we should be able to make that time up. Arrived at Dubai and had a quick stop with a little window of time to do some computer work ie blogging . It is weird seeing people dressed in full arab garb and women completely covered in black cloaks with only their eyes showing. On the flight to Band Sari Joel started to feel ill and threw up once during the flight and once as we were walking off the plane. The paper sick bags they have actually work .They must be made of some sort of water tight paper? As a result the air hostesses got him a wheel chair and insisted we see the doctor at Bandi Sari. As I said we had a 4 hour wait so this was achievable and free and would help us get him in at customs in Australia so they said. Joel was a bit afraid that the doctor might mean needles but we asured him it wouldn't and he was only required to take some medicine and we were on our way.We still wheeled Joel around in the wheel chair with many staring at us . We also lay down for a rest on the airport floor/seats to try anhd get a bit of sleep .We also got preferential treatment and were issued through security first and onto the plane first, so it wasn't all bad. Joel did pick up a little but did another small chuck on the final leg and then slept the rest of the way. Ben was there to meet us as well as a group of Carlie's friends with flowers cheering as we came through the gates. Joel rode the luggage trolley instead of a wheel chair this time as he was still not up to walking. A wonderful holiday has come to an end. It is good to be home.

Legoland Windsor

We had breakfast in the Inn. This was Joel's favorite place for breakfast as it had about 20 different packets of cereal to choose from. He chose crunchy nut cornflakes and coco pops. We had the day in Legoland . Joel was in heaven .It drizzled a couple of times but did not interupt us too much and the day was not too hot or cold. On one ride we got quite wet but we dried out in the sun. There were heaps of people and the queues were long but we gave it a good serve and caught the bus home.We hadn't eaten much during the day but the Inn had a great meat and vegie carvery for tea that we indulged in . It was the first time we had had a normal aussie style meal in 4 weeks.

Amalfi to London

Another travel day today. A bus ride to Naples airport that took over an hour but turned out to be quite interesting as we followed the coast most of the way.Then a flight to London Heathrow stopping at Milan for a stopover.If I had to change anything about our holiday it would be to reduce the number of travel days and do an open jaw flight ie fly into London and fly out of Rome instead of having to go back to London.It would have been dearer but we would have had an extra day of holiday and not had to pay for flights back to London. Our flight to London went via the swiss alps and I lucked out with the window seat. The flight was delayed by about 45min due to strong winds at Heathrow and it was a wonky ride as we came in to land. Everyone clapped and cheered after the tough landing. Once in London we caught a taxi to our accomodation which is in an english pub. It was cheap so we didnt have high hopes but it was nicer than expected . We then watched some TV in english which is very nice for a change and hit the sack. It is getting close to the end and I thought a lot about home and am looking forward to going back there.

Capri

Today we had booked a full day tour to Capri on a boat on another sunny day.They picked us up at 9.15am and drove us down to the marina down a winding road that had corners so tight themini bus driver had to do a 3 point turn at each corner. We then boarded our boat with 7 other people, a family from denmark and a honeymoon couple. We were dropped off at Capri town and had some free time to wander the overpriced town. We then boarded the boat again and went around the island stopping for a swim and lunch at the white grotto ,then on to the green grotto and the blue grotto. We got to swim into the blue grotto as all the boats had stopped taking other tourists for the day(usually you have to pay a row boat to take you in ) .We got home at 7pm. It was a great way to do Capri.

Sorrento

Today we slept in and went down for leisurely breakfast.They have a juicing machine for fresh orange juice which is really delicious.You throw the oranges in one end and the juice comes out the other. ...so we get our dose of Vitamion C for the day.the hotel is surrounded by orange groves so we know they are fresh. Also lovely pastries, bacon and eggs, hams, cheese,cereals, yoghurt and fruit.I was hoping all the extra walking I'm doing would help me trim up but the breakfasts don't help! Today was a rest day so we hung out in the Hotel until 11am then went down into town to wander the shops .There is a lemon grove in the centre of town where you can sample limoncello and yes we did. There was also a gelati shop with 90 different flavours to choose from and Yes we did...we tried fig, peach and lemon flavours. We found a shady park and sat and ate some fruit and croissants. We found a leather shop and Jim got a wallet and Carlie a purse.We also found a clothes shop and bought a couple of shirts. We then went back to the hotel to chill for the afternoon. There is quite a summer haze here which is common in europe in summer and we can hardly see the other side of the bay today.

Amalfi

Breakfast at this hotel is the best so far. We then caught the bus that takes you along the Amalfi coast past Positano to Amalfi and it is suppose tobe the most scenic bus trip in the world. It is also the scariest with narrow roads clinging to the cliffs edge with drop dead(literally) gorgeous views to the ocean way below.the trip took 1hr and a half and unfortunately all seats were taken when we got on so we had to stand but this did enable us to see the view quite well. We dismounted at amalfi and walked down to the beach .Most of it was private beaches but a small section about 5 metres wide was for public access and we had a swim.Very cold compared to aussie but the kids and I went in while Jim minded our bags.
We then walked up into the square and wandered around the shops .Carlie bought a white dress and we got some lemon chocolate.Lemons are BIG here literally.We then caught a boat back to Sorrento where we are staying.The boat took 2 hours and most Italians seem to think nothing of sitting out in the decks chairs in full sun for the whole trip tanning.The sun must not be as intense here?? We arrived at Sorrento with 10 minutes to catch the earlier shuttle bus back to the hotel and when we saw the waterfront at Sorrento we realised we would not make it as it was a huge cliff we needed to scale before reaching the bus meeting point. We took our time and caught the next bus an hour later. In the evening we had dinner at the hotel, the food is the best we have had so far.

Rome to Amalfi Coast

Packed up, had breaky and checked out of Hotel Italia then walked to the train station to go to Naples.They say Naples is the place to watch your bags really closely and yes we found someone eyeing them off and trying to get very close as Jim lined up to get our tickets to Sorrento. I gave him a long stare and a smile and he backed off. The train journey was not pleasnt very hot and crowded and the scenery before the coast was forgetable. When we finally arrived at about 3.30pm we rang the hotel and they came to pick us up . the Hotel is high up the cliff and a free shuttle bus takes us up and down to Sorrento. Our room has a view over the bay to Mt Versuvious.I did some handwashing as there is a clotheline on the balcony and Carlie did some painting of the boats.Joel and Jim watched Planet of the Apes in Italian on TV. I must say this is a wonderful place after Rome!! We had tea at the hotel and the food was great and had been recommended by the people staying here(we talked to them in the shuttle bus on the way to the hotel) During tea we heard fireworks going off and it wasnt even dark.. Apparently it is a church holiday today. Then the sun did set ...very beautiful across the ocean.We came back to the room and watched the city night lights turn on across the bay. Then the soccer grand final and our day was complete.

Rome day 2

After yesterdays long walk we were hesitant to do too much today and decided to head to the Pantheon and shop in the airconditioning as we went. Joel bought a hat and a jacket and we past the Trevi fountain again .We stayed in the cool alleys and didnt get so hot. We then managed to walk to the Mamertine Prison where Paul and Peter were held before they were killed .It was interesting to see the dark, damp, small space and know that Paul and Peter were also in this same room so many years before.We got gelati and walked home ducking into many shops as we went but not buying anything except lunch at the supermarket. We are buying lots of figs and cherries for our lunches as they are in season and delicious also grissini ,small bread sticks are a favourite.Again we retreated to the hotel for the afternoon and went out for tea. In the evening we watched the soccer, Uraguay vs Germany.

Rome

This morning we had to change hotels to Hotel Italia which was just a short walk away and a much nicer hotel. We arrived fairly early and our room was ready. Today was another very hot day and we walked to The Colosseum via Capitol Hill and the Forum which was a very long way in the heat .We got an audio guide at the Colosseum which we gave to Joel to keep him interested .He then told the rest of us the info. We sort out the shade wherever possible then headed for the hotel finding lunch on the way. We rested in the hotel till evening when we went out for tea of pizza and spinich.

Cortona to Rome

We packed up and left Cortona driving into Umbria and stopping at Passignano by lake Trasimeno. This is the spot 10 years ago where Joel picked up a sign on the grass in a park and asked what it was and it was a sign to say 'keep off the grass'.We took a photo of Joel on the grass for old time sake.The sign was no longer there. We also walked out on the jetty and drove past the camping ground where we had stayed 10 years ago in a mobile home. We then found our drop off point for the hire car in Perugia and managed to just!!!! catch the train into Rome. Unfortunately we didnt know we were suppose to validate our ticket on the platform and when the conductor came along he said we must pay a 30 euro fine. Of course we argued a good case in english which he obviously didn't understand a word and the kind lady next to us who was trying to translate for everybody finally offered to validate our ticket for us at the next station and he allowed this without any fines. Phew!!! At the next stop she raced in and raced out and managed to get back on the train in plenty of time with our validated ticket...great!. We walked to our hotel in Rome which we had booked yesteday and it was a bit of a dive but is only for 1 night. In the evening we walked to the Spanish steps where we saw another bride and groom on the steps and then we walked to the Trevi fountain and threw our coins in. We had tea near the Trevi of pasta and wandered home.

Cortona

Breakfast was nice including cakes as well as the usual fruit cereal,hams and cheese.It was not served until 8.30am the latest so far so we had a sleep in.We then drove up the narrow street to Cortona just nearby and walked the streets. There were many artists with their own shops so it was interesting for me .We discovered while we were at the tourist office that there is a train strike on Friday when we planned to travel to Rome. We decided to leave a day earlier to avoid this but it meant a bit of organising. The B and B understood our predicament and allowed us to cancel one day .We also managed to find a hotel in Rome for the extra night .We bought lunch at the grocery store and the kids went swimming in the afternoon .We went into Cortona again for tea and watched the second soccer semifinal before bed. In below photo our B and B is yellow on far left.

Tuscany towards Umbria

We reluctantly left the farmhouse and travelled south towards Sienna and East towards Umbria stopping for lunch at Castiglione on the lake Trasimeno. We then found our B and B at the foot of the hill at Cortona. While any B and B will be a let down after the last one this one was quite nice if decorated in a very eclectic style. It had a different feel being more of a town situation than out on a farm.It did have a nice view and cute courtyard and a swimmiung pool that the kids made quick use of.It also had a sun flower field to overlook that was 'nearly' in bloom and would look magic at the right time!!We had purchased our tea at a supermarket and ate it at the B and B then went upstairs to watch the soccer semifinal at 8.30pm and the sunset from our window.

Tuscany

We had our own breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley and the english couple recommened Volpaia as a place to go for the day so off we went.We first stopped in Greve to walk around the square and see the preserved bores hanging from the ceiling. It was a bit of a trek to getto volpaia, passing some wild bore and along a dirt road to a castle on a hill with a great restaurant where we ate lunch. Great food great views and we were all happy to have made the trip.We missed the turnoff on the way home and went down some very narrow streets only just wide enought for the car ...and the car is a tiny ford fusion. we did find our way eventually and headed home trying to buy some groceries to make dinner with for tea but the shops were shut for afternoon siesta until 4pm. we managed to get some salad and cheese and made do . We spent most of the evening talking to the American who is very interesting and a christian as well.He told me of a wonderful artist,Fabio Inverni

Venice to Tuscany

We picked up our hire car in Venice and travelled on the freeway to near Florence. It was a Sunday so all the trucks that usually travel where not allowed on the freeway. We decided to hop off the freeway so we could see more of the countryside and went via Fiesole which overlooks Florence. We saw the Duomo from a distance and then found our way towards Greve in chianit though the travel was much slower on these small roads.We had good directions to our farmhouse in tuscany and we needed them as it was on a very small dirt road out in thew sticks .We ascended up the mountsin with vineyards and olive groves and vistas all around to a heavenly farmhouse perched high overlooking a grand view. Tuscany did not disappoint us. The lady has converted part of her old stone farmhouse into 3 rooms.We had one an English couple on their honeymoon had one and an American soldier based in Iraq but on 2 months holiday had the other. We sat and talked with them all then cooked our tea of pasta using a share kitchen .It was great to just talk some english with people. Our room was the lower level of a Xl century tower,walls 2 foot thick and very wonderful. The kids played ping pong on the front lawn and carlie and I also sat and painted the vista.

Venice- Murano and gondolas

After our breakfast we rang Liat Ham who is also in Venice to try to arrange to meet up today. We were both heading for Murano and after a cruise down the grand canal we headed over there. We managed to bump into each other and went for a light lunch together. While at Murano we watched another glass blowing demonstation .We said our goodbyes and headed back home to the hotel. We skyped Ben and then watched a bit of the soccer game in the airconditioning.The temp. today would have been over 35 degrees. While the game was on we headed out for a gondola ride as it was nice and quiet and not so crowded .We then went over to the Accademia bridge to have tea overlooking the canal. While we were eating, a HUGE cruise ship came passed the entrance to the grand canal. It was taller than most of the buildings and looked very out of place. We walked over the bridge and explored a few more streets and then headed home . Joel and I went straight back to near our hotel to sit by the canal for a while as the sun set and Jim and Carlie stopped off at the Rialto for some last minute shopping and to get gelati tart for dessert.

Venice

We went down for breakfast at the hotel and it was in a very quaint courtyard and we were given apricot filled croissants, breadrolls, cereals,juice and fruit with the thickest hot chocolate or coffee.The setting was heavenly.We wandered through the lanes to the Rialto fish and produce market then crossed the Rialto bridge and on to San Marco . Every where were shops of venetian masks and murano glass . By the time we got to San Marco we had to sit in the shade and have a drink.It was very hot and we got in a long queue to go into the Basilica san Marco .We then went into a nearby glass gallery and were able to sneak in to the glass blowing demonsatration using a Rick Steves travel book The kids enjoyed watching the artisan make a vase and a small horse. The heat had made us all think about gelati so that was our next stop.We then managed to get quite lost trying to find our way back to the hotel finding our way back to the gelati shop befreo we got seriuos with the map.It didnt help that the street names didnt match some of the map names.Jim and Joel watched the soccer while Carlie and i went wanderign in a different direction than we had gone this morning.not much was open and we figured everyone in Venice must have been in watching the soccer.We did see a wedding party with all the guests dressed in white .It looked fabulous. We all went out for tea but couldnt find a place we liked more than the night before so we went back to that restaurant After tea we sat beside the canal and watched the sun set.

Austria to Venice

This morning we drove the hire car to Villach around the mountains with the road following the valleys. The view was always spectacular with green meadows splattered with chalets and snow covered peaks rising in the distance. That was my attempt at creative writing!!! We found the hire place in Villach without a map after only one wrong turn that meant we had an unplanned trip around the old town.We then boarded a bus bound for Venice.The 2 hour drive and the 3 and a half hour bus trip resulted in a long weary day that was not helped by a traffic jam on the autobahn created by a semitrailer that had rolled on its side across 3 lanes. We did have the front seats on the double decker bus which was fun. The scenery changed dramatically once we passed the last mountain and for the last part of the trip it was fairly flat and uninteresting. We crossed the water to Venice and another scenery change occured !!!! It was difficult to control the camera which kept popping out at every turn.We got a watertaxi to the hotel which was only 3 stops away and were enchanted by our venician room in the Hotel al Ponte Mocenigo. We hotel had some Rick Steves travel books left by other guests and we found a place for tea which was set in a vine covered garden and served wonderful affordable meals.Thankyou Rick! Joel had bolognaise,Carlie had Carbonara and Jim and I shared a seafood pizza with mussells in shells and prawns and a salad.Venice is a dream come true.

Austria day 2

We drove to nearby Saalfelden and Joel, Carlie and Jim had a ride on a rodelbahn which is a toboggan/luge down a mountain on a metal track not in snow.It was over 1klm long and very fast .Joel loved it .Then we drove back to Zell am See and hired a paddleboat for an hour on the lake.It was near midday and quite hot and you would think aussies would know better than to go out in the sun at that time.I think we got a bit sunburnt.The views were fabulous and we took a picnic with us and ate it out in the middle of the lake.We drove back to the hotel for a late lunch and it rained a bit in the afternoon.We managed to talk to Ben on Skype and ithen went for a bike ride through the nearby fields. We stopped at a bridge and played poo sticks.It was BBQ night this evening at the hotel .

Austria snow day

We had a great breakfast and headed off to find snow.We went to nearby Kaprun and up the cable car to the glacier on Kitzsteinhorn .Their were many skiing and Carlie was wanting to ski but there were also many just playing in the snow.We had a fun time having snow ball fights,making a snow man and the kids discovered our plastic picnic plate made a good toboggan. We used our airline socks as gloves as we had forgotten to pack any. A guy lent our kids a plastic toboggan but it wasnt as good as our plastic plate. On the way back we skyped Sam and Tina and showed them the snow. On the way home we stopped at a grocery store to get lunch.We found some bread called ' aborigine weckerl'.We bought schnitzel on bread rolls,cherries,figs,watermelon and some snacks.After changing out of our snow soaked clothes we had a very late lunch back at the hotel and headed out for some shopping. Again tea at the hotel was lovely.Speirtzle and a creamy sauce with veal .

Switzerland to Austria

Today we traveled by train all morning to Austria via Zurick. The Zuricker See was beautiful as was all the scenery as it became more and more mountainous.We arrived in Innsbruck at around midday and went by taxi to the hire car place after trying to walk and then catch a bus without success. We drove our fiat punto then to Zell am See via Kitzbuhel.We found our hotel ,the Landhous Hotel which was an Austrian chalet with flower boxes and our room was on the top floor(loft) , very nice with a view to the snow capped mountains,.We rested after our day of travel and then went down for a 3 course dinner at 7pm which is included entree of prosciutto and honey dew melon.Main course of steak and vegies but nicer than it sounds and vanilla bean ice cream and strawberries for dessert.Jim and I went for a walk after tea and the kids watched You've got Mail in German with Jim or I translating every second sentence to them.

Switzerland day 2

This morning we went to church at vineyard Olten in hotel Arte with the Kaesers and met a few people who recognised us from 10 years ago when we attended here. They suggested Carlie come to live in Switzerland next year for a gap year. While it would be a great learning experience for her we would miss her . After church we had raclette for lunch and then the kids went to the local pool with the other families children. It was a hot day 30 degrees and many were at the pool.They jumped off a 5m diving board and also went on slides. After zvieri- znacht(tea) of bircher muslei Andi drove us up to a castle ruins and a walk to the top of the mountian for a wonderful view over Olten and beyond. There was a big flying fox there and we all had a turn. Ben and Sam enjoyed this flying fox 10 years ago so I knew Joel would like it. We stayed up talking with the family.

Switzerland Egerkingen

Today we had breakfast with the family Kaeser and then Andi drove us to Egerkingen where we use to live 10 years ago.We walked past the little river and our home .Some apartments have been built on the field next to where we lived .We walked to the school and then up the mountain to the lookout.It brought back so many memories and was great to be back in this little part of the world we once knew so well. We visited friends from the village and we had a BBQ together swiss style.

Paris day 4

We didn't have anything special to do today so we went for a walk in the area of our hotel which is in the latin quarter st germain.We found the the Pantheon nearby and the luxembourg gardens.We also found an art shop and a bery cute stationary shop .Cartlie had run out of glue for her scrapbooking and I bought a paintbrush just so I could say I got it in Paris. In the gardens Joel fed the birds. We then checked out of our hotel and made our way to catch the train to Switzerland.We travelled by TGV to Lausanne and then met Eva Egloff at the station.the egloffs did the exchange with us 10 years ago .They are heading to Australia also for a 10 year anniversary holiday. We travelled with her to Olten and met Andi and Priska at Olten to stay with them and their family. They were good friends of ours when we lived in Switzerland. We watched the soccer Switz vs Honduras in the evening before we went to bed.Jim and I slept in the Caravan and the kids were in the house.They have a huge dog, Melissa that made me miss Zebedee.

Paris day 3

Today we went separate ways, Jim took the kids to the Science place and I went to Sacre Coeur. I discovered that cheese is really interesting even in the grocery stores and very reasonably priced as well. I found a store with wonderful french lace and bought a couple of french scarves. One of the great things about coming here is summer is it is cherry season. Lunch was cherries, Saint paulin cheese(this was Bens favorite when we lived in Switzerland) ,croissants, and a piece of apple tart. This afternoon we all wandered over to the centre de Pompidou. I took the kids in for some more art. I really enjoyed seeing the Jackson Pollacks, Matisses's, Picassos and Kandinskys . We found a shop selling vintage shoes and Joel got himself a pair of Converse All Stars. We had tea at an Italian restaurant because we all felt like pasta and we bought ourselves a french gateau to share for dessert.

Paris day 2

After our bagette breakfast the plan for today was to hit the Musee .We headed to the Louvre to beat the crowds and did a quick fast walk around just focussing on the main things, Mona Lisa, venus de milo etc. We headed then to Musee de Orangerie with Monets waterlilies that go all the way around the room. Joel was not impressed but he had already had his fill of art at the Louvre. We walked home purchasing our lunch on the way. We found a wonderful cheese shopwith all manner of mouldy cheese circles which was very pungent and bought some Brie ,then a fruit shop for banans and pear then a bakery for croissants ,a slice of cheesecake and some lollies and we were done. After lunch back at the hotel we skyped Ben and caught up with the news of home and saw Zebedee via video .In the evening we went to a sidewalk cafe for dinner but it was very americanised not real french but nice anyway on the way home Carlie spotted some jeans in a shop half price and bought them. Joel went up to a girl in this shop thinking it was Carlie and said "come on Carlie its time to go" and the girl turned around and said something in french to him which he found quite embarrissing.

Paris

Joel woke and said'Wow that is wierd ;it is still light!!!.He had slept through the dark bit.We went down for breakfast of bagettes, cheese and spreads.The lady asked us somehting in french and we recognised chocolat so we ordered that .It was hot chocolate,tea of coffee she was asking. We went to Notre Dame and went inside,there was some sort of service happening and we were early it was nice and quiet. We had an open top bus tour to the sights and got off at the Arc de Triumpe and climbed up the 274 steps to the top,then on to the Eiffel Tour and climbed to the 2nd level.I think i have flound an exercise I enjoy!!!travelling!!!.We had crepes for lunch and bought bagettes and cheese and tomato for tea which we will eat at the Hotel as it has kitchen facilites.

London second day

We decided to take a few rides on the double decker buses to see some more of London.We wanted to go over the thames but the bus we caught went in the opposite direction to what we thought so we got off and got another one that wentover the bridge but then went in the direction away from the tower bridge so we deciede to get off again and caught the train to what we thought was the tower bridge but ended upo being London bridge.We walked over it and saw the tower bridge instead then decided to do some shopping in Oxford street.Carlie got some pearl earrings and Joel got a vest with a hood. We then caught the bus back to paddinton to have lunch at a small cafe with the soccer playing on the TV.The soccer plays in the daytime here!! Portugal was playing a north Korea .We picked up our bags and headed for Pancres Staion to catch the Eurosatar to Paris.The timetable said it left at 3 and arrived at 6 so we were expecting a 3 hr journey and were surpised when we arrived a hour early in Paris as we were finishing tea. We didnt even notice that we had gone under the sea until jim noticed the cars were driving on the right hand side and we realised we were already in France. We headed for our hotel which was a bit of a downer not very nice...reminds us of the last time we were in Paris.The sun did not go down till after 9pm.

London

After landing at Heathrow we made our way to our hotel in Paddington left our bags and headed off for a walk around the sights.It was 9 degrees and all the warm clothes we had brought were hardly enough to keep us warm.I wondered how people could live in this weather if this was the nice time of the year.We walked through Hyde Park and saw sqirrels and Alan Border. We then went through some of Kensington gardenes and Joel climbed a cave looking tree.Walked passed Buckingham Palace but though the flag was flyning we didnt' see the queen. She must have had to duck out to the shops. We wen on to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben then had a spell at Maccas and onto the lions at trafalgar square. We went to the National Gallery then for a walk up to piccadilly circus and then on to the British Museum.We were trying to keep doing stuff to keep ourselves awake.We caught the double decker bus home and Joel hit the pillow and was asleep in 2 minutes at 4pm. the rest of us weren't far behind and our lights were out at 5pm.

Flights

We arrived at the Airport in Brisbane in time to see t heNikles, friends from China arrive and also Dolf a friend from Switzerland.We then checked in and Lyndie saw us off.Flight to bandasari then Dubai and then Heathrow saw Joel, Carlie and I struggle to get sleep in upright positions and Jim easily fall asleep when he planned to on the last leg. Temperature in Dubia was 39 degrees at midnight and then in London it was 9 degrees when we landed at 6am

Detailed Itinery
19th June Depart Brisbane and travel via Dubai to London Heathrow airport
20th JuneArrive London 6.35am catch train into london centre and sty overnight at Lindon House Hotel
21st June Depart on the Eurostar pm and arrive Paris around 6pm
22nd-25th June Paris-staying at Hotel Marignan
25th June pm Travel by train to Olten
25th -27th June Stay with Andi and Priska in Olten visiting our village of Egerkingen and going to church with them.
28th June Travel by train to Innsbruck.Pick up hire car and travel to Zell am See
28th -1st July staying at Landhaus Hotel, Zell am See. Austria day trips to grossglockner, fortress, toboggan ride
1st July Travel to Villach, drop off hire car and travel to Venice train/bus
1st -4th July Venice staying at Hotle al Ponte Mocegnigo
4th July pick up Hertz hire car and travel to Greve in Chianti,
4th -6th July Stay 2 nights at Podere Torre
6th July travel to Cortona
6th-9th July stay 3 nights at il sole de sodo, Chocolate factory perugia, ferrari museum
9th July drop off car at Perugia and travel by train to Rome
9th-11th July Rome-colosseum, spanish steps, trevi fountain, pantheon
11th July travel by bus to Sorrento
11th-15th July Sorrento staying at il nido hotel.Day to Capri,Bus ride along the Amalfi coast
15th July travel by plane to london
15th -17th July stay at Slough innkeepers lodge day to legoland/windsor castle
17th July Depart London by plane for our trip home via dubai
18th July Arrive Brisbane airport 8.45pm ish

Why Europe?

Why are we going europe? A few reasons.We want to go back to where we used to live .We spent 10mths living in Switzerland on a work exchange and it is now 10 years since we have been back. Our youngest who was 3 at the time doesn't remember much and we made some dear friends while we were there whom we will stay with. There are some places we didn't see in those 10 months that we would like to see, namely Austria and Amalfi coast. There are places that we want to visit again because they are soooooo wonderful ,namely Venice, Tuscany and Paris and there are places we wanted to see but will have to leave for another day : south of France.

Looking Forward to Tuscany

I am most excited by a little 'agriturismo' we have booked in Tuscany called 'Podere Torre'. It is Stone villa overlooking the Tuscan landscape where the owners grows antique roses.

Packing List

I am trying to use Rick Steves packing list for our trip.We want to pack light for ease of getting around. The following is an adaption of his list.

What to Pack

Shirts- five short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts in a cotton/polyester blend.

Sweater or Lightweight Fleece- for warmth

Pants- two pairs: dark, lightweight non wrinkle .

Shorts.-one pair 2 for the boys

Swimsuit/boardies

Underwear and socks. Bring five sets (lighter dries quicker).

One pair of shoes.

Sandles

Scarf-to look a bit dressier

Money Belt- around waist type to tuck under clothes

Money. credit card, some euro for hotels that only take cash

Documents and photocopies. passport, plane ticket (or e-ticket printout), car-rental voucher, driver's license, hotels' confirmation emails, itinery

Daypack for carrying jumper, camera, guides, maps, and picnic stuff.

Camera. digital cameras and a high-capacity memory cards

Water bottle.

Watch/Mobile Phone. alarm is handy.

small First-aid kit.

Medicine and vitamins.

Eyeglasses and prescription.

Sunscreen and sunglasses.

Sealable plastic bags/containers. for leftover picnic food. A foldable cloth bag for carrying extra stuff we might buy.

Toiletries

Clothesline to dry your clothes. The handy twisted-rubber type needs no clothespins.

Small Towel a thin hand towel for the occasional need, quick-drying synthetic towel.

Sewing kit. Clothes age rapidly while traveling. Take along a few safety pins and extra buttons.

Travel Info from guidebooks and maps

Address list. write blogs and emails as we travel.

Netbook

Small notepad and pen.

Journal to be filled with the experiences of our trip

have I forgotten anything?

Our 4 week Europe Itinery

Week 1:Travel by plane Australia via Dubia to London
Travel by Eurostar to Paris- 4 days in Paris
Travel by train to Olten-spend weekend with Andi and Priska our swiss friends
Week 2: Travel by train to Austria. Hire a car and travel round Austria tirol area for 3 days
Travel by train to Venice- spend weekend in Venice.
Week 3: Hire car and drive to Tuscany -5 days in Tuscany at 2 different agritourismos (B&Bs)
Travel by train to Rome -weekend in Rome
Week 4:Travel by bus to Amalfi coast-spend 3 days with 1 day on Capri
Travel by plane Naples to London
One day to go to Legoland or Windsor Castle and then fly home to Australia

We are only 3 weeks away from our trip and have hardly packed a thing. So many things to do but we will get there.