No update for yesterday as we spent the day driving. We went from zurich to roses, Spain. I was sad that we didn't get to see more of Switzerland, but the weather wasn't cooperating with us so we decided to make it a long driving day...10 hours of it, but now we are very close to Barcelona which means our long drives are over!!
This morning we left Spain and came back to Andorra. This country is great! So...much...shopping!!! We stopped in a town on one side of a mountain pass that saw us reach an elevation of 2400 meters, and the temperature was 3!! Mike was happy to be cruising around in his flannel shirt again. We did some shopping then carried on to Andorra la vella. This time the spa is open and we will be visiting it on Tuesday after we spend the next two nights in the wilderness, so we will appreciate it I am sure.
It's funny being back in this town because we went to a very nice mall this time that we never saw last time, and turns out it was just a minute down the road. How I missed this, I will never know! Tonight we stay with our hosts from last time, they are so lovely. We even bumped into Susan in town before coming. Gotta love small towns!!
So no updates for the next couple of days as we are going to be exploring the hut systems here! They look pretty awesome and best thing is, they are all free!
Xoxox
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Afternoon in Zurich
We left from Chamonix this morning with our destination zurich to visit my friend michele. Her and I worked together at the Banff Springs hotel and she moved back to Switzerland almost three years ago. Our drive was beautiful. Even though we had clouds and drizzle, we were still able to see the beauty in this country.
We arrived around lunch time and we headed into zurich. It is a beautiful city that really doesn't feel like a big city. It is situated on a lake with the alps in the background. I got to see where Lindt chocolate is made, but unfortunately today was a holiday here, so we couldn't go in. We did stop for a quick second for a photo but looks like that's as close to it as I will get! We had a delicious lunch at a cafe restaurant downtown before the weather turned on us. Zurich really is full of banks...everywhere! And posters of roger Federer, which I didn't mind!!
We spent the rest of the day catching up, cooking dinner, watching hockey and just hanging out which was really nice way to spend a rainy evening. michele also showed us a European tradition of the happy party table bomb where you light the bottom on fire and then little toys explode out of the top. We had never seen anything like this before and had a good laugh.
Tomorrow we aren't sure where we will be headed. There appears to be a dark cloud over Europe with many places calling for rain. It is possible tomorrow is a big driving day, we will just have to see!!
We also really want to see so much more of Switzerland!
Xox
We arrived around lunch time and we headed into zurich. It is a beautiful city that really doesn't feel like a big city. It is situated on a lake with the alps in the background. I got to see where Lindt chocolate is made, but unfortunately today was a holiday here, so we couldn't go in. We did stop for a quick second for a photo but looks like that's as close to it as I will get! We had a delicious lunch at a cafe restaurant downtown before the weather turned on us. Zurich really is full of banks...everywhere! And posters of roger Federer, which I didn't mind!!
We spent the rest of the day catching up, cooking dinner, watching hockey and just hanging out which was really nice way to spend a rainy evening. michele also showed us a European tradition of the happy party table bomb where you light the bottom on fire and then little toys explode out of the top. We had never seen anything like this before and had a good laugh.
Tomorrow we aren't sure where we will be headed. There appears to be a dark cloud over Europe with many places calling for rain. It is possible tomorrow is a big driving day, we will just have to see!!
We also really want to see so much more of Switzerland!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Chamonix part deux
What an amazing place this town is. As Mike put, if Banff and Chuck Norris procreated, it would be chamonix! We awoke to beautiful blue skies and enjoyed our breakfast out in the patio. Our hosts here had recommended a hike for us to do so we didn't waste any time and we headed out to the trailhead.
The hike was called Lac Blanc and I am sure it's a really lovely hike...In July. When we left the car, there was snow at the valley bottom. I was starting to wonder if this hike was going to be a bad idea. I voiced my concerns but I think they went unheard. :). We carried in a little bit, at this point we were hiking through a slide path! The snow was starting to get soft and we were falling through. Frustrations were building. We took a different route up through some shrubs in hopes the trail would become obvious and miraculously snow free, but this was not the case. We did manage to gain a few hundred metres before we decided to turn around. We also realized it would probably easy to go down the very snowy route because at least when (not if) we fell,it would be soft. We eventually made it down, completely soaked feet and cold cold hands and wet rear ends. At least we managed some fun pictures!
In the afternoon our hosts recommended a different trail and this one was hikable. There was still lots of snow on it but it was passable. We got amazing views of months blanc and probably kept us busy for a few hours. We hiked up to a hut, similar to those in the Canadian rockies, but this one was locked! The picture is of me outside the hut taking a little break.
Tomorrow it is off to Zurich to visit Michele! Hope we can keep the weather streak alive, but it looks like it's coming to an end!
The hike was called Lac Blanc and I am sure it's a really lovely hike...In July. When we left the car, there was snow at the valley bottom. I was starting to wonder if this hike was going to be a bad idea. I voiced my concerns but I think they went unheard. :). We carried in a little bit, at this point we were hiking through a slide path! The snow was starting to get soft and we were falling through. Frustrations were building. We took a different route up through some shrubs in hopes the trail would become obvious and miraculously snow free, but this was not the case. We did manage to gain a few hundred metres before we decided to turn around. We also realized it would probably easy to go down the very snowy route because at least when (not if) we fell,it would be soft. We eventually made it down, completely soaked feet and cold cold hands and wet rear ends. At least we managed some fun pictures!
In the afternoon our hosts recommended a different trail and this one was hikable. There was still lots of snow on it but it was passable. We got amazing views of months blanc and probably kept us busy for a few hours. We hiked up to a hut, similar to those in the Canadian rockies, but this one was locked! The picture is of me outside the hut taking a little break.
Tomorrow it is off to Zurich to visit Michele! Hope we can keep the weather streak alive, but it looks like it's coming to an end!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Chamonix
I think we have finally found a place that is more beautiful than Canmore. Chamonix, france is just absolutely stunning. It would almost be like if a town existed in the Columbia icefield. Mont Blanc is the famous backdrop here and we got to see it in all its glory today!
We left Tuscany pretty early this morning as we had a 4.5 hours drive. We probably went through 50 tunnels today. It seemed like we spent more time in the dark of the tunnels than driving in the road! Just before entering into France and chamonix area, we were met by the tunnel of all tunnels. The Mont Blanc tunnel is about 12km and runs basically through the mountain connecting Italy to France. We were also greeted by a 47€ toll to travel through the darn thing. When you enter they give you an instruction sheet which we thought was overkill, but I just googled the tunnel and was reading about the disaster in there in 1999 so I can understand why they give it to you.
We spent the afternoon doing Laundry and perusing the beautiful town if chamonix. We even found a Canadian owned brewpub with Toronto maple leaf jersey where we had some dinner. Tomorrow we will be here as well and we are doing a hike called Lac Blanc. This looks like a mecca for hiking, but it's not quite the season yet! We will be gaining a bit of elevation but nothing crazy. Hopefully the weather cooperates for us. Our accommodations are amazing, we have a full walkout suite in a beautiful chalet. Don't worry, we aren't suffering!! This photo is taken from inside looking out but doesn't do it justice!!
Xox
We left Tuscany pretty early this morning as we had a 4.5 hours drive. We probably went through 50 tunnels today. It seemed like we spent more time in the dark of the tunnels than driving in the road! Just before entering into France and chamonix area, we were met by the tunnel of all tunnels. The Mont Blanc tunnel is about 12km and runs basically through the mountain connecting Italy to France. We were also greeted by a 47€ toll to travel through the darn thing. When you enter they give you an instruction sheet which we thought was overkill, but I just googled the tunnel and was reading about the disaster in there in 1999 so I can understand why they give it to you.
We spent the afternoon doing Laundry and perusing the beautiful town if chamonix. We even found a Canadian owned brewpub with Toronto maple leaf jersey where we had some dinner. Tomorrow we will be here as well and we are doing a hike called Lac Blanc. This looks like a mecca for hiking, but it's not quite the season yet! We will be gaining a bit of elevation but nothing crazy. Hopefully the weather cooperates for us. Our accommodations are amazing, we have a full walkout suite in a beautiful chalet. Don't worry, we aren't suffering!! This photo is taken from inside looking out but doesn't do it justice!!
Xox
Monday, May 6, 2013
Cinque Terre
Today we (kind of) hiked the famous Cinque Terre trailer in Italy. I was pretty pumped for it but my excitement was shot pretty quickly upon our arrival when we were informed we could only hike 1 out of 4 trails on the real coastal trail. The area has been seeing lots of rain lately and there was a high risk of mud slides and some of the trail had washed away. We weren't about to head back so we got our train pass as well because that was the other alternative between towns.
We were super happy to have had the day we had--sunny and 23 or so with a slight breeze. The scenery really is beautiful. We trained all the way to the southern point of the hike to start the “lovers stroll”... Supposed to be nice and flat...and closed! So hopped on the train to the next town. We figured out a way where we could take the secondary goat paths from the second to third towns. It was nice, it took us way up and up and then over to the next town. We strolled through some vineyards which was nice and left the crowds behind. The actual distance between the two was small but it took us almost two hours on the route we had to take. The next leg was fully closed and nit accessible by foot on any trail, so back on the train we went!
The final leg I to monterusso was the only leg we could do on the true trail. The views were fabulous and the hike very pleasant.
All in all we are glad we did what we did. We aren't sure we would have gone had we known in advance about all the closures. The only really retchid thing was the washroom facilities, or lack there of them. I am going to leave it at that...But for a trail that sees thousands or visitors daily, it is appaling. The other thing we noticed was all the cars and roads! Websites will tell you the towns are only accessible by foot, but each town had roads with big parking lots in them! So wasn't quite as remote as we thought. But all in all a nice day.
Time for bed! We just booked chamonix tomorrow for 2 nights!!
Xox
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Tuscany!
We left sunny Positano this morning and our final destination was capannori, a small town in the Tuscany region of Italy. After a few white knuckle moments on the crazy amalfi coast road, we were cruising down the highway again! Today was a longish day, we arrived in our town around 4. Thus house is really neat, it's 150 years old! Very rustic but beautiful and the couple makes their own olive oil, as seems to be the case in this part of Italy! We are noticing each area has a unique specialty.
We decided to head into the town of Lucca which is a beautiful old town only 10 minutes away. It has a bug wall around it and has the old charm, but without the chaos of traditional Italian cities. We enjoyed a lovely dinner and a walk around. There must have been a big soccer victory as we ended up in the middle of a big celebration. I guess it's like when we celebrate hockey??
Tomorrow it's off to hike cinque Terre! This is our last full week of the trip coming up, hard to believe!!
We decided to head into the town of Lucca which is a beautiful old town only 10 minutes away. It has a bug wall around it and has the old charm, but without the chaos of traditional Italian cities. We enjoyed a lovely dinner and a walk around. There must have been a big soccer victory as we ended up in the middle of a big celebration. I guess it's like when we celebrate hockey??
Tomorrow it's off to hike cinque Terre! This is our last full week of the trip coming up, hard to believe!!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Capri
Today started with a bit of a hate for positano, but finished with a love. Let me explain!
We walked down from our bed and breakfast into town. This was no easy task, as it was over 1600 steps and and over 600 meter drop in elevation. It also is a bit if an adventure just trying to figure out where to go, but we made it. Our goal today was to rent a two person kayak and head out to the island of Capri. This goal however, was just not possible. All if the rental agencies here on the beach would only rent singles or paddleboarding and they all said two person ones don't exist in the area. We were pretty bummed, but decided to head over to Capri by boat and then hopefully find a kayak or canoe there! We paid our ridiculous fee to take the ferry over, and as soon as we paid what rolled in, but a two person kayak. Of course by this point it was too late.
While heading out to Capri, we realized it wasn't the island we thought it was and was actually much further (if we had the kayaks we wouldn't of made it there). And while arriving at Capri we were a but horrified to see the herds and swarms of people. We got off the boat and it was time for a plan. Immediately we were approached and offered boat rentals with a guide. We went for it after a bit of bartering and we're happy we did. We got a 2 hour private guided trip around the whole island with stops in a green grotto time swim! The water was so warm, and the color if the water was just awesome. Mike stopped for a cliff jump, and our guide pointed out the sites and drove us right into some awesome caves. There is some serious real estate there... Never have we seen houses like that before. Our guide told us about last year bill Gates visiting on his 130 meter yacht! Of course right?
We were really glad we did the trip, though we didn't get to do the blue grotto Kelly!! (It's a cash cow and surely the back packers did it different...13€ each and transfer to a row boat to go in for one minute )
We headed back into positano and mike tried stand up paddle boarding! He said it was harder than he thought but would definitely do it again! We were feeling a bit lazy after lounging on boats since we thought we should climb back up the steps! It was actually a great walk up, aside from getting a bit lost.
Dinner tonight was absolute perfection. It was all locally grown fruits and veggies, literally grown in the back yard, and can you ever taste the difference! The meal was definitely one of the best meals either of us had in our lives. The view is stunning down to the sea, the temperature was perfect, and the company fantastic! We even got to watch a lightning show which was neat!
Tomorrow its off to wine country and away from the very busy parts!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Positano
Remember yesterday when I said Italian drivers are crazy?? Well today we really realized this while driving down the amalfi coast. I will get to this later.
We started our morning off in ortona visiting the battle of ortona museum and Canadian cemetery. We were lucky that our host showed us into town where the museum was, or we wouldn't have found it. We found Mike's family's signatures in the guestbook there too as his nana, aunt and uncle were here a couple weeks ago. We were on the road again before lunch on our way to the other coast of Italy.
Our gps again decided to take us on a very interesting tour of Italy. We were appalled by all the garbage on the streets. It literally looked as if a garbage truck flipped over on the streets. Matresses, tires, bags of garbage thrown, and even watched people throw it out the car in front of us. We eventually got out of that area and on the crazy windy road up to positano. Most cars here are scratched and dented as there are so many tight corners, cars parked anywhere and everywhere. It's basically the width of one lane, but here its a two lane road, with parked cars, scooters, and pedestrians. After getting lost, we finally found a place to stop where I could run out and get directions and then we were on our way.
We were greeted by our host who loaded our luggage onto a cable car and had our things lifted up to the bed and breakfast. It was about a five minute walk from the road to the place, but once we got here and looked out the window, we were able to forget all about the crazy drive! It is absolutely stunning. We are high above the sea and can see the little islands and this crazy town built into a hill. We enjoyed some freshmade lemincello and relaxed in the terrace for a bit before dinner. Dinner was good, it we wanted to go into town and explore, but we were picked up by the restaurant driver(there is no parking anywhere) and then they drive us back after. We weren't about to hop in and head down. I am not being dramatic about thus either... It's sketchy!!!
Now just trying to figure out where to go after here! Plans they keep on changing!
Xo
We started our morning off in ortona visiting the battle of ortona museum and Canadian cemetery. We were lucky that our host showed us into town where the museum was, or we wouldn't have found it. We found Mike's family's signatures in the guestbook there too as his nana, aunt and uncle were here a couple weeks ago. We were on the road again before lunch on our way to the other coast of Italy.
We were greeted by our host who loaded our luggage onto a cable car and had our things lifted up to the bed and breakfast. It was about a five minute walk from the road to the place, but once we got here and looked out the window, we were able to forget all about the crazy drive! It is absolutely stunning. We are high above the sea and can see the little islands and this crazy town built into a hill. We enjoyed some freshmade lemincello and relaxed in the terrace for a bit before dinner. Dinner was good, it we wanted to go into town and explore, but we were picked up by the restaurant driver(there is no parking anywhere) and then they drive us back after. We weren't about to hop in and head down. I am not being dramatic about thus either... It's sketchy!!!
Now just trying to figure out where to go after here! Plans they keep on changing!
Xo
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Bonjiurno from Italy!
Today wasn't our most exciting day, but we covered lots of ground! Over 800km. it was sad leaving Slovenia. We can't say enough about how great is there. We also had our first real rainy day so at least we didn't feel like we missed anything! Today we drove from Bled to Ortona, Italy. We got in around 5:30 and our accommodations are great! Airbnb came through again! We are staying a bit out in the country in a beautiful house surrounded by vineyards and cats! We made dinner at home tonight which was a nice change, as we need to stick to the budget. Driving in Italy is no cheap thing! Our toll was 47€ and gas is 1.70€ a litre, which I am sure will only increase as we head to Switzerland next week!
We drove into ortona and were left unimpressed. We weren't sure what to expect, but of the places we have been, it's not our favorite. And we are finding its true that Italian drivers are a bit scary!! Hopefully tomorrow after we visit the Canadian war Memorial and museum we have a better view about this town. After lunch we will head to the amalfi coast for the weekend. I am very much looking forward to some beach time!
Xo
We drove into ortona and were left unimpressed. We weren't sure what to expect, but of the places we have been, it's not our favorite. And we are finding its true that Italian drivers are a bit scary!! Hopefully tomorrow after we visit the Canadian war Memorial and museum we have a better view about this town. After lunch we will head to the amalfi coast for the weekend. I am very much looking forward to some beach time!
Xo
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Triglav national park
Today was a fun day as we toured around triglav national park. The day was fun, but wasn't quite what we thought we had signed up for, but still enjoyed it! To make a long story short, we thought it was a day of exciting strenuous hikes, rafting and a few other stops at interesting sites, but felt a bit more like gentle walking and a car ride through the park!
We drove up and over the highest mountain pass on a series of 50 hairpin turns. We did a small hike up there, and did a little summer tobogganing. There was still a ton of snow up there, but we were treated to sunshine and 25 degrees! We then visited the source if the soca river and did a little hike there. After a brutal lunch at a restaurant, we went rafting! I was really dreading rafting as I haven't had many good experiences rafting, but I had a great time. They told us conditions were perfect and if the water was any higher, they wouldn't have taken us out! We didn't flip... Thanks goodness but had some great times out on the beautiful turquoise river! We then headed to a beautiful waterfall but no one went in qs it was pretty chilly back there, but the hike to it was pleasant and the falls themself were stunning. Next it was a stop at a bridge 12m high! Mike was the first to go, and then one other girl did it too! To.avoid driving through another narrow mountain pasal the van was loaded on a train and we rode the train through the mountains which was super fun and safe great way to finish the day. After a quick stop at lake bohinj, it was time to head home!
Time for bed now...tomorrow is a long driving day off to ortona. Itaiy!
Xo
We drove up and over the highest mountain pass on a series of 50 hairpin turns. We did a small hike up there, and did a little summer tobogganing. There was still a ton of snow up there, but we were treated to sunshine and 25 degrees! We then visited the source if the soca river and did a little hike there. After a brutal lunch at a restaurant, we went rafting! I was really dreading rafting as I haven't had many good experiences rafting, but I had a great time. They told us conditions were perfect and if the water was any higher, they wouldn't have taken us out! We didn't flip... Thanks goodness but had some great times out on the beautiful turquoise river! We then headed to a beautiful waterfall but no one went in qs it was pretty chilly back there, but the hike to it was pleasant and the falls themself were stunning. Next it was a stop at a bridge 12m high! Mike was the first to go, and then one other girl did it too! To.avoid driving through another narrow mountain pasal the van was loaded on a train and we rode the train through the mountains which was super fun and safe great way to finish the day. After a quick stop at lake bohinj, it was time to head home!
Time for bed now...tomorrow is a long driving day off to ortona. Itaiy!
Xo
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Canyoning in Bled
We both agreed that today was our favorite day so far! We started the morning off canyoning for a few hours and had so much fun! I was a little apprehensive at first but was sad when it was over. For those of you not familiar with canyoning, it is a combination of hiking, jumping into pools, sliding down natural waterslides, ziplining, and rappelling! My favorite was the ziplining, as I have always wanted to do that. We got some great pictures using the waterproof camera and will show you when we are home. Water was cold but you are wearing a wetsuit so it wasn't so bad! Mike was a natural at it of course! It was great to actually DO something and have fun with each other trying something new!
We enjoyed a delicious lunch on the patio of lake Bled and putzed around town. We kept thinking about an adventure trip being offered tomorrow with the same company we went with today, and decided to pull the trigger on it! We will be going out for a full day in triglav national park where you hike, raft, summer toboggan and see pretend you much all corners of the park! Stay tuned tomorrow :)
We decided for dinner to pick up somethings for a picnic and hike up a hill at the end of the lake and enjoy the stunning views! We felt so lucky that we had the entire viewpoint to ourselves! It is the postcard picture we have seen everywhere and decided we wanted to see it for ourselves. Only took about 20 minutes to get your it too though we were told an hour! It was a great way to end the day! Now time for bed...big day ahead of us tomorrow!!
Xoxox From our favorite country so far!!
We enjoyed a delicious lunch on the patio of lake Bled and putzed around town. We kept thinking about an adventure trip being offered tomorrow with the same company we went with today, and decided to pull the trigger on it! We will be going out for a full day in triglav national park where you hike, raft, summer toboggan and see pretend you much all corners of the park! Stay tuned tomorrow :)
We decided for dinner to pick up somethings for a picnic and hike up a hill at the end of the lake and enjoy the stunning views! We felt so lucky that we had the entire viewpoint to ourselves! It is the postcard picture we have seen everywhere and decided we wanted to see it for ourselves. Only took about 20 minutes to get your it too though we were told an hour! It was a great way to end the day! Now time for bed...big day ahead of us tomorrow!!
Xoxox From our favorite country so far!!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Slovenia Part 1
Sorry for the lack of updates! We have been having too much fun in Slovenia! Where to start...we left salzburg on Saturday morning and our destination was Maribor, Slovenia. This was a town that Mike often visited when he was peace keeping in Bosnia. He has a lot of great memories and I was really hoping that his return would live up to his expectations...and it was surpassed!
We checked into our airbnb place and within minutes of arriving, Tina had invited us to a picnic with her friends! So off we went with her. We stopped off first at the grocery store to pick up a few things. I wanted to try some Slovenian wine. The most expensive bottle I could find was 7€! It was delicious but we couldn't get over the fact that wine was so inexpensive. I'd say most bottles were no more than 3€. At the picnic we were treated to some traditional Slovenia foods and the warmest hospitality again! After many hours we headed out for a night on the town. Patio bars galore and just a very different way than in North America, you can order a drink in one place, walk around in the street and then take it in with you to the next place and there are no questions asked! We had a pretty late night that night but it was super fun to hang with locals.
Sunday mike decided to wake up super early...and wake me up too because he was bored. I'm sure he was refreshed after his sleep (snoring the whole night!) but I was exhausted. Oh well, we were in maribor and didn't want to waste the day! Into town we went and did some shopping, had some lunch at a pizza place Mike had some great memories at (they still keep a Canadian flag on the door from when the troops were peacekeeping)! We then met up with one of our new friends while is actually a tour guide of the city and we were treated to a great walking tour of the city. Did you know maribor is home to the world's oldest vine?? It's quite a claim to fame they are very proud of! Then we met up with another new friend who took us out of town to see some beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards. We went to a family run winery and all shared a bottle of wine and enjoyed the view and sunshine, for 3€. This country is awesome.
We needed a bit if a siesta on our return and then headed out for a tame night of dinner and drinks. This group of friends made us feel so welcome and really contributed to our enjoyment of maribor and took us places you would never find in any guidebooks!
Today we left maribor this morning and are in Bled. We could live here! It is stunning. Mountains, lake, trails and great restaurants. We rented a boat this afternoon and rowed out to an island on the lake and walked around and had some wine! Bled is also known for a dessert, it is a cream filled cake. It was so delicious and not so nutritious!!
Tomorrow morning we are going canyoning first thing and then going for a hike in the afternoon! So excited!
We checked into our airbnb place and within minutes of arriving, Tina had invited us to a picnic with her friends! So off we went with her. We stopped off first at the grocery store to pick up a few things. I wanted to try some Slovenian wine. The most expensive bottle I could find was 7€! It was delicious but we couldn't get over the fact that wine was so inexpensive. I'd say most bottles were no more than 3€. At the picnic we were treated to some traditional Slovenia foods and the warmest hospitality again! After many hours we headed out for a night on the town. Patio bars galore and just a very different way than in North America, you can order a drink in one place, walk around in the street and then take it in with you to the next place and there are no questions asked! We had a pretty late night that night but it was super fun to hang with locals.
Sunday mike decided to wake up super early...and wake me up too because he was bored. I'm sure he was refreshed after his sleep (snoring the whole night!) but I was exhausted. Oh well, we were in maribor and didn't want to waste the day! Into town we went and did some shopping, had some lunch at a pizza place Mike had some great memories at (they still keep a Canadian flag on the door from when the troops were peacekeeping)! We then met up with one of our new friends while is actually a tour guide of the city and we were treated to a great walking tour of the city. Did you know maribor is home to the world's oldest vine?? It's quite a claim to fame they are very proud of! Then we met up with another new friend who took us out of town to see some beautiful views of the rolling hills and vineyards. We went to a family run winery and all shared a bottle of wine and enjoyed the view and sunshine, for 3€. This country is awesome.
We needed a bit if a siesta on our return and then headed out for a tame night of dinner and drinks. This group of friends made us feel so welcome and really contributed to our enjoyment of maribor and took us places you would never find in any guidebooks!
Today we left maribor this morning and are in Bled. We could live here! It is stunning. Mountains, lake, trails and great restaurants. We rented a boat this afternoon and rowed out to an island on the lake and walked around and had some wine! Bled is also known for a dessert, it is a cream filled cake. It was so delicious and not so nutritious!!
Tomorrow morning we are going canyoning first thing and then going for a hike in the afternoon! So excited!
Friday, April 26, 2013
The hills are alive
What a beautiful day in salzburg! I think it is safe to say that this has been our favorite stop on our euro tour so far. I think the amazing weather didn't hurt...was sunny and 28 today. Locals say it was the nicest day of the year so far!
We started the day off with the sound of music bike tour. We both have seen the movie but neither if us were fanatics but we read it is a great way to see the city as well, and it sure was. We saw so many different sights from the movies and learned so much about the city and it's history while cruising on some pretty comfy 7 speed bikes! The tour brought us away from the business and into the countryside as well where we could frolic. It was awesome. Met some really nice people too!
We headed home and then did a quick change and then did a little excursion up to a small town called St. Gilgen. It's a beautiful town up in the mountains with a big lake. Search it...was lovely! Had a late lunch at a cafe and then headed back. We walked into town which was quite a ways from the new hotel we are at tonight but it was still great to just be strolling around. We had to get mike his souvenir mug frik the beerhouse to add to his collection! We ended up meeting a group if other English speaking people so we shared our table. They were lovely and before we knew it, we probably had a dozen people at our table! We even ended up at an irish pub for a night cap with them!
Speaking of night caps, it's time for bed!. Off to Slovenia tomorrow!!
Xo
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Dachau and Salzburg
First I would like to apolotize for any spelling mistakes. The auto correct on the tablet is a bit sensitive, and now I am writing this from the computer in our guesthouse, and who knew that european keyboards put letters in different places!?
We left this morning from Heidelberg and drove about 3.5 hours to Dachau. We have never encountered so much construction on highways ever. But I guess when people are driving the speeds they are, the roads need to be good. For anyone not familiar with Dachau, it was a concentration camp that was used from 1933-1945. It really was a sobering experience to be there and see the grounds that hundreds of thousands of people called home. It was a definite learning experience, and our learning about those events has just started. We took a 2.5 hour guided tour and feel like it really could have been a full day. We were taken the route that a new prisoner would have gone from check in, all the way through to cremation. I actually felt ill when we were in the room where bodies just hung out in before being cremated. I know this isn't the most glamourous thing to write about, but it is apart of history, I am glad we went to visit, and I look forward to learning more about this disaster.
Then we drove 1.5 hours to beautiful Salzburg, Austria. This place is the real deal! We are so happy to be back in the mountains again! We are staying at a beautiful guesthouse, the Johanneschlobl. When we rolled up we had a bit of problems figuring things out as no one was here at the desk, and then when we got through to them, they do not speak English! But we got sorted out and it is beautiful and so are the grounds. At the bottom of the hill we are on, is a beer hall! How convenient! We of course visited that, and now it is time for bed. We have a big morning tomorrow... Sound of Music bike tour! I am excited, but I am not so sure about Mike. I guess that's what marriage is all about! I think he will be as excited as I was at the beer hall. We will see if we can stay here another night tomorrow, if not we will head more into the Bavarian Alps, they are awesome.
xoxox
We left this morning from Heidelberg and drove about 3.5 hours to Dachau. We have never encountered so much construction on highways ever. But I guess when people are driving the speeds they are, the roads need to be good. For anyone not familiar with Dachau, it was a concentration camp that was used from 1933-1945. It really was a sobering experience to be there and see the grounds that hundreds of thousands of people called home. It was a definite learning experience, and our learning about those events has just started. We took a 2.5 hour guided tour and feel like it really could have been a full day. We were taken the route that a new prisoner would have gone from check in, all the way through to cremation. I actually felt ill when we were in the room where bodies just hung out in before being cremated. I know this isn't the most glamourous thing to write about, but it is apart of history, I am glad we went to visit, and I look forward to learning more about this disaster.
Then we drove 1.5 hours to beautiful Salzburg, Austria. This place is the real deal! We are so happy to be back in the mountains again! We are staying at a beautiful guesthouse, the Johanneschlobl. When we rolled up we had a bit of problems figuring things out as no one was here at the desk, and then when we got through to them, they do not speak English! But we got sorted out and it is beautiful and so are the grounds. At the bottom of the hill we are on, is a beer hall! How convenient! We of course visited that, and now it is time for bed. We have a big morning tomorrow... Sound of Music bike tour! I am excited, but I am not so sure about Mike. I guess that's what marriage is all about! I think he will be as excited as I was at the beer hall. We will see if we can stay here another night tomorrow, if not we will head more into the Bavarian Alps, they are awesome.
xoxox
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Heidelberg
This morning started with a delicious breakfast from our host in Ellenz! I love Germany food!! Buns, sandwiches, fruit and yogurt withal doggy bag for lunch too! Our host was so lovely. She recommended we stood at the Berg Eltz castle http://burg-eltz.de/en.html on the way out and we were glad we did! It was amazing and still in such great shape as it never was under attack because It was originally meant just to live in! It is still furnished with lots of original things. We could not take pictures inside but the castle grounds were very picturesque!
After a couple hours in the autobahn, we ended up in heidelberg. We decided against Nuremberg because the city was virtually soldout of hotel rooms and hostels! Heidelberg is a neat city where we had some traditional german cuisine (sourkraut, sausage, schnitzeland beer) and did some shopping. The beer hall here was more like an old student pub which was a bit disappointing but the food was great! The town is quite americanized but I enjoyed it.
Time for bed soon. We have a big day tomorrow, up early and going to Dachau concentration camp and then heading to salzburg! We can't wait to get back into the mountains!
Xoxox
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Hallo Aus Deutschland
Welcome to Germany! We left Ghent this morning to drizzle and clouds and arrived in Germany to sunshine and pleasant temperatures. We are starting to question if you should always trust your gps and now with our route today we are pretty confident you can't! We ended up doing the downtown driving tour of Brussels, Belgium. we found it hard to believe that the majority highway systems around a bug city would take you right in the heart of a city. It was interesting though because parts of the highway run under the city in deep tunnels! If only Toronto could build those...
We have pretty much lost hope of getting our passport stamped at all border crossings now and today was no exception. There wasn't even a sign saying we were in Germany! We just noticed that when we were driving 130km/h and getting past by vehicles going significantly faster that we were in Germany and on the autobahn! It was pretty fun cruising down the road at 170 km/h (don't worry parents...iur VW golf winter go faster than that!). But there are parts where you have to follow the speed limit.
We arrived in ellenz which is in the Mosel river Valley. There are a series if small German villages, most of which seem to have a castle! We're happy to be back in small towns again. We hiked up to the castle in town today and poked around. It was pretty neat especially cool because we were the only ones there. It's called the Berg Metternich if anyone is interested!
Our guesthouse is interesting here as it is an old Bavaria building with bhuda decorations inside! We were greeted by Welcome beers and homemade muffins in arrival and invited for dinner. Mike and I sat in the corner while a table of 10 friends and family of the people who own the house had dinner too! We really wish we could speak but I don't think counting to 10 or singing silent Night is going to make us friends here!
Time for rest now! Tomorrow we head to Nuremberg!
We have pretty much lost hope of getting our passport stamped at all border crossings now and today was no exception. There wasn't even a sign saying we were in Germany! We just noticed that when we were driving 130km/h and getting past by vehicles going significantly faster that we were in Germany and on the autobahn! It was pretty fun cruising down the road at 170 km/h (don't worry parents...iur VW golf winter go faster than that!). But there are parts where you have to follow the speed limit.
We arrived in ellenz which is in the Mosel river Valley. There are a series if small German villages, most of which seem to have a castle! We're happy to be back in small towns again. We hiked up to the castle in town today and poked around. It was pretty neat especially cool because we were the only ones there. It's called the Berg Metternich if anyone is interested!
Our guesthouse is interesting here as it is an old Bavaria building with bhuda decorations inside! We were greeted by Welcome beers and homemade muffins in arrival and invited for dinner. Mike and I sat in the corner while a table of 10 friends and family of the people who own the house had dinner too! We really wish we could speak but I don't think counting to 10 or singing silent Night is going to make us friends here!
Time for rest now! Tomorrow we head to Nuremberg!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Ghent, Belgium
We decided to do another day here in Ghent. We started the day off with a delicious breakfast... These people know how to eat!! We ate lots because the plan was to rent a canoe and paddle the canals through the city. Unfortunately, this was not possible as you have to prebook a reservation, even when no one is using the canoes. Makes sense?? Mike was pretty bummed out and only a beer or three could cheer him up! Luckily they are a fraction the price they were in France and many beers are brewed in Belgium.
We spent an hour or so on the canal banks enjoying the sun and having some tea and beer! We then went and browsed the shops. Unfortunately I am considered a saskwatch here and can't find shoes to save my life and the shoes are so cheap!! We later checked into the Airbnb place we are staying at and it's still really cool medieval home. Some parts of it date back 500 years ago! Really nice girl who lives here, she wrote a guide book on the city.
Back into town we headed after checking in and it was off to the bierhouse. This establishment is seriously about beer...you have no other option for a drink, they only serve beer. Safe to say, Mike had found his happy place. Even I managed to find one I liked! Dinner was good and now resting. Tomorrow is going to be along day and we are planning on heading to Germany, hopefully to Nuremberg!! we are excitation start really doing things. We have enjoyed walking around all these new places but are getting a bit antsy to actually do activities, this may be from all of the amazing foods we have been sampling!
Xoxox
We spent an hour or so on the canal banks enjoying the sun and having some tea and beer! We then went and browsed the shops. Unfortunately I am considered a saskwatch here and can't find shoes to save my life and the shoes are so cheap!! We later checked into the Airbnb place we are staying at and it's still really cool medieval home. Some parts of it date back 500 years ago! Really nice girl who lives here, she wrote a guide book on the city.
Back into town we headed after checking in and it was off to the bierhouse. This establishment is seriously about beer...you have no other option for a drink, they only serve beer. Safe to say, Mike had found his happy place. Even I managed to find one I liked! Dinner was good and now resting. Tomorrow is going to be along day and we are planning on heading to Germany, hopefully to Nuremberg!! we are excitation start really doing things. We have enjoyed walking around all these new places but are getting a bit antsy to actually do activities, this may be from all of the amazing foods we have been sampling!
Xoxox
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Weekend in Paris
Sorry about the lack of updates the past few days! We headed to Paris and I didn't bring tablet there as we packed quite lightly for the weekend excursion. Last I wrote we were in Estrees staying with a lovely family. She had a friend in Paris who she contacted and was able to take us in for the weekend. So we hopped aboard the highspeed train and we were in Paris in just over an hour. We left the train station and we figured we would be able to see the eiffel tower and know where to navigate, similar to the cn tower in Toronto. Unfortunately this was not the case but did some pretty slick navigating and figured our way around.
Paris really is a beautiful city with all of the architecture, history and the river and bridges and we really got to see so much of it walking around. We easily walked 12-15km per day and I really think it's the nicest way to see a new place! We encountered many sketchy gypsy type kids who are out to rip you off. They create a diversion and then somehow like magic your stuff is gone. We had nothing to do with their antics, but didn't make us feel at ease either!
We met up with Mike's sister gretchen and her friend later that day. Aside from the minor mishap where we were both waiting for each other 25 meters away without realizing it for an hour, it was so great to see some family!! We had some lunch and headed back to the eiffel tower to climb it. It is just shy of 700 steps and the guidebook said 20-30minutes (or 12 with a break at the first floor for some photos). It was only 5€ to walk up to the second floor... They won't let you go all the way to the top on the steps but we really enjoyed it and there was no lineup!
To continue our touristy day, we walked over to the arc design triumph, home of the craziest traffic circle to watch the chaos and see the beautiful structure. We stood in the middle of the circle but didn't feel like paying to walk up it! It was neat and just something you do in Paris. We then headed to this funky hangout that gretchen friend heard about for some drinks before we met up with the guy we were staying with for dinner. He took us to a delicious restaurant and answered all of our burning questions about Paris! After some yummy food and wine it was time for bed!
Sunday we got up early and met the girls at their flat and had a picnic brunch attention luxumberg gardens! It was beautiful there! We then stumbled upon some kind if university relay race thru the park. Let's just say there was a guy in stripes running with some baguette in his hands! So true to stereotype!! The recent turned into a photoshoot and then into a dance party but it was fun!!
Our next stop was the catacombs which is an underground museum if bones in a nutshell of millions of people. The line was said to be strong least 3 hours so that was the end of that! So... Off to a cafe! In Paris they won't let you sit unless you order food. I have never encountered this before and it definitely rides your bill up if all you want to do is people watch! After a bowl of French onion soup (just tastes better here! ) it was time for some river tour on boat. Our one hour tour soon became 3 after a mechanical problem and a medical emergency. It was very beautiful and we learned so much about the city but we were happy to be off after that long.
We then slowly made our way up to chez eugenes where we were meeting the girls for dinner. Along the way we got a text that our data had run out (supposed to last 30 days and lasted 7!) so we had to rely on subway maps but we pulled it off!! Dinner was good but the service was dreadful, as we have been finding at most places. It's a good thing it isn't customary to tio here as I would have a hard time. We finished up by closing down a little hangout near the restaurant. Paris really is an alive city at night! We planned in taking the subway home but found out mid way through our journey that it was closed andwwe needed to catch a cab. I was definitely starting to feel uneasy as the shady folk stumbled into the streets but we made it home safely.
That brings us to today. Took train back and was greeted by sylvie. After a nice chat it was time to head off to Belgium! We are in Gand/gent/Ghent depending on your language. It's stunning there and really feels authenticity euro! We took a castle tour which wad really bad and walked around the city. Looking it up online. Very charming. The driving is okay here but they have lots of weird signs that takes getting used to.
We are exhausted so time for bed!! Can't believe week1 is done already :(. Time is flying!!
Xooxox
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Day 6: dieppe to vimy
Today was a nice day for us as we didn't have to drive very far! We woke up in dieppe and spent the morning in dieppe touring around. Dieppe is a very historical spot especially for Canadians and there is a big war Memorial there. It is a very charming town, very old and right on the English channel.
Breakfast was a funny story. The French don't like eggs and bacon like Mike does and seem to prefer a lighter option like croissants. So we wandered and found a place with Canadian flags on it and a sandwich board outside with a menu so we went on in! Inside we weren't greeted very warmly by a very french man! he poured mike a coffee and then didn't talk to us! So mike went over and asked him if they served breakfast(in French!) and his reply was something along the lines of, "croissants?!". We said oui and he ran out the door! We were a bit puzzled but then he returned with 2 croissants. He ran out to the bakery next door to get them!
Mike and I split up for a couple hours. He went touring the war Memorial and I went shopping of course (didn't buy anything yet!). After lunch which was a sandwich on a baguette... They take their white bread seriously here! We headed off to vimy ridge.
Vimy ridge is a place mike has wanted to see for a long time. It was a pretty humbling experience to be there. We took a tour of the tunnel system and trenches and it was so interesting. There are so many Canadians up there too which was nice to talk to others about their travels. I am definitely going to do more reading about vimy, especially as a Canadian.
We are now sleeping in the town of Estrees. It's very small and quaint, all houses made of brick and beautiful countryside. The family we are with is just unbelievable. They have set us up with some great room, booked our train tickets to Paris and even got us a place to stay with their friend. She is making us breakfast in the morning and taking us to the train station in the morning and picking us up again on Sunday. It's just crazy how much they have done for us.
Bed now, Paris bright and early tomorrow!!!! Au revior!!
Breakfast was a funny story. The French don't like eggs and bacon like Mike does and seem to prefer a lighter option like croissants. So we wandered and found a place with Canadian flags on it and a sandwich board outside with a menu so we went on in! Inside we weren't greeted very warmly by a very french man! he poured mike a coffee and then didn't talk to us! So mike went over and asked him if they served breakfast(in French!) and his reply was something along the lines of, "croissants?!". We said oui and he ran out the door! We were a bit puzzled but then he returned with 2 croissants. He ran out to the bakery next door to get them!
Mike and I split up for a couple hours. He went touring the war Memorial and I went shopping of course (didn't buy anything yet!). After lunch which was a sandwich on a baguette... They take their white bread seriously here! We headed off to vimy ridge.
Vimy ridge is a place mike has wanted to see for a long time. It was a pretty humbling experience to be there. We took a tour of the tunnel system and trenches and it was so interesting. There are so many Canadians up there too which was nice to talk to others about their travels. I am definitely going to do more reading about vimy, especially as a Canadian.
We are now sleeping in the town of Estrees. It's very small and quaint, all houses made of brick and beautiful countryside. The family we are with is just unbelievable. They have set us up with some great room, booked our train tickets to Paris and even got us a place to stay with their friend. She is making us breakfast in the morning and taking us to the train station in the morning and picking us up again on Sunday. It's just crazy how much they have done for us.
Bed now, Paris bright and early tomorrow!!!! Au revior!!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Day 5: Bonjour!
Today was not our most exciting day! We drove and drove and then drove some more and we are now on the northern part of France in a town called Dieppe! We left Andorra this morning around 930 and 12 hours later we are here. Driving through the pyrenees mountains was stunning. All that country is are ski hills and shopping. They are still in full ski mode there and the lifts just come down to parking lots just of the road...pretty neat. Excitement built as we approached the France border hoping.we would get our passports stamped. What happened?? 6 french border guards were standing outside having cigarettes and barely gave us a glance (let alone a stamp). It is very relaxed at borders which we expected but thought at the France border maybe a bit harder because people love to shop in Andorra for alcohol, cigarettes and electronics.
The weather was HOT!! We were cruising most of the day in temperatures just below 30! Don't feel too sorry for us now. We had planned on driving about 3/4 of the way to Paris today but we were feeling good and powered through it (we went around it and will be there on Friday! ) we figured that was wanted to come up to Dieppe and weren't sure when so doing it now and then makes for a little driving day tomorrow.
Speaking of driving, our car! This 2013 VW automatic golf is unbelievable on gas. We got 1200km on it and a lot of that was mountain driving, and highway driving where the speed limit is 130! Most people don't go that fast on it but we did! We had a lot of ground to cover. Gas here is 1.50€ a litre so it's a good thing it is so good on gas! French radio is very similar to what we listen to. We were very excited when we first heard french rap but the novelty wore off after 12 hours!
Time for some sleep. Tomorrow we are going to move our bodies and run down time the Canadian war cemetery from 1942 so mike is pretty keen to see this. He has always wanted to come here and now we are here! I don't know as much about it but looking forward to learning.
Tomorrow we make our way to vimy and will be staying with a host family!
Bon nuit!!
The weather was HOT!! We were cruising most of the day in temperatures just below 30! Don't feel too sorry for us now. We had planned on driving about 3/4 of the way to Paris today but we were feeling good and powered through it (we went around it and will be there on Friday! ) we figured that was wanted to come up to Dieppe and weren't sure when so doing it now and then makes for a little driving day tomorrow.
Speaking of driving, our car! This 2013 VW automatic golf is unbelievable on gas. We got 1200km on it and a lot of that was mountain driving, and highway driving where the speed limit is 130! Most people don't go that fast on it but we did! We had a lot of ground to cover. Gas here is 1.50€ a litre so it's a good thing it is so good on gas! French radio is very similar to what we listen to. We were very excited when we first heard french rap but the novelty wore off after 12 hours!
Time for some sleep. Tomorrow we are going to move our bodies and run down time the Canadian war cemetery from 1942 so mike is pretty keen to see this. He has always wanted to come here and now we are here! I don't know as much about it but looking forward to learning.
Tomorrow we make our way to vimy and will be staying with a host family!
Bon nuit!!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Day 4: Andorra
We got a decently early start to the day today. Aside from getting stuck in the underground parking for about a half hour we were ready to get out of Barcelona and into Andorra...But first we had to figure our way out of the city. Of course as soon as we get out of the parade the gps wasn't working. It thought we were in Toronto of all places. The thing with driving in Barcelona, as with most European cities I am sure, is that there are scooters everywhere, stoplight in weird spots and so many roundabouts that don't have lines painted and it becomes a free for all. Somehow it all manages to work! After a lot of swearing and a few wrong turns, we were on our way!
Once out of the city the driving is smooth sailing. Great highways, not many people on the road and excitement that we were going to Andorra. The landscape quickly changed and we could see the pyrenees mountains in the background. We went through lots.of tunnels, one was even 5 minutes long! A few toll roads as well...we are going to try to avoid those in the future... Don't complain about the 407 Ontario folk! We were pumped to approach the Andorra border and we had our passports out ready to be stamped. As we pulled to the Window we didn't even have to stop, he just waved us thru. We really wanted a stamp! Oh well.
Tonight we are sleeping in Andorra de vella, the capital city in a country that is 450 square km. There is lots of shopping (yay but all I managed to buy was some coconut lindt chocolates which were delicious) and beautiful scenery. We were a bit unimpressed at first because it was so busy in town, we had a horrible lunch and also found out the spa I have been so excited to visit is closed this week for cleaning, but we think it's a fab place. We used Airbnb to find out accommodation and did we find a gem! A beautiful stone home high up in the mountains. Our room has a sauna, whirlpool and house has an elevator! All for 40 euro!! Our hosts are absolutely lovely and although we didn't speak the same language, we had a lovely evening of beers, cheese and sausage. We aren't suffering here that's for sure.
One last thing, in our search for the worst food in the world, we stumbled upon a little restaurant downtown. The host is your server who is also the cook! For 9€ we were promised a 3 course meal! It was so bad...But the cherry on top was really dessert. We figured maybe a scoop of icecream given the quality of the previous 2 courses...boy were we wrong!! We were treated to a rotten banana on a plate with a knife! Was pretty funny.
We will be back here at the end of this trip to see the spa and stay in an alpine hut. Weather is calling for rain the next few days so we are thinking of heading to France a bit earlier!
Now time to figure out our plans for tomorrow! Good night! Xo
Once out of the city the driving is smooth sailing. Great highways, not many people on the road and excitement that we were going to Andorra. The landscape quickly changed and we could see the pyrenees mountains in the background. We went through lots.of tunnels, one was even 5 minutes long! A few toll roads as well...we are going to try to avoid those in the future... Don't complain about the 407 Ontario folk! We were pumped to approach the Andorra border and we had our passports out ready to be stamped. As we pulled to the Window we didn't even have to stop, he just waved us thru. We really wanted a stamp! Oh well.
Tonight we are sleeping in Andorra de vella, the capital city in a country that is 450 square km. There is lots of shopping (yay but all I managed to buy was some coconut lindt chocolates which were delicious) and beautiful scenery. We were a bit unimpressed at first because it was so busy in town, we had a horrible lunch and also found out the spa I have been so excited to visit is closed this week for cleaning, but we think it's a fab place. We used Airbnb to find out accommodation and did we find a gem! A beautiful stone home high up in the mountains. Our room has a sauna, whirlpool and house has an elevator! All for 40 euro!! Our hosts are absolutely lovely and although we didn't speak the same language, we had a lovely evening of beers, cheese and sausage. We aren't suffering here that's for sure.
One last thing, in our search for the worst food in the world, we stumbled upon a little restaurant downtown. The host is your server who is also the cook! For 9€ we were promised a 3 course meal! It was so bad...But the cherry on top was really dessert. We figured maybe a scoop of icecream given the quality of the previous 2 courses...boy were we wrong!! We were treated to a rotten banana on a plate with a knife! Was pretty funny.
Now time to figure out our plans for tomorrow! Good night! Xo
Monday, April 15, 2013
Day 3: A baby and a city tour
Day 3 was definitely our most exciting day here so far. After being more than a week late, we can finally say we are an aunt and uncle!! Katie and Dave welcomed Chelsea into the world late last night our time and though we weren't there in person it was as if we were there thanks to technology. We sat in the waiting room on my mom's tablet and was there as Dave came to give the good news. We also got a first look at the beautiful baby and we're even present via video chat in the family pictures! We are so excited for the family and have already picked her up something. She will be spoiled! Mom and baby are doing great!! We had some trouble sleeping last night and were exhausted today but it was all worth it!!
We had an amazing opportunity today with uncle Dave and aunt Aurora and some of her friends to take a private tour of the city. It was pretty slick to have your own tourguide, driver and a Mercedes van to see the sights in! We started at mounjuic and the Olympic games stadium. We could go right in and walk around and had a fantastic view of the city and the sea from up high. Our guide was such a wealth of information and it was so great to get.a feel for the real Barcelona and not just the tourist things.
From there we visited a park of Gaudi. He is a world famous architect who was brilliant and also thought to be mad as well!! It was such a strangely beautiful park but just jammed with people. Google him and take a peak. We then headed to the Sagrada familia which is a world famous church. It was spectacular! http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/docs_instit/images.php
We got to go inside and walk around as well. It is just absolutely massive. I wish I could write more about it but I have to wrap it up soon! Lunch followed at a delicious tapas restaurant. Our guide got us started with some french fried eggs! Sounds gross but was delicious. The food here is amazing... Probably why we aren't taking the elevator up 7 stories to our flat. Fantastic day with fantastic people.
On our way back we did a bathroom pub crawl! Everytime either one of us had to go use the bathroom, we went into a public for a drink. The public washrooms came at a price anyways so why not get something in return! We had a very interesting shot called the penetrating vibrator! The bartender wouldn't tell us what was in it until after . I don't remember everything in it but I know there was vodka answer absinthe and he laughed and said It wasn't a ladies drink!!
Dinner was at a pizzeria near our place. The pizza is so good because the cheese is so delicious and the toppings so fresh!!
Time to tidy up and pack up as tomorrow we head to Andorra! The smallest country you have never heard of!
Xoxox
We had an amazing opportunity today with uncle Dave and aunt Aurora and some of her friends to take a private tour of the city. It was pretty slick to have your own tourguide, driver and a Mercedes van to see the sights in! We started at mounjuic and the Olympic games stadium. We could go right in and walk around and had a fantastic view of the city and the sea from up high. Our guide was such a wealth of information and it was so great to get.a feel for the real Barcelona and not just the tourist things.
From there we visited a park of Gaudi. He is a world famous architect who was brilliant and also thought to be mad as well!! It was such a strangely beautiful park but just jammed with people. Google him and take a peak. We then headed to the Sagrada familia which is a world famous church. It was spectacular! http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/docs_instit/images.php
We got to go inside and walk around as well. It is just absolutely massive. I wish I could write more about it but I have to wrap it up soon! Lunch followed at a delicious tapas restaurant. Our guide got us started with some french fried eggs! Sounds gross but was delicious. The food here is amazing... Probably why we aren't taking the elevator up 7 stories to our flat. Fantastic day with fantastic people.
On our way back we did a bathroom pub crawl! Everytime either one of us had to go use the bathroom, we went into a public for a drink. The public washrooms came at a price anyways so why not get something in return! We had a very interesting shot called the penetrating vibrator! The bartender wouldn't tell us what was in it until after . I don't remember everything in it but I know there was vodka answer absinthe and he laughed and said It wasn't a ladies drink!!
Dinner was at a pizzeria near our place. The pizza is so good because the cheese is so delicious and the toppings so fresh!!
Time to tidy up and pack up as tomorrow we head to Andorra! The smallest country you have never heard of!
Xoxox
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Day 2: sunshine and sweet pea?
Day 2 we awoke to great news from Ontario that Katie and Dave are very soon going to be parents!! Sweet pea hasn't arrived just yet but any moment we may get an update!
I feel for those reading in Alberta under a snowfall warning. April is a hard month to live in the rockies so I hope it doesn't last long. Sending you sun and warmth.
We started the morning with a casual breakfast on the patio. We are so European with our baguettes and cheese!! We then took a nice stroll down the beach boardwalk. We saw the typical sites you would expect to see (nude sunbathers, packs of old men in speedos playing bocci) and things I had never seen before (volleyball played with a tennis ball and just hands, a tennis-squash hybrid played in a plastic box but outside. There is a crazy beach culture here and everyone is bronzed, drunk or topless! When in Barcelona... Not happening!!
We had a lovely lunch with uncle Dave and aunt aurora. It was so nice to see them and have a conversation in English! Mike and I were realizing we haven't spoke to many people other than each other. We had lunch on a patio overlooking the ocean and it was delicious! everyone is out to get your money here an we do look forward to getting out of the touristy areas and into smaller towns. While on the beach every 5 minutes you are harassed by a lady who wants to give you a massage... And doesn't take no for an answer. I almost kicked when she started touching me. She figured it out quickly then that I wasn't interested! Men walk up and down selling mohitos (think...like the vendors at baseball games). Even after lunch at the nice restaurant two girls in the staff uniform come up to your tablet and offer you massages. I guess I am employable all around the world!
There was a little farmers market across from our flat and we got some yummy beer goat cheese (guess whose pick that was!) and some meat pies and tarts for dinner. we decided to go to the beach for a bit ourselves in the late afternoon. It felt so good to be on a beach. We didn't spend too much time as we didn't want to burn.
It is now 730 and this city is still alive and bustling. It doesn't really sleep. Dinners start at 830 and night life goes from midnight until 6 am!! We are both feeling pretty good today, though mike didn't sleep much last night.
Time to think about dinner...me eating dinner at 8?? I am embracing the culture :)
Xo
I feel for those reading in Alberta under a snowfall warning. April is a hard month to live in the rockies so I hope it doesn't last long. Sending you sun and warmth.
We started the morning with a casual breakfast on the patio. We are so European with our baguettes and cheese!! We then took a nice stroll down the beach boardwalk. We saw the typical sites you would expect to see (nude sunbathers, packs of old men in speedos playing bocci) and things I had never seen before (volleyball played with a tennis ball and just hands, a tennis-squash hybrid played in a plastic box but outside. There is a crazy beach culture here and everyone is bronzed, drunk or topless! When in Barcelona... Not happening!!
We had a lovely lunch with uncle Dave and aunt aurora. It was so nice to see them and have a conversation in English! Mike and I were realizing we haven't spoke to many people other than each other. We had lunch on a patio overlooking the ocean and it was delicious! everyone is out to get your money here an we do look forward to getting out of the touristy areas and into smaller towns. While on the beach every 5 minutes you are harassed by a lady who wants to give you a massage... And doesn't take no for an answer. I almost kicked when she started touching me. She figured it out quickly then that I wasn't interested! Men walk up and down selling mohitos (think...like the vendors at baseball games). Even after lunch at the nice restaurant two girls in the staff uniform come up to your tablet and offer you massages. I guess I am employable all around the world!
There was a little farmers market across from our flat and we got some yummy beer goat cheese (guess whose pick that was!) and some meat pies and tarts for dinner. we decided to go to the beach for a bit ourselves in the late afternoon. It felt so good to be on a beach. We didn't spend too much time as we didn't want to burn.
It is now 730 and this city is still alive and bustling. It doesn't really sleep. Dinners start at 830 and night life goes from midnight until 6 am!! We are both feeling pretty good today, though mike didn't sleep much last night.
Time to think about dinner...me eating dinner at 8?? I am embracing the culture :)
Xo
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Day 1: Barcelona on zero sleep
We made it!!! After some uncertainty about if we would even get out of Toronto due to a major spring ice wind and rain storm...we are here in sunny Barcelona!
The time change is six hours ahead of you in Ontario and eight hours ahead of the Alberta folk.
Our car is a sweet VW golf...white and new. We are looking for a name if you have any ideas.
So far we feel lukewarm about the city. This is what we have learned so far:
The time change is six hours ahead of you in Ontario and eight hours ahead of the Alberta folk.
Our car is a sweet VW golf...white and new. We are looking for a name if you have any ideas.
So far we feel lukewarm about the city. This is what we have learned so far:
- The buildings are neat and old
- Our flat is in a great spot within walking distance to anything. We got lost on all outings today and feel like we got to see a lot of the city
- Crowds of people! If this isn't peak season, I can't imagine it in the summer. The beaches are just completely jammed with people and so are the very narrow streets
- Very touristy and americanized ...McDonalds, Starbuck, burger King etc on most streets
- Booze is very cheap at the grocery stores
- The sandwiches are amazing and a baguette is a must have accessory
- Most shops and restaurants closed before 5 and most people don't get up and running until after lunch
We are going to go enjoy the sunset and have a drink on our patio and plan our day tomorrow!
Love from Barcelona
PS: we are still not an aunt and uncle yet!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
3 days until go time
I arrived back in Port Colborne late last night and the planning and re-packing begins! I got my toes all painted, picking up our Euro's tomorrow and then we are pretty much good to go!
Just testing the blog out to see how this all works!
Map of Europe
Just testing the blog out to see how this all works!
Map of Europe
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