Today we took the time to travel out to Tivolli to visit the Villa D'Este. It is as amazing as I remembered. Will try and download some photos, ever the optimist. The whole place is stunning. It was built on some Roman ruins which were found recently during some restoration work. Originally it was a summer palace for one of the Cardinals, Lorcia's Borgia's son and nephew to the Pope of the time, around the 1550's. Anyone even thinking of going to Rome should make the effort to go, it is well worth the effort.
Also went to the Vatican as one does when in Rome. There were lots of tourist again, probably the same ones at the Spanish Steps and the Treivi fountain yesterday. The bus ride there was an experience. The cobbled stones on the road had the effect of sort of a cellulite treatment or an odd sort of vibrating massage for the rest of the body.
A word about crossing the road in Rome. There is quite an art to it. Weather you are at a crossing with lights or not the technique is about the same. Basically you take a big breathe, weather you hold it or not is up to you, when you are sure the traffic can see you, looking straight ahead and without pausing or hesitating, walk out on to the crossing and keep going. The cars, buses and scooters will just work their way around you. The first few times are a bit scary but it sort of gets better with practice. Like Paris there are no apparent lane markings and it is basically a free for all. Unlike the Parisians these guys go fast, very fast. They put their brakes, shock absorbers and seat belts to good use.
Time for me to hand over to Clare for now
Cheers Cia
Hi to you all
Well Rome has been lovely - no theft involved, but I don't know if I was having my bum felt up - or someone was unsuccessfully trying to pickpocket me on the bus this morning.
I swear Europeans learn to smoke from birth - just about everyone smokes over here. Thankfully in most countries it is now banned in most shops, restaurants and hotel rooms. Of all the underground railway systems we have travelled the Roman one is the dirtiest.
Yesterday was a hot day, and reverting to England and France, most people were rugged up for a potential cold snap - we were obviously tommy tourists in our shorts and putting sunscreen on.
I am just about pasted out. After pasta for 3 out of 4 meals.
The Spanish steps were nice but not as good as I expected. The Trevi fountain was beautiful - but I had pictured another fountain. The Colosseum was amazing as was the Roman forum - just imagine walking in the footsteps of Julius Caesar!
Today we had a free bus trip to Tivoli as no one seems to check or sell bus tickets.
The Villa d'Este was fantastic and then we went to the Vatican - truly stunning art! Lots of irreverent and pushy ? catholics there.
Up with the sparrows tomorrow to go to Venice for a couple of days.
I now have a new camera - but we have no way of downloading photos at present.
That's all from Roma!
Clare
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Rome
We arrived safe in and sound in Rome though when we landed all the other passengers clapped and cheered. I am a little worried about why. What did they know about Ryan Air that we didn't? Got a shock when we decided to get a taxi in from the airport. Got caught in traffic even though it was 8pm at night and it cost a bomb. As we flew into Ciacampio (something like that anyway) which is not the main airport for Rome, there were no airport bus transfers and we didn't feel like grappling with the public transport system at night with bags and not knowing where we were going.
Our hotel room is a bit on the small side. Ok its miniscule. I think one of the bathrooms in Spain was a little bigger. The beds however are comfy. The a/c leaves a bit to be desired though that could just be my power surges talking. Visited the Forum and Colosseum this morning and if I am lucky may be able to down load some photos. Not holding my breath though. Was a bit disappointed with the Spanish Steps. They didn't seem to be anything really special at this time of year. No floral decorations just lots and lots of tourists. The Trivi fountain was how I remember it. We are lucky that we have a Rome card that gives unlimited travel on the public transport system and getting round is fairly easy. The down side is that we are actually within walking distance of many of the attractions in this part of town.
Tomorrow hope to go to Trivolli and visit the wonderful gardens at the Villa De Este. I remember them as fascinating roman era gardens on a hill side. The aqua duct brings the water up the hill without pumps and it then cascades down the hill in a series of fountains etc.
No luck downloading photos today. Spent ages trying but it just wasn't having any of it today
Cheers Cia
Our hotel room is a bit on the small side. Ok its miniscule. I think one of the bathrooms in Spain was a little bigger. The beds however are comfy. The a/c leaves a bit to be desired though that could just be my power surges talking. Visited the Forum and Colosseum this morning and if I am lucky may be able to down load some photos. Not holding my breath though. Was a bit disappointed with the Spanish Steps. They didn't seem to be anything really special at this time of year. No floral decorations just lots and lots of tourists. The Trivi fountain was how I remember it. We are lucky that we have a Rome card that gives unlimited travel on the public transport system and getting round is fairly easy. The down side is that we are actually within walking distance of many of the attractions in this part of town.
Tomorrow hope to go to Trivolli and visit the wonderful gardens at the Villa De Este. I remember them as fascinating roman era gardens on a hill side. The aqua duct brings the water up the hill without pumps and it then cascades down the hill in a series of fountains etc.
No luck downloading photos today. Spent ages trying but it just wasn't having any of it today
Cheers Cia
Monday, September 24, 2007
Hi from Madrid
Hi from Spain. No photos today as I have packed my connector cable away as we are flying to Rome this afternoon. Clare will relate her sorry tale of the theft of her bag in Valencia.
Apart from that we have seen some amazing places. Some of the churches, basilica´s, cathedrals and mosques now churches are just amazing in their intricacy and sheer size in some cases. The Temple of the Holy Family in Barcelona is still under construction, estimated another 20 yrs to go, and was commenced in the late 1800´s. It is almost grotesquely beautiful. A real mix of styles with the most recent being a modern interpretation of the original plans. Wish I was able to download a photo.
In the last week I have spent more time in church than in the last few years. Most of this time has been spent gazing at ceilings, beautiful ceramic tiles, or simply amazing woodcarving rather than in prayer.
The hotels on the tour have been OK. I will sign over to Clare now as there is not much time left on the computer. cheers Cia
Well life had a little setback in Valencia where, as Cia said I had my bag stolen at breakfast while we were at breakfast. Apart from shock and annoyance, anger and disbelief, I was relatively lucky that the time was early and the shops were closed and I noticed it within minutes. Fortunately my passport was elsewhere.
The Valencia police station was and experience. It felt like hours but the whole reporting incident only took about 30mins. One almost need a police search to get into the police station - not talking Spanish made the experience a bit interesting until I got an interpreter. The report is in Spanish so hopefully I have signed was I said. God was looking after me a little bit, as my phone was disabled quickly - probably because they tried to make a phone call not allowed by Optus - one of the few times they have been efficient. Luckily my bank account were not accessed. I have learnt just about every toll free number in Spain. I am most pissed off about loosing my camera´s memory card and my diary - the rest is an inconvenience.
Yesterday we went to some Brasilia in Zarazoga where I said a little prayer to someone that some godly kind sole will return the memory card and my diary. Chances are slim but one has to have a go.
My travel insurance has paid for itself and will get a work out when I get home.
Lucky for me today I was able to get a camera - I wasn´t going to accept anything less than what I had.
On to Italy where I will probably get the Spanish right. I have been speaking French most of the time in Spain
Cheers
Clare
Apart from that we have seen some amazing places. Some of the churches, basilica´s, cathedrals and mosques now churches are just amazing in their intricacy and sheer size in some cases. The Temple of the Holy Family in Barcelona is still under construction, estimated another 20 yrs to go, and was commenced in the late 1800´s. It is almost grotesquely beautiful. A real mix of styles with the most recent being a modern interpretation of the original plans. Wish I was able to download a photo.
In the last week I have spent more time in church than in the last few years. Most of this time has been spent gazing at ceilings, beautiful ceramic tiles, or simply amazing woodcarving rather than in prayer.
The hotels on the tour have been OK. I will sign over to Clare now as there is not much time left on the computer. cheers Cia
Well life had a little setback in Valencia where, as Cia said I had my bag stolen at breakfast while we were at breakfast. Apart from shock and annoyance, anger and disbelief, I was relatively lucky that the time was early and the shops were closed and I noticed it within minutes. Fortunately my passport was elsewhere.
The Valencia police station was and experience. It felt like hours but the whole reporting incident only took about 30mins. One almost need a police search to get into the police station - not talking Spanish made the experience a bit interesting until I got an interpreter. The report is in Spanish so hopefully I have signed was I said. God was looking after me a little bit, as my phone was disabled quickly - probably because they tried to make a phone call not allowed by Optus - one of the few times they have been efficient. Luckily my bank account were not accessed. I have learnt just about every toll free number in Spain. I am most pissed off about loosing my camera´s memory card and my diary - the rest is an inconvenience.
Yesterday we went to some Brasilia in Zarazoga where I said a little prayer to someone that some godly kind sole will return the memory card and my diary. Chances are slim but one has to have a go.
My travel insurance has paid for itself and will get a work out when I get home.
Lucky for me today I was able to get a camera - I wasn´t going to accept anything less than what I had.
On to Italy where I will probably get the Spanish right. I have been speaking French most of the time in Spain
Cheers
Clare
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
These pictures are from top left the kitchens at Hampton Court Palace and then view from the tour bus down the Sien in Paris.The one on the bottom is the ancient wall of the disued mosque in Serville. Photos a bit hit and miss as cannot view them before downloading them and all the instructions are in spanish. CiaHi from Clare, this are my memories from England France and parts of Spain.
The highlight for me in London was seeing my friend Anita. We had a lovely gossip and visit - it was as if we had seen each other regularly - not 7 years ago.
The London Eye was fantastic - scary if you think that we were higher than Big Ben. Saw Buckingham Palace from here - I think the Queen waved to me - but I can´t be too sure. From here we walked in the footsteps of Shakespeare and down Rose Alley made infamous in Romeo and Juliet were ¨ a rose by any other name should smell so sweet¨ refers to Rose Alley which was essentially a sewer.
Then it was a short hop to France - The queue at Heathrow was much more impressive than JFK. At Heathrow we were about 12th in row for take off and when we took off there was about 15 or more planes queued for take off. At JFK we were only 8th in line.
France - or more specifically Paris was very clean for the Rugby World Cup. The hotel we stayed has Louis Vuittons House on it. Kind of special - but he wasn´t home.
We went to Versailles and walked miles on bloody cobbles - which are painful on your feet and heels! It is a stunning and opulent palace - we had done miles of walking before we found out we could have been lazy and hired a golf buggy - would have seen more of the gardens if we had on. Oh well que sera sera.
One of the highlights of Paris for me was the Marmotten gallery with all the original impressionist artists, illuminations and specific a whole floor devoted to Monet - it sent shivers down my spine!
The other highlight was having creme brulee on the Champes Elysse.
There were heaps of tourists in Paris - lots of Scots in kilts, heaps of dejected Poms and plenty of happy and arrogant South Africans. I braved the Eiffel Tower and we managed to avoid the Bosian scammers there as well.
Quite notably missing was Starbucks. Dime a dozen in New York, plentiful in London - but I didn´t see any in Paris. Have seen quite a few in Spain though.
We flew Ezy Jet to Madrid - like cattle but we got on early. Finally in Spain people dress for the climate - people in shorts and short sleeves - not black and suits.
Madrid is a city of statues and gates with lots of lovely ceramic street signs.
The Madrid Palace was spectacular - on par with Versailles but not quite as opulent.
We started the bus tour of Spain yesterday - Don Quitioxe is quite the fictional hero. Went to this mind blowing 8th centuary mosque which was taken over by the catholic church in the 1400´s and is still a catholic cathedral. Amazing for its age and in superb repair.
Tonight we watch the flamenco dancers and the Spanish guitarists - should be a better experience than the tits and arse of the Lido.
Thats all for now - might take a siesta
Clare
The highlight for me in London was seeing my friend Anita. We had a lovely gossip and visit - it was as if we had seen each other regularly - not 7 years ago.
The London Eye was fantastic - scary if you think that we were higher than Big Ben. Saw Buckingham Palace from here - I think the Queen waved to me - but I can´t be too sure. From here we walked in the footsteps of Shakespeare and down Rose Alley made infamous in Romeo and Juliet were ¨ a rose by any other name should smell so sweet¨ refers to Rose Alley which was essentially a sewer.
Then it was a short hop to France - The queue at Heathrow was much more impressive than JFK. At Heathrow we were about 12th in row for take off and when we took off there was about 15 or more planes queued for take off. At JFK we were only 8th in line.
France - or more specifically Paris was very clean for the Rugby World Cup. The hotel we stayed has Louis Vuittons House on it. Kind of special - but he wasn´t home.
We went to Versailles and walked miles on bloody cobbles - which are painful on your feet and heels! It is a stunning and opulent palace - we had done miles of walking before we found out we could have been lazy and hired a golf buggy - would have seen more of the gardens if we had on. Oh well que sera sera.
One of the highlights of Paris for me was the Marmotten gallery with all the original impressionist artists, illuminations and specific a whole floor devoted to Monet - it sent shivers down my spine!
The other highlight was having creme brulee on the Champes Elysse.
There were heaps of tourists in Paris - lots of Scots in kilts, heaps of dejected Poms and plenty of happy and arrogant South Africans. I braved the Eiffel Tower and we managed to avoid the Bosian scammers there as well.
Quite notably missing was Starbucks. Dime a dozen in New York, plentiful in London - but I didn´t see any in Paris. Have seen quite a few in Spain though.
We flew Ezy Jet to Madrid - like cattle but we got on early. Finally in Spain people dress for the climate - people in shorts and short sleeves - not black and suits.
Madrid is a city of statues and gates with lots of lovely ceramic street signs.
The Madrid Palace was spectacular - on par with Versailles but not quite as opulent.
We started the bus tour of Spain yesterday - Don Quitioxe is quite the fictional hero. Went to this mind blowing 8th centuary mosque which was taken over by the catholic church in the 1400´s and is still a catholic cathedral. Amazing for its age and in superb repair.
Tonight we watch the flamenco dancers and the Spanish guitarists - should be a better experience than the tits and arse of the Lido.
Thats all for now - might take a siesta
Clare
Monday, September 17, 2007
Paris and Madrid
Well here we are in Madrid after two and a bit days in Paris. There is a cue for the computers so will not be able to download any photos as this one is pretty slow. Has taken quite a while to figure out how to get it to diplay in english.
Anyway what can I say about Paris? The Parisians, well at least the ones we saw, were well dressed, slim (they smoke too much to have time to eat), and the women in particular have good hair and skin, with shoes to die for. Mind you the shoes would kill your feet. The plumper people we saw were tourists like us.
The roads do not have lane markings so it is seems like Raffertys rules with cars, busses, motor bikes, skooters and cyclists weaving in and out of each other with no apparent distress. Interestinly the pedestrian crossings are not necessarily at the traffic light though have ´walk and do not walk´signs. These signs and the traffic light do not appear to be co-ordinated which makes crossing the road an experience. We just walked when everyone else started walking whether traffic was on the crossings or not.
Talking of walking I think our feet are just about worn out. And am I over stairs. They are everywhere in abundance. There seem to be more of them the more tired we are. As for the sights well Versailles was fabulous. Very ornate and endless displays of wealth as I guess was the whole point. Did the usual open top bus tour, been on one everywhere we have been, as well as a river cruise on the Sein. Went to an amazing gallery of Monet´s work. you could spend hours there. Also had dinner in the Eifel Tower which was great then onto a show at the Lido. It was so so. A bunch of slim, often topless girls, parading around in outlandish costumes with impossible headdresses to music. You really couldn´t call it dancing. There were a couple of male acrobat performers who were OK. Though I wouldn´t bother going again even if for free.
Our flight to Madrid was smooth and the best landing yet. A few have been a bit wobbly. We only had today here before we leave on our bus trip tomorrow. So off on another open top bus, hopping off at the Royal Palace and the Prado. Both are just great.
have just about run out of time so will go till next time
cheers Cia and Clare
Anyway what can I say about Paris? The Parisians, well at least the ones we saw, were well dressed, slim (they smoke too much to have time to eat), and the women in particular have good hair and skin, with shoes to die for. Mind you the shoes would kill your feet. The plumper people we saw were tourists like us.
The roads do not have lane markings so it is seems like Raffertys rules with cars, busses, motor bikes, skooters and cyclists weaving in and out of each other with no apparent distress. Interestinly the pedestrian crossings are not necessarily at the traffic light though have ´walk and do not walk´signs. These signs and the traffic light do not appear to be co-ordinated which makes crossing the road an experience. We just walked when everyone else started walking whether traffic was on the crossings or not.
Talking of walking I think our feet are just about worn out. And am I over stairs. They are everywhere in abundance. There seem to be more of them the more tired we are. As for the sights well Versailles was fabulous. Very ornate and endless displays of wealth as I guess was the whole point. Did the usual open top bus tour, been on one everywhere we have been, as well as a river cruise on the Sein. Went to an amazing gallery of Monet´s work. you could spend hours there. Also had dinner in the Eifel Tower which was great then onto a show at the Lido. It was so so. A bunch of slim, often topless girls, parading around in outlandish costumes with impossible headdresses to music. You really couldn´t call it dancing. There were a couple of male acrobat performers who were OK. Though I wouldn´t bother going again even if for free.
Our flight to Madrid was smooth and the best landing yet. A few have been a bit wobbly. We only had today here before we leave on our bus trip tomorrow. So off on another open top bus, hopping off at the Royal Palace and the Prado. Both are just great.
have just about run out of time so will go till next time
cheers Cia and Clare
Monday, September 10, 2007
Hi from London
We have arrived safe and sound in London. Met up with my niece Lucy who is currently living here. Went up the London Eye, pretty amazing. Didn't get vertigo at all. Pounded the pavements to the Globe theatre which unfortunately had a performance on so we couldn't do the tour today, maybe tomorrow. Saw the ruins of the Rose theatre instead. Next off to the Tower of London. Planned to catch the tube but somehow missed the signs and ended up walking instead. Very sore feet now as didn't have my runners on.
As you can see have managed to at least download one photo. This Big Ben and the houses of Parliament from the London Eye. Cannot seem to get it to do anymore for me. Again we have struck it lucky with the weather. Fine with cool breeze when out of the sun. Apparently it has been wet and cold here lately.
The London Pass with travel card is great. We do not have to worry about getting tickets for the tube or buses, and it makes entry into places included with the program very easy and generally quick.
Lots of little eateries near where we are staying which we plan on sampling tonight. We are just off Bayswater road within walking distance of Paddington station, handy for the express to and from Heathrow, and just around the corner from Lancaster Gate tube station.
Cheers for now Cia
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Hello all,
New York is just a whopping big Sydney. Got the hang of the crossings and traffic, you have to take a bit of your life into your own hands - after acting like a local we realized you look to see if cars are coming - not wait for the lights to change.
This place is coffee heaven, on just about every corner there is a Starbucks or a coffee place. The diners are great value for food - but soon learnt just to order an appedizer size meal - mind you I have walked everything off that I have eaten.
We have seen sights left right and centre and from below and above. The subway is an expreience at peak hour - talk about sardines.
Walked up the Statue of Liberty - the 26 stairs they said at the beginning was a lie! Before I knew it I was huffing and puffing my way up 5 storeys of steep stairs. My bum should be like a rock when I get home.
Saw the show Hairspray last night and had the best time from the beginning to the end. Hope it comes to Australia.
Off to London today via Washington - a long way round. Clare
New York is just a whopping big Sydney. Got the hang of the crossings and traffic, you have to take a bit of your life into your own hands - after acting like a local we realized you look to see if cars are coming - not wait for the lights to change.
This place is coffee heaven, on just about every corner there is a Starbucks or a coffee place. The diners are great value for food - but soon learnt just to order an appedizer size meal - mind you I have walked everything off that I have eaten.
We have seen sights left right and centre and from below and above. The subway is an expreience at peak hour - talk about sardines.
Walked up the Statue of Liberty - the 26 stairs they said at the beginning was a lie! Before I knew it I was huffing and puffing my way up 5 storeys of steep stairs. My bum should be like a rock when I get home.
Saw the show Hairspray last night and had the best time from the beginning to the end. Hope it comes to Australia.
Off to London today via Washington - a long way round. Clare
Thursday, September 6, 2007
USA
Hi, this will be a text only post as I cannot download photos from my camera on this computer. The lack of a USB port is very frustrating.
Well we arrived in LA early afternoon. Tired as anything. Who can sleep economy class on Planes? We managed to do a 4hr tour from our Airport Hotel around LA, Santa Monica and Venice. Quite interesting but does not inspire me to rush back. Found some of the people a little terse. The Chinese and Kodak theaters were interesting.
New York is wonderful and much more friendly. Have hit most of the high spots for tourists with just the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and another museum to see tomorrow. Did an amazing helicopter ride over Manhattan, then a fast boat ride up the Hudson today. I think seeing the sunset and then the city lights from the Empire State Building has to be one of the highlights for me. Seeing a Broadway show tomorrow pm as well.
We have walked just about everywhere that the double decker tourist bus didn't go. Today bit the bullet and bought a metro card with much relief for our feet. After a couple of bumpy starts we seem to be getting the hang of it. The town is so easy to get around once you master reading the street directions and the metro maps.
The Diners are a bit hit and miss. Some are great value for money others too expensive for words, while others really just so so. One meal has been superb... spinach salad with strawberries, peaches, walnuts, blue cheese and chicken with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Off to London on Friday evening. Are going to brave the public express airport bus from grand central station(another fantastic building) to JFK rather than discuss whether the tip is big enough with the taxi diver. Find tipping very odd.
well that is about it from us at the moment, hopefully will be able to download photos in London
Cheers Cia
Well we arrived in LA early afternoon. Tired as anything. Who can sleep economy class on Planes? We managed to do a 4hr tour from our Airport Hotel around LA, Santa Monica and Venice. Quite interesting but does not inspire me to rush back. Found some of the people a little terse. The Chinese and Kodak theaters were interesting.
New York is wonderful and much more friendly. Have hit most of the high spots for tourists with just the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and another museum to see tomorrow. Did an amazing helicopter ride over Manhattan, then a fast boat ride up the Hudson today. I think seeing the sunset and then the city lights from the Empire State Building has to be one of the highlights for me. Seeing a Broadway show tomorrow pm as well.
We have walked just about everywhere that the double decker tourist bus didn't go. Today bit the bullet and bought a metro card with much relief for our feet. After a couple of bumpy starts we seem to be getting the hang of it. The town is so easy to get around once you master reading the street directions and the metro maps.
The Diners are a bit hit and miss. Some are great value for money others too expensive for words, while others really just so so. One meal has been superb... spinach salad with strawberries, peaches, walnuts, blue cheese and chicken with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Off to London on Friday evening. Are going to brave the public express airport bus from grand central station(another fantastic building) to JFK rather than discuss whether the tip is big enough with the taxi diver. Find tipping very odd.
well that is about it from us at the moment, hopefully will be able to download photos in London
Cheers Cia
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