I am abit behind in my diary writing - but will catch up over the next couple of days. But have seen several stages of the Tour de France and yesterday were on the finish line for the Time Trail. Cheered Cadel on until we were hoarse, but we still did not manage to get him over the line in time. Saw him after - he looked exhausted so I guess he gave it all! Quite a few Aussies around with yellow and green wigs and some carrying blow up kangaroos. The locals were quite amused. We sang Waltzing Matilda to the peleton as it rolled out of Pau on the 26th.
Au revoir
Helen
Sunday, July 29, 2007
San Remo to Senas, Provence July 17.
The usual crappy Italian hotel breakfast awaited us – a bit of bread, cordial and some biscuits. But OK coffee.
We backed the car into the driveway of some apartments to load it up and incurred the wrath of some old Italian bloke. He did not want to use the driveway, he just did not want us to be there. So he abused us in Italian, and we said a few choice words to him in English. It was quite comical.
From San Remo the freeway goes up into the hills. A series of viaducts and tunnels takes you around the side of the hills high above the Mediterranean. Some of the views were spectacular. Brian had to believe us – it was not a good idea for the driver to take his eyes off the road.
Our first stop was Monaca. What a contrast from grubby San Remo. Everything is sparkling clean, with beautiful gardens leading down to the Monte Carlo Casino, magnificent yachts in the harbour and several enormous cruise ships. It took us about 2 minutes to see our first Ferrari. I think final count for the day was 5, but your Bentley sports car seemed to be the automobile of choice. I neglected to mention earlier, but several Maeserati’s had flashed past us on the Autostrade in Italy.
We walked down the hill through the gardens towards the casino, then walked around the Monte Carlo harbour, and up towards the Palace, before taking Tourist train ride around the city, along the Grand Prix route, and up to the Palace. Albert was home, but he didn’t come out to greet us. His guards have very fancy uniforms.
Unfortunately our budget did not allow an extended stay in Monaco – it is not cheap!
We drove into France on the Motorway for several hundred km’s, and looked for a place to stay in a province village. Eventually settling on a small place called Senas, and the Hotel terminus. They had a lovely outdoor restaurant, set up under some big oak trees. The only negative aspect was the two large dogs sitting with the people on the table next to us. The French love their dogs!
The meal was lovely – fixed menu’s are the preferred dining method of French chefs, and they offer 3-4 courses from about Euro 18 on average – less for children. These are really good value, especially as a main course A-la-carte is usually about 12 euro.
They also had Eurosport on the TV, so we were able to catch up on a bit of Tour de France action in English! Up until now we had only been able to get French or Italian coverage, and have had to figure out what is going on by looking at the pictures, and translating the few words we know. We found out about Stuart O’Gradys crash by opening an Italian newspaper last night and seeing a picture of him lying on the side of the road in a neck brace. It was a bit of a shock. We now also know that Stage 8 was a disaster for Australia, with Michael Rogers also crashing, and Robbie McEwan pulling out. I guess it will be up to Cadel to fly the Aussie flag.
The usual crappy Italian hotel breakfast awaited us – a bit of bread, cordial and some biscuits. But OK coffee.
We backed the car into the driveway of some apartments to load it up and incurred the wrath of some old Italian bloke. He did not want to use the driveway, he just did not want us to be there. So he abused us in Italian, and we said a few choice words to him in English. It was quite comical.
From San Remo the freeway goes up into the hills. A series of viaducts and tunnels takes you around the side of the hills high above the Mediterranean. Some of the views were spectacular. Brian had to believe us – it was not a good idea for the driver to take his eyes off the road.
Our first stop was Monaca. What a contrast from grubby San Remo. Everything is sparkling clean, with beautiful gardens leading down to the Monte Carlo Casino, magnificent yachts in the harbour and several enormous cruise ships. It took us about 2 minutes to see our first Ferrari. I think final count for the day was 5, but your Bentley sports car seemed to be the automobile of choice. I neglected to mention earlier, but several Maeserati’s had flashed past us on the Autostrade in Italy.
We walked down the hill through the gardens towards the casino, then walked around the Monte Carlo harbour, and up towards the Palace, before taking Tourist train ride around the city, along the Grand Prix route, and up to the Palace. Albert was home, but he didn’t come out to greet us. His guards have very fancy uniforms.
Unfortunately our budget did not allow an extended stay in Monaco – it is not cheap!
We drove into France on the Motorway for several hundred km’s, and looked for a place to stay in a province village. Eventually settling on a small place called Senas, and the Hotel terminus. They had a lovely outdoor restaurant, set up under some big oak trees. The only negative aspect was the two large dogs sitting with the people on the table next to us. The French love their dogs!
The meal was lovely – fixed menu’s are the preferred dining method of French chefs, and they offer 3-4 courses from about Euro 18 on average – less for children. These are really good value, especially as a main course A-la-carte is usually about 12 euro.
They also had Eurosport on the TV, so we were able to catch up on a bit of Tour de France action in English! Up until now we had only been able to get French or Italian coverage, and have had to figure out what is going on by looking at the pictures, and translating the few words we know. We found out about Stuart O’Gradys crash by opening an Italian newspaper last night and seeing a picture of him lying on the side of the road in a neck brace. It was a bit of a shock. We now also know that Stage 8 was a disaster for Australia, with Michael Rogers also crashing, and Robbie McEwan pulling out. I guess it will be up to Cadel to fly the Aussie flag.
Firenze to San Remo July 15.
It was due to get hotter in Firenze – no wonder the only people there this time of year are tourists.
We hit the Autostrada in the direction the coast. The traffic seems to flow on these amazingly well. Everyone keeps to the right ( or the “slow” lane), unless passing. We were poking along at 130kmph, but cars were flying past us. So Brian arked up the Renault to 150, but Audis and Beamers, Mercs and Alfa’s were still coming up behind us and flashing their lights – that is the signal to pull into the “slow” lane. So we settled back into a comfortable 130.
We stopped at Pisa for a look at the tower. Similar to Firenze – packed with tourists and trashy souvenir stalls. The Cathedral and Tower are quite spectacular, but all the trash around them detract from the overall impression.
It was getting late in the day when we reached the coast and started back up towards France, so decided to look for a hotel. This took awhile. It is holiday time in Europe, for the locals as well as the influx of overseas visitors, so accommodation was at a premium – both price wise and vacancies. After numerous “Completo Full” signs, or ridiculous prices we settled on a single room – not much bigger than a walk in robe with 4 beds in it at a place just outside San Remo. The hotel was called Hotel Graziella. Your Italian Mediterranean coastal resort is not flash. Best descriptions are dirty, sleezy and slightly run down looking. The beach does not exist – just a bit of gravely stuff and rows and rows of deck chairs that you have to rent. We had dinner of bread, Jambon (ham) and cheese on some rocks by the water, until the bad smell forced us out. The girls watched a free local talent show that was taking place beside the beach, and Brian and I had a bottle of red, and the rest of the bread and cheese overlooking the boat harbour.
It was due to get hotter in Firenze – no wonder the only people there this time of year are tourists.
We hit the Autostrada in the direction the coast. The traffic seems to flow on these amazingly well. Everyone keeps to the right ( or the “slow” lane), unless passing. We were poking along at 130kmph, but cars were flying past us. So Brian arked up the Renault to 150, but Audis and Beamers, Mercs and Alfa’s were still coming up behind us and flashing their lights – that is the signal to pull into the “slow” lane. So we settled back into a comfortable 130.
We stopped at Pisa for a look at the tower. Similar to Firenze – packed with tourists and trashy souvenir stalls. The Cathedral and Tower are quite spectacular, but all the trash around them detract from the overall impression.
It was getting late in the day when we reached the coast and started back up towards France, so decided to look for a hotel. This took awhile. It is holiday time in Europe, for the locals as well as the influx of overseas visitors, so accommodation was at a premium – both price wise and vacancies. After numerous “Completo Full” signs, or ridiculous prices we settled on a single room – not much bigger than a walk in robe with 4 beds in it at a place just outside San Remo. The hotel was called Hotel Graziella. Your Italian Mediterranean coastal resort is not flash. Best descriptions are dirty, sleezy and slightly run down looking. The beach does not exist – just a bit of gravely stuff and rows and rows of deck chairs that you have to rent. We had dinner of bread, Jambon (ham) and cheese on some rocks by the water, until the bad smell forced us out. The girls watched a free local talent show that was taking place beside the beach, and Brian and I had a bottle of red, and the rest of the bread and cheese overlooking the boat harbour.
July 15 Florence
Florence – July 15.
Or as the Italians call it Firenze.
It was going to be another hot one. We had decided last night that the only way to know what the history of the building and sculpture you were looking at was, was to take a tour. One mob had been featured on a Michael Palin BBC travel show, so we decided to go with them, also their commentary was in English. They had a package deal, Firenze in a day – 3 hour walking tour at 9.00am, then a guided visit to the Ufuzzi gallery, followed by a visit to the Academia to see Michaelangelo’s David.
One problem, there was only one space left on the walking tour. So I did that, the girls rested at the hotel, and Brian walked around by himself, with his Lonely Planet guide.
My walking tour was great. Lots of interesting stories regarding the history of the famous buildings and about the Medici family; who many centuries ago pretty much owned most of Firenze. The family died out – One brother took one look at his arranged wife and decided there would be no consummation of that marriage, and the sister was barren. So that was the end of a dynasty. But when the sister died – the last remaining member of the family, she left the entire estate to the city of Firenze, with the caveat that everything must remain in Firenze. Most of it did, Napolean took a few bits and pieces for himself, and the Nazi’s picked up a couple and blew up all the bridges, except for the famed Pont Vecchio.
The city is very interesting and the sculpture of David is absolutely awesome. It really draws you in, and you find your self just staring at it. The detail in the body, plus that the fact that he carved it from a single slab of marble, with no help in just 3 years makes it even more remarkable.
But, overall you are left with a feeling that it is just a bit too commercial. All the galleries are very expensive to visit, and there are long queues to see anything, plus out side all the famous monuments you have illegal street vendors trying to sell you handbags, sunglasses and dodgy paintings. The street vendors have their wares displayed on large pieces of cloth, and when someone gives the signal that the Police are coming, they just pick up the 4 corners of the cloth so it forms a bag and walk away. The Police are very slack, and apart from standing around chatting to each other smoking, seem to do little about getting rid of them.
We climbed up to Michealangelo park in the early evening to see the sun set over the Pont Vecchio. Brian got some great photos. Then we had the usual hunt for something to eat. In the end we were too hungry and tired to walk any further, and settled for some overpriced, poor quality pasta and pizza, and that was the Firenze done and dusted.
Or as the Italians call it Firenze.
It was going to be another hot one. We had decided last night that the only way to know what the history of the building and sculpture you were looking at was, was to take a tour. One mob had been featured on a Michael Palin BBC travel show, so we decided to go with them, also their commentary was in English. They had a package deal, Firenze in a day – 3 hour walking tour at 9.00am, then a guided visit to the Ufuzzi gallery, followed by a visit to the Academia to see Michaelangelo’s David.
One problem, there was only one space left on the walking tour. So I did that, the girls rested at the hotel, and Brian walked around by himself, with his Lonely Planet guide.
My walking tour was great. Lots of interesting stories regarding the history of the famous buildings and about the Medici family; who many centuries ago pretty much owned most of Firenze. The family died out – One brother took one look at his arranged wife and decided there would be no consummation of that marriage, and the sister was barren. So that was the end of a dynasty. But when the sister died – the last remaining member of the family, she left the entire estate to the city of Firenze, with the caveat that everything must remain in Firenze. Most of it did, Napolean took a few bits and pieces for himself, and the Nazi’s picked up a couple and blew up all the bridges, except for the famed Pont Vecchio.
The city is very interesting and the sculpture of David is absolutely awesome. It really draws you in, and you find your self just staring at it. The detail in the body, plus that the fact that he carved it from a single slab of marble, with no help in just 3 years makes it even more remarkable.
But, overall you are left with a feeling that it is just a bit too commercial. All the galleries are very expensive to visit, and there are long queues to see anything, plus out side all the famous monuments you have illegal street vendors trying to sell you handbags, sunglasses and dodgy paintings. The street vendors have their wares displayed on large pieces of cloth, and when someone gives the signal that the Police are coming, they just pick up the 4 corners of the cloth so it forms a bag and walk away. The Police are very slack, and apart from standing around chatting to each other smoking, seem to do little about getting rid of them.
We climbed up to Michealangelo park in the early evening to see the sun set over the Pont Vecchio. Brian got some great photos. Then we had the usual hunt for something to eat. In the end we were too hungry and tired to walk any further, and settled for some overpriced, poor quality pasta and pizza, and that was the Firenze done and dusted.
Irvea to Cremorna. July 12.
Italian hotel breakfasts are not that flash – or at least not in your 2 star joint anyway. Some sorry looking croissant things, and biscuits. But the coffee was good.
We discovered a fresh food market on our way out of town and stopped for a look around. They really like their cheese and vegetables here. We still had cheese with us, but I bought some bread and got it sliced into 4 big rolls (after quite a bit of hand signalling) and some beautiful looking strawberries (Fragole in Italian)
Now that our lunch was sorted we headed for Como, on the shores of lake ???????.
The freeways in Italian (Autostrada) have some interesting speed limits, and all seem to be under construction. The speed limit changed constantly, but no matter what the signs said everyone drove fast! The traffic heading towards Milan was very heavy, with literally hundreds of trucks. The have to stick to the right hand lane, so that lane ends up being one long lane of trucks. They are not allowed to pull out and overtake. – Quite a good idea we reckoned.
As we neared Milan the air got a lot smoggier. We skirted around the edge of Milan, and hoped that as we got closer to the mountains and Como the air would clear a bit – it didn’t!
Como is pretty, but was packed with tourists. We had lunch on the edge of the lake, and then drove around it. The road was very narrow, but quite pretty with little villages clinging to the sides of the hills. As we left the lake and headed off back down the valley in the direction of Florence we got caught in a massive traffic jam.
The roads through ____________ are very narrow and crowded. Near the approach to the Autostrada we came to came to a complete stop. 2 hours later we were through – the reason for the hold up – a truck had lost a load of huge concrete blocks on a bend and had effectively blocked the road. Originally we had hoped to spend the night in Florence. But the drive around lake Como???? - (I think it is actually called something else)had taken longer than anticipated, made worse by the traffic jam.
So Cremorna was our destination. The usual accommodation challenge ensued, but after driving through a pedestrian only area, and a lot of hand signalling we found suitable accommodation. Once again the old part of town was all cobblestone streets. Cremorna has a magnificent Cathedral and a large town square. The entire centre of town is closed to traffic in the evenings and becomes one big open air dining area.
Everyone rides bikes – not road bikes or mountain bikes, but cruising type bikes, with fat tyres and baskets. All ages and shapes rode them, and in any type of clothing from shorts and runners, to skirts and stilettos. The passing parade from our restaurant table was very interesting – but the pizzas were ordinary.
Italian hotel breakfasts are not that flash – or at least not in your 2 star joint anyway. Some sorry looking croissant things, and biscuits. But the coffee was good.
We discovered a fresh food market on our way out of town and stopped for a look around. They really like their cheese and vegetables here. We still had cheese with us, but I bought some bread and got it sliced into 4 big rolls (after quite a bit of hand signalling) and some beautiful looking strawberries (Fragole in Italian)
Now that our lunch was sorted we headed for Como, on the shores of lake ???????.
The freeways in Italian (Autostrada) have some interesting speed limits, and all seem to be under construction. The speed limit changed constantly, but no matter what the signs said everyone drove fast! The traffic heading towards Milan was very heavy, with literally hundreds of trucks. The have to stick to the right hand lane, so that lane ends up being one long lane of trucks. They are not allowed to pull out and overtake. – Quite a good idea we reckoned.
As we neared Milan the air got a lot smoggier. We skirted around the edge of Milan, and hoped that as we got closer to the mountains and Como the air would clear a bit – it didn’t!
Como is pretty, but was packed with tourists. We had lunch on the edge of the lake, and then drove around it. The road was very narrow, but quite pretty with little villages clinging to the sides of the hills. As we left the lake and headed off back down the valley in the direction of Florence we got caught in a massive traffic jam.
The roads through ____________ are very narrow and crowded. Near the approach to the Autostrada we came to came to a complete stop. 2 hours later we were through – the reason for the hold up – a truck had lost a load of huge concrete blocks on a bend and had effectively blocked the road. Originally we had hoped to spend the night in Florence. But the drive around lake Como???? - (I think it is actually called something else)had taken longer than anticipated, made worse by the traffic jam.
So Cremorna was our destination. The usual accommodation challenge ensued, but after driving through a pedestrian only area, and a lot of hand signalling we found suitable accommodation. Once again the old part of town was all cobblestone streets. Cremorna has a magnificent Cathedral and a large town square. The entire centre of town is closed to traffic in the evenings and becomes one big open air dining area.
Everyone rides bikes – not road bikes or mountain bikes, but cruising type bikes, with fat tyres and baskets. All ages and shapes rode them, and in any type of clothing from shorts and runners, to skirts and stilettos. The passing parade from our restaurant table was very interesting – but the pizzas were ordinary.
Cremorna to Florence July 14.
Cremorna also has a fresh food market in the middle of town – but not as good as the one the previous day in Irvea. But the cathedral was beautiful. I unwittingly walked in wearing a singlet top – I could not understand why I was getting the dirty looks. It was only later that I learned that women were supposed to have their shoulders covered.
Cremorna was also the home of Stratavarios – so miniature violins were the favourite of the souvenir shops. But we did not linger too long as Florence was our destination - no matter what.
Florence! – After spending all our time since Hong Kong in rural areas, what a shock. Hot, crowded and smelly! It was impossible to drive around, so Brian parked the Renault illegally on the side of the street in central Florence and Rebecca and I set off to look for accommodation. The street we parked in had about 20 dodgy looking hotels - surely be would have a vacancy and be OK. The first thing we noticed was that most of them had their reception areas up narrow dark stairs, or you would have to ring bell on the door at street level to get into reception. After numerous complete full signs, and several very dodgy overpriced rooms we found a great place near the Duormo. A large room that slept all of us, with a clean bathroom. ( we were getting used to the 4 bed room by now)
The centre of Florance was absolutely packed with tourists of every nationality. The Lonely Planet guide warned against overpriced, poor quality restaurants near the city centre, so we walked and walked in search of a reasonably priced Tratorria. Eventually we found one!
It was still hot when we returned to our room, and the air conditioner was barely coping, but the noise from the street was so oloud you had to have the window and shutters closed. A hot and stuffy night!
Cremorna also has a fresh food market in the middle of town – but not as good as the one the previous day in Irvea. But the cathedral was beautiful. I unwittingly walked in wearing a singlet top – I could not understand why I was getting the dirty looks. It was only later that I learned that women were supposed to have their shoulders covered.
Cremorna was also the home of Stratavarios – so miniature violins were the favourite of the souvenir shops. But we did not linger too long as Florence was our destination - no matter what.
Florence! – After spending all our time since Hong Kong in rural areas, what a shock. Hot, crowded and smelly! It was impossible to drive around, so Brian parked the Renault illegally on the side of the street in central Florence and Rebecca and I set off to look for accommodation. The street we parked in had about 20 dodgy looking hotels - surely be would have a vacancy and be OK. The first thing we noticed was that most of them had their reception areas up narrow dark stairs, or you would have to ring bell on the door at street level to get into reception. After numerous complete full signs, and several very dodgy overpriced rooms we found a great place near the Duormo. A large room that slept all of us, with a clean bathroom. ( we were getting used to the 4 bed room by now)
The centre of Florance was absolutely packed with tourists of every nationality. The Lonely Planet guide warned against overpriced, poor quality restaurants near the city centre, so we walked and walked in search of a reasonably priced Tratorria. Eventually we found one!
It was still hot when we returned to our room, and the air conditioner was barely coping, but the noise from the street was so oloud you had to have the window and shutters closed. A hot and stuffy night!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Annecy – Chamonix, via Switzerland. July 11.
Not the earliest of starts after last night’s festivities! We finally headed off about midday in the direction of Geneva. The EEC has made border crossings quite boring, and we had actually entered Switzerland, before we even realised. Geneva is the French/Swiss border, and we had managed to get off the main route into town, so we went out of Switzerland and went back in. This time on a main road, but the border crossing was still only a wave of the hand. Bring back the days of passport stamping I say!
Geneva is very pretty – just like in the movies. We drove around the Swiss side of the lake, before heading back up into the Alps and back into France.
Our destination – Chamonix. Although primarily a ski resort, it is obviously very busy in the summer as well, especially with hikers. There was also some sort of extreme sports festival on. Finding a place to stay that was within our budget was proving a challenge! Eventually we settled on a great looking little hotel a couple of km’s out of town. Chamonix is at about 1000 meters above sea level and carting all our luggage up the 3 flights of steep stairs soon had the heart rate up.
It is also at the foot of Mont Blanc- the highest mountain in the Alpes, but as usual the weather was cloudy so we had yet to see it. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Not the earliest of starts after last night’s festivities! We finally headed off about midday in the direction of Geneva. The EEC has made border crossings quite boring, and we had actually entered Switzerland, before we even realised. Geneva is the French/Swiss border, and we had managed to get off the main route into town, so we went out of Switzerland and went back in. This time on a main road, but the border crossing was still only a wave of the hand. Bring back the days of passport stamping I say!
Geneva is very pretty – just like in the movies. We drove around the Swiss side of the lake, before heading back up into the Alps and back into France.
Our destination – Chamonix. Although primarily a ski resort, it is obviously very busy in the summer as well, especially with hikers. There was also some sort of extreme sports festival on. Finding a place to stay that was within our budget was proving a challenge! Eventually we settled on a great looking little hotel a couple of km’s out of town. Chamonix is at about 1000 meters above sea level and carting all our luggage up the 3 flights of steep stairs soon had the heart rate up.
It is also at the foot of Mont Blanc- the highest mountain in the Alpes, but as usual the weather was cloudy so we had yet to see it. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Annecy Tuesday July 10.
Still raining! Not much planned for today.
In the afternoon we went to the Gorges Du Fier. A very narrow gorge where the Fier river has cut a deep swathe through the Sandstone. There is a narrow walk way attached to the side of the cliff above the rushing water. Not ideally suited to my fear of heights.
Next we visited a Medieval Castle. Unfortunately the only way to look at it and the large collection of artefacts inside was by guided tour. The tour would have been OK, except that it was very crowded and in French! We were given English tour notes to read, but I think a lot of the finer points regarding the history of the castle were lost in translation. When we booked the guy in the office asked if we were English, we replied no we were Australian, to which he shook his head and said he was very sorry, but he did not have an Australian translation. We said it was OK as we also spoke English!
Tonight is our last night with jean-marc and his family in Alex, so we have a celebration planned. Champagne, Fondue and more Red wine – it’s a tough life! All his family came and it was quite a party. About 5 different conversations happening at once and mostly all in French.
Still raining! Not much planned for today.
In the afternoon we went to the Gorges Du Fier. A very narrow gorge where the Fier river has cut a deep swathe through the Sandstone. There is a narrow walk way attached to the side of the cliff above the rushing water. Not ideally suited to my fear of heights.
Next we visited a Medieval Castle. Unfortunately the only way to look at it and the large collection of artefacts inside was by guided tour. The tour would have been OK, except that it was very crowded and in French! We were given English tour notes to read, but I think a lot of the finer points regarding the history of the castle were lost in translation. When we booked the guy in the office asked if we were English, we replied no we were Australian, to which he shook his head and said he was very sorry, but he did not have an Australian translation. We said it was OK as we also spoke English!
Tonight is our last night with jean-marc and his family in Alex, so we have a celebration planned. Champagne, Fondue and more Red wine – it’s a tough life! All his family came and it was quite a party. About 5 different conversations happening at once and mostly all in French.
Annecy Monday July 9.
The weather is still crappy! Thunderstorms and regular heavy showers.
After the food consumption of the last few days I headed off for a short walk up the mountain behind us. It was quite steep and I soon had quite a sweat up, a bit different to an early morning walk around Mulgrave.
Today we are off on a car journey through the mountains. First stop – Col de Telegraph. We couldn’t see much as it was very misty, but as usual passed a few cyclists toiling up the road. After Col de Telegraph, the big one – Col de Galibier. Fortunately the rain stopped and the skies cleared enough for us to get a look at the stunning scenery. No trees, just mountain peaks, rocks and waterfalls. This ascent is amazingly steep, and goes on forever. As usual a few cyclists were struggling up the road. I don’t think I would make it up the first kilometre. It was 6 degrees at the top with the odd flurry of snow. After the obligatory photos and souvenir buying, it was off down into the valley and on to our next destination – Alpe D’Huez.
We stopped at le Bourg d’Oisans for a very late lunch (3.30pm) Brian ordered a dish of local sausages, and after a few mouthfuls hesitantly asked what was in them. Jean-marc informed him quite casually that they were made of “trips”, which I quickly translated as Tripe! – the look on Brian’s face was priceless, and he chewed his mouthful very slowly, and then decided he was no longer hungry!
Le Bourg d’Oisans is very pretty and is situated right at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez, and obviously a bit of an action spot – with white water rafting, paragliding and of course cycling. They were setting up for a race up the mountain. We set off to drive up – it was too late for us to hire bikes and ride up, plus we had the girls with us. Well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it! I know I keep mentioning how steep these mountain climbs are, but Alpe d’Huez is bloody steep! It took us about 24 minutes to drive to the top, and I think Lance did it in his historic time trial victory in 32.
One more mountain Pass to go on the way home – Col de la Chandon. This is quite desolate and there is no ski resort on the top of this one. Unfortunately the weather had closed in again so we could not see all the mountain tops.
We arrived back to Alex quite late (around 9.30pm) to find beautiful cooked dinner waiting for us – Veronique you are a legend!
The weather is still crappy! Thunderstorms and regular heavy showers.
After the food consumption of the last few days I headed off for a short walk up the mountain behind us. It was quite steep and I soon had quite a sweat up, a bit different to an early morning walk around Mulgrave.
Today we are off on a car journey through the mountains. First stop – Col de Telegraph. We couldn’t see much as it was very misty, but as usual passed a few cyclists toiling up the road. After Col de Telegraph, the big one – Col de Galibier. Fortunately the rain stopped and the skies cleared enough for us to get a look at the stunning scenery. No trees, just mountain peaks, rocks and waterfalls. This ascent is amazingly steep, and goes on forever. As usual a few cyclists were struggling up the road. I don’t think I would make it up the first kilometre. It was 6 degrees at the top with the odd flurry of snow. After the obligatory photos and souvenir buying, it was off down into the valley and on to our next destination – Alpe D’Huez.
We stopped at le Bourg d’Oisans for a very late lunch (3.30pm) Brian ordered a dish of local sausages, and after a few mouthfuls hesitantly asked what was in them. Jean-marc informed him quite casually that they were made of “trips”, which I quickly translated as Tripe! – the look on Brian’s face was priceless, and he chewed his mouthful very slowly, and then decided he was no longer hungry!
Le Bourg d’Oisans is very pretty and is situated right at the bottom of Alpe d’Huez, and obviously a bit of an action spot – with white water rafting, paragliding and of course cycling. They were setting up for a race up the mountain. We set off to drive up – it was too late for us to hire bikes and ride up, plus we had the girls with us. Well that is my excuse and I am sticking to it! I know I keep mentioning how steep these mountain climbs are, but Alpe d’Huez is bloody steep! It took us about 24 minutes to drive to the top, and I think Lance did it in his historic time trial victory in 32.
One more mountain Pass to go on the way home – Col de la Chandon. This is quite desolate and there is no ski resort on the top of this one. Unfortunately the weather had closed in again so we could not see all the mountain tops.
We arrived back to Alex quite late (around 9.30pm) to find beautiful cooked dinner waiting for us – Veronique you are a legend!
Annecy Sunday July 8.
Another rainy day! A leisurely breakfast of beautiful fresh croissants, bread, ham and a lot of coffee!
Into Annecy for a walk around the market. The market was in the old part of town and although it concentrated mainly on fresh local produce, a few of the other shops were open. Brian and Jean-marc purchased hats that make them look like the Blues Brothers. Apparently they are the local style of hat. After purchasing some more food and cheese for our dinner, lunch was the next major decision. Lunch is a big deal in France, with most businesses closing between 12.00 and 2.00pm. We settled on a little stone restaurant next to the river – very nice.
A quiet afternoon followed.
I think today is mainly about food! Tonight for dinner we are having a Racliette. This consists of melting a special type of cheese in a special type of spoon under an electric grill device. You then pour the cheese over a selection of hams and potato. It is very tasty, but quite filling and I suspect not at all good for the waistline. All this is washed down with quite a lot of wine.
Another rainy day! A leisurely breakfast of beautiful fresh croissants, bread, ham and a lot of coffee!
Into Annecy for a walk around the market. The market was in the old part of town and although it concentrated mainly on fresh local produce, a few of the other shops were open. Brian and Jean-marc purchased hats that make them look like the Blues Brothers. Apparently they are the local style of hat. After purchasing some more food and cheese for our dinner, lunch was the next major decision. Lunch is a big deal in France, with most businesses closing between 12.00 and 2.00pm. We settled on a little stone restaurant next to the river – very nice.
A quiet afternoon followed.
I think today is mainly about food! Tonight for dinner we are having a Racliette. This consists of melting a special type of cheese in a special type of spoon under an electric grill device. You then pour the cheese over a selection of hams and potato. It is very tasty, but quite filling and I suspect not at all good for the waistline. All this is washed down with quite a lot of wine.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The mountains July 7
Annecy – July 7.
A rare sunny day and we are off to the mountains, and over some famous mountain passes courtesy of the Tour de France.
First stop is the Col de Telegraph, followed by the Col de Aravis. We passed quite a few cyclists – you would need good climbing legs around here and lot more gears and a slightly lighter frame than the Trek 1200.!
The French Alps are every bit a specky as you see on the TV and more, with ski lifts and fabulous little chalets everywhere. Our next stop was the Col de le Columbiere. The road up here is seriously steep, but still very popular with cyclists – these guys ( and girls) are seriously fit, and we passed some great looking legs!
At the top of the Col de le Columbiere is a little restaurant that we often see in the Tour de France coverage – this is where we had lunch after a short, but very steep walk up into the mountains.
As we drove down the steep descent we marvelled hat this was side the cyclists would be coming up this year. It is very steep!
Back in Alex the girls changed into bathers and we went off to “le lac” the Annecy Lake for a swim. Neither Brian nor I ventured in, but apparently the water was very cold.
I had my first experience of a “squat” toilet – more information later if anyone is interested.
A rare sunny day and we are off to the mountains, and over some famous mountain passes courtesy of the Tour de France.
First stop is the Col de Telegraph, followed by the Col de Aravis. We passed quite a few cyclists – you would need good climbing legs around here and lot more gears and a slightly lighter frame than the Trek 1200.!
The French Alps are every bit a specky as you see on the TV and more, with ski lifts and fabulous little chalets everywhere. Our next stop was the Col de le Columbiere. The road up here is seriously steep, but still very popular with cyclists – these guys ( and girls) are seriously fit, and we passed some great looking legs!
At the top of the Col de le Columbiere is a little restaurant that we often see in the Tour de France coverage – this is where we had lunch after a short, but very steep walk up into the mountains.
As we drove down the steep descent we marvelled hat this was side the cyclists would be coming up this year. It is very steep!
Back in Alex the girls changed into bathers and we went off to “le lac” the Annecy Lake for a swim. Neither Brian nor I ventured in, but apparently the water was very cold.
I had my first experience of a “squat” toilet – more information later if anyone is interested.
Annecy - French Alps July 6
Annecy July 6
It is raining – again!!!!
Croissants and coffee for breakfast, then into Annecy for a look at the town. It is very historical, built beside a mountain lake. Lots of old, (1000 years old some of them) stone buildings with canals running through the old part, and of course an old church that is built on top of a hill. With all the old buildings having planter boxes of brightly coloured flowers it was very attractive. We took numerous photos and ooghed and aarghed at the scenery and old buildings so much, even we were sick of ourselves and were searching the vocabulary for better descriptive words than pretty, and beautiful. (Tres belle).
The supermarket was another experience. They sell everything, and have a whole section dedicated to cheese, another to wine – with expert staff. A few bits for dinner – BBQ tonight with a French flavour. Meat, salad and frites, followed by more cheese. This time the cheese was curtesy of a mobile Fromagerie (cheese van) who paid us a personal call at 9.30 at night Not that the lateness mattered, we had not started dinner yet – they like to eat late in France.
The Fromagerie was quite a experience. He carries about 50 varieties of locally produced cheese, and a big selection of local hams and sausages. Brian thought he was in heaven, or a close to heaven as he is every likely to get. We spent about Euro50.00 on cheese and meat. This was obviously quite a lot because he gave me a ham to show his appreciation of our business. Incidentally the amount of goods we purchased would have cost about $300.00 at the Richmond Hill larder.
Not nearly as many steps today as I should have – the jeans are getting tighter.
It is raining – again!!!!
Croissants and coffee for breakfast, then into Annecy for a look at the town. It is very historical, built beside a mountain lake. Lots of old, (1000 years old some of them) stone buildings with canals running through the old part, and of course an old church that is built on top of a hill. With all the old buildings having planter boxes of brightly coloured flowers it was very attractive. We took numerous photos and ooghed and aarghed at the scenery and old buildings so much, even we were sick of ourselves and were searching the vocabulary for better descriptive words than pretty, and beautiful. (Tres belle).
The supermarket was another experience. They sell everything, and have a whole section dedicated to cheese, another to wine – with expert staff. A few bits for dinner – BBQ tonight with a French flavour. Meat, salad and frites, followed by more cheese. This time the cheese was curtesy of a mobile Fromagerie (cheese van) who paid us a personal call at 9.30 at night Not that the lateness mattered, we had not started dinner yet – they like to eat late in France.
The Fromagerie was quite a experience. He carries about 50 varieties of locally produced cheese, and a big selection of local hams and sausages. Brian thought he was in heaven, or a close to heaven as he is every likely to get. We spent about Euro50.00 on cheese and meat. This was obviously quite a lot because he gave me a ham to show his appreciation of our business. Incidentally the amount of goods we purchased would have cost about $300.00 at the Richmond Hill larder.
Not nearly as many steps today as I should have – the jeans are getting tighter.
LOndon to Annecy July 5
Day 8 London – Annecy July 5
Another early start to catch the 6.30am Eurostar to Paris. Ripped off by dodgy London Mini Cab driver who was late picking up, then instead of the agreed fare on GBP10.00 decided we needed to pay GBP15.00 because we had luggage.
The Eurostar is one hell of a train. Very quiet inside, and so smooth that you hardly know that you are moving. We travelled at 160km per hour through the English countryside and under the Channel, and then it zips along at 300kph once you get into France. The windows are made elongated so when you look out them you do not feel sick.
We were in Paris in no time, and queued for an hour to get a taxi from Gard du Nord to the rental car place.
The Eurodrive people had our Renault Scenic waiting, and after a few instructions on how to drive it and operate the GPS we were off. Very scary driving through Paris on what seemed like the wrong side of the road. I was sure that Brian was going to hit everything that was on our right, including the barriers on the side of the road, but he didn’t and after a couple of wrong turns until we were on the correct freeway and heading for the Alps. Speed limit: 130kmph.
Close to the Alps we entered a tunnel and when we came out the other side we all gasped at once. The scenery was spectacular, and the road is on stilts attached to the side of the mountains, high above the valley floor. Our destination was a little village outside the town of Annecy, where our friends were waiting for us with a cold beer, and several wines. We are staying on the first floor of a converted barn that was built in 1854. For dinner they had prepared a traditional local dish for us called Tartiflette, which is potatoes, local cured ham and cheese, which is eaten with a green salad. This was followed by a massive cheese platter. Oh la la!
No steps today – but I think I am going to need to do a lot, if tonight’s meal was any indication of what is to come.
Another early start to catch the 6.30am Eurostar to Paris. Ripped off by dodgy London Mini Cab driver who was late picking up, then instead of the agreed fare on GBP10.00 decided we needed to pay GBP15.00 because we had luggage.
The Eurostar is one hell of a train. Very quiet inside, and so smooth that you hardly know that you are moving. We travelled at 160km per hour through the English countryside and under the Channel, and then it zips along at 300kph once you get into France. The windows are made elongated so when you look out them you do not feel sick.
We were in Paris in no time, and queued for an hour to get a taxi from Gard du Nord to the rental car place.
The Eurodrive people had our Renault Scenic waiting, and after a few instructions on how to drive it and operate the GPS we were off. Very scary driving through Paris on what seemed like the wrong side of the road. I was sure that Brian was going to hit everything that was on our right, including the barriers on the side of the road, but he didn’t and after a couple of wrong turns until we were on the correct freeway and heading for the Alps. Speed limit: 130kmph.
Close to the Alps we entered a tunnel and when we came out the other side we all gasped at once. The scenery was spectacular, and the road is on stilts attached to the side of the mountains, high above the valley floor. Our destination was a little village outside the town of Annecy, where our friends were waiting for us with a cold beer, and several wines. We are staying on the first floor of a converted barn that was built in 1854. For dinner they had prepared a traditional local dish for us called Tartiflette, which is potatoes, local cured ham and cheese, which is eaten with a green salad. This was followed by a massive cheese platter. Oh la la!
No steps today – but I think I am going to need to do a lot, if tonight’s meal was any indication of what is to come.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Day 2 of London
Day 7. – London.
Today’s agenda was The London Eye, Lords and Harrods.
We obviously went to the eye at the right time as there was no queue, so we got straight on. As I am very afraid of heights I was a little nervous and spent a lot of time sitting in the middle of our pod, but still got a great view over London, and it was not raining!
Next stop Lords. We were really starting to master the underground rail network, and were changing trains, like pros. The Lord’s tour was amazing. We went into the Long room, the visitor’s dressing room – standing on the balcony where Warney did his famous dance was a real buzz. We also went up into the media room, and then had a look at the museum – including that little urn!
Back onto the underground, destination Knightsbridge and Harrods food hall. Unbelievable – beautiful food, beautiful décor and beautiful people. Brian saw a bottle of French wine for GBP1600.00. (It was a 2003 Petrus – if anyone is interested) The strawberries were GBP5.00 per punnet and steak around GBP35.00 per kilo. Rebecca was literally drooling at the selection I could have stayed all day, but time was running out so we headed out, back onto the underground for Bond Street. We walked down to Oxford Street and towards Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Everyone’s feet were getting really sore by now so that was the end of London Sightseeing for another day.
The local publicans had all recommended a little Indian restaurant to us the night before, so we left the girls in the hotel with takeaway and we went out. This restaurant was a tiny little room with table and seating for 30 crammed in. We had to wait until 9.00 for a table, but it was worth the wait. The food was sensational! And a very charismatic owner.
Another long day over – 26299 steps.
Today’s agenda was The London Eye, Lords and Harrods.
We obviously went to the eye at the right time as there was no queue, so we got straight on. As I am very afraid of heights I was a little nervous and spent a lot of time sitting in the middle of our pod, but still got a great view over London, and it was not raining!
Next stop Lords. We were really starting to master the underground rail network, and were changing trains, like pros. The Lord’s tour was amazing. We went into the Long room, the visitor’s dressing room – standing on the balcony where Warney did his famous dance was a real buzz. We also went up into the media room, and then had a look at the museum – including that little urn!
Back onto the underground, destination Knightsbridge and Harrods food hall. Unbelievable – beautiful food, beautiful décor and beautiful people. Brian saw a bottle of French wine for GBP1600.00. (It was a 2003 Petrus – if anyone is interested) The strawberries were GBP5.00 per punnet and steak around GBP35.00 per kilo. Rebecca was literally drooling at the selection I could have stayed all day, but time was running out so we headed out, back onto the underground for Bond Street. We walked down to Oxford Street and towards Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Everyone’s feet were getting really sore by now so that was the end of London Sightseeing for another day.
The local publicans had all recommended a little Indian restaurant to us the night before, so we left the girls in the hotel with takeaway and we went out. This restaurant was a tiny little room with table and seating for 30 crammed in. We had to wait until 9.00 for a table, but it was worth the wait. The food was sensational! And a very charismatic owner.
Another long day over – 26299 steps.
Day one London Sightseeing
Day 6 – London.
Full on tourist sightseeing was the order of the day. The temperature was a cool 16 degrees, and rain forecast. We do not seem to be able to get away from the rain.
First port of call was Victoria Station. With the current terrorist scares in London, armed police are everywhere. It is quite confronting to see coppers walking around carrying machine guns!, and everywhere you look there are CCTV cameras.
We purchased tickets on the hop on hop off London sightseeing bus, and The Tower of London, before walking to Buckingham palace to see the Changing of the Guard. It was very crowded and although we got a good view of the various regiments coming and going we were too far away to see what was actually happening in the grounds of the palace.
Then it was on board the bus, an open topped double decker, for a tour of the sights of London. Absolutely amazing – so many fabulous old buildings and places we had heard about all our lives it was hard to know where to look, and the traffic - we thought Hong Kong traffic was bad.
We were amused to see deck chairs placed in neat rows in the parks – especially as it was quite cool and drizzling with rain. Wish full thinking perhaps! We got off the bus at Hyde Park speakers corner and sat in a couple only to find out a sit cost gbp1.50 so we quickly moved on, and had a quick wander through the Park, a look at Marble Arch, then it was back on the bus. Next stop The Tower of London. They really knew how to build something to last in those days. Very interesting place to visit and those jewels! Some serious Bling.
By now it had hailed, had got a lot colder and was raining a lot, so on the bus and back to Victoria Station, and on to one of London’s obliquitous double decked red buses for home. Brian was happy to that there was a pub on every corner and made a beeline for “The Wheatsheaf”, that happened to be across the road from the Comfort Inn. We went into 4 more before we came across one that served meals – The Canton Inn. A nice bloke from Newcastle served us some fairly average food. The end of day 6. 21287 steps for the day.
Full on tourist sightseeing was the order of the day. The temperature was a cool 16 degrees, and rain forecast. We do not seem to be able to get away from the rain.
First port of call was Victoria Station. With the current terrorist scares in London, armed police are everywhere. It is quite confronting to see coppers walking around carrying machine guns!, and everywhere you look there are CCTV cameras.
We purchased tickets on the hop on hop off London sightseeing bus, and The Tower of London, before walking to Buckingham palace to see the Changing of the Guard. It was very crowded and although we got a good view of the various regiments coming and going we were too far away to see what was actually happening in the grounds of the palace.
Then it was on board the bus, an open topped double decker, for a tour of the sights of London. Absolutely amazing – so many fabulous old buildings and places we had heard about all our lives it was hard to know where to look, and the traffic - we thought Hong Kong traffic was bad.
We were amused to see deck chairs placed in neat rows in the parks – especially as it was quite cool and drizzling with rain. Wish full thinking perhaps! We got off the bus at Hyde Park speakers corner and sat in a couple only to find out a sit cost gbp1.50 so we quickly moved on, and had a quick wander through the Park, a look at Marble Arch, then it was back on the bus. Next stop The Tower of London. They really knew how to build something to last in those days. Very interesting place to visit and those jewels! Some serious Bling.
By now it had hailed, had got a lot colder and was raining a lot, so on the bus and back to Victoria Station, and on to one of London’s obliquitous double decked red buses for home. Brian was happy to that there was a pub on every corner and made a beeline for “The Wheatsheaf”, that happened to be across the road from the Comfort Inn. We went into 4 more before we came across one that served meals – The Canton Inn. A nice bloke from Newcastle served us some fairly average food. The end of day 6. 21287 steps for the day.
Hong Kong to London
Day 5– July 2, 2007.
Hong Kong to London.
Wake up call booked for 4.30am, but call received at 4.00am – not happy!
We had to catch a cab to the airport because the Airport train does not start until 6.00am and our flight left at 7.30. We had a classic taxi driver. In his broken English he told us that he was 68 years of age and had been driving taxi’s for 45 years. I think he meant that he had been driving the same taxi for 45 years. Every time we went over a bump it felt like my bum would hit the ground. We tipped him HK30.00 towards his retirement fund and some new suspension for his Toyota.
QF029 is the first departure out of Hong Kong, so the airport was fairly empty. It is huge and very shiny and clean. The ‘palne was once again full, and we settled in for a long 12 hours!. Not much else to say except that Qantas service is ordinary. They try to make you sleep so that you do not eat or drink too much. At least the individual TV’s worked this time.
Arrived Heathrow 1.30pm London time. There were no parking spaces for our plane so we had to stop on the tarmac for 15 minutes while they sent buses to pick us up. Heathrow terminal 4 – what a dump! It is very old and dirty. We then waited for our bags, and waited and waited. 1 ½ hours later they turned up – someone in the baggage handling area had left 30 bags on the plane – and of course 2 of ours were among them.
Customer service at Heathrow could improve a lot! Eventually we boarded the train for Central London, changed trains at Green Park station for Vauxhall, and lugged our bags down South Lampton road to the hotel. 2nd disappointment for the day - Our room could best be described as a small dormitory with a selection of temporary single beds! – and this was supposed to be a 3 star hotel. I would hate to see a 1 star. But everyone was too tired after our long day of travelling to really care. Also I had managed to pik up an eye infection on the ‘plane and could only see out of one eye – the other one was gunky and swollen shut – a very good look!
By 7.00pm we had had some fish and chips, bought some eye drops and were all asleep.
Hong Kong to London.
Wake up call booked for 4.30am, but call received at 4.00am – not happy!
We had to catch a cab to the airport because the Airport train does not start until 6.00am and our flight left at 7.30. We had a classic taxi driver. In his broken English he told us that he was 68 years of age and had been driving taxi’s for 45 years. I think he meant that he had been driving the same taxi for 45 years. Every time we went over a bump it felt like my bum would hit the ground. We tipped him HK30.00 towards his retirement fund and some new suspension for his Toyota.
QF029 is the first departure out of Hong Kong, so the airport was fairly empty. It is huge and very shiny and clean. The ‘palne was once again full, and we settled in for a long 12 hours!. Not much else to say except that Qantas service is ordinary. They try to make you sleep so that you do not eat or drink too much. At least the individual TV’s worked this time.
Arrived Heathrow 1.30pm London time. There were no parking spaces for our plane so we had to stop on the tarmac for 15 minutes while they sent buses to pick us up. Heathrow terminal 4 – what a dump! It is very old and dirty. We then waited for our bags, and waited and waited. 1 ½ hours later they turned up – someone in the baggage handling area had left 30 bags on the plane – and of course 2 of ours were among them.
Customer service at Heathrow could improve a lot! Eventually we boarded the train for Central London, changed trains at Green Park station for Vauxhall, and lugged our bags down South Lampton road to the hotel. 2nd disappointment for the day - Our room could best be described as a small dormitory with a selection of temporary single beds! – and this was supposed to be a 3 star hotel. I would hate to see a 1 star. But everyone was too tired after our long day of travelling to really care. Also I had managed to pik up an eye infection on the ‘plane and could only see out of one eye – the other one was gunky and swollen shut – a very good look!
By 7.00pm we had had some fish and chips, bought some eye drops and were all asleep.
Hong Kong Day 3
Holiday Day 4 – Hong Kong Day 3.
The 1st of July 2007 signifies 10 years since the Chinese regained control of Hong Kong and a massive fire works display is on tonight. But first Lantau Island. While Brian checked o9ut the best way to get there Courtenay and I squeezed in a quick shopping expedition. Once again it was raining - a lot! As we went into a shopping centre Courtenay fell flat on her bottom. While we laughed, the local shop keepers ran out of their shops and gave the security guard an earful for letting the floor get wet and slippery. We had noticed that everywhere we went there was someone just inside the front door mopping the floor with a mini super soaker. But for some reason there was no one at this one – but I suspect after Courtenay’s fall someone would have quickly arrived.
Lantau Island. 30 minutes via fast ferry, then a 50 minute bus ride along some fairly basic roads until we got to our destination – the big Buddha. It is very spectacular at first glimpse – sitting right on top of a hill, with steps and gardens going up to it. But you soon realise that it is a very commercial operation and for some reason Buddhism and Coca Cola vending machines do not seem a harmonious mix to me. Once again it was raining heavily and as we climbed up the steps to the Buddha it also became very windy. Courtenay and Rebecca looked to be in danger if getting blown away!
The temple was beautiful, but once again marred by Vending machines being placed close by.
Back on the bus and back to the ferry terminal. This time the slow ferry back to Hong Kong. We arrived back at the Star Ferry terminal to find that the ferries had already been stoped for the evenings fireworks spectacular. A fast walk to Central ststion and we jumped on the underground to go back to Kowloon. By now it was becoming very crowded with everyone wanting a spot ear the harbour to view the fireworks. We had left it far to late to get a spot on the water, but eventually found a space where you could see the island between the buildings. The fireworks were very spectacular and lasted for about 40 minutes. The noise was unreal, and combined with the oohs and aaahs from about 1,000,000 of our closest friends made for quite a memorable evening.
We walked all the way back to our hotel as the roads had been closed to traffic and sat down in a nearby restaurant for our last meal in Hong Kong – a big feed of Dim Sum. We sat down at about 9.30pm and the place was nearly empty – but 11.00 when we left it was packed. They like to eat late in Honkers!
The 1st of July 2007 signifies 10 years since the Chinese regained control of Hong Kong and a massive fire works display is on tonight. But first Lantau Island. While Brian checked o9ut the best way to get there Courtenay and I squeezed in a quick shopping expedition. Once again it was raining - a lot! As we went into a shopping centre Courtenay fell flat on her bottom. While we laughed, the local shop keepers ran out of their shops and gave the security guard an earful for letting the floor get wet and slippery. We had noticed that everywhere we went there was someone just inside the front door mopping the floor with a mini super soaker. But for some reason there was no one at this one – but I suspect after Courtenay’s fall someone would have quickly arrived.
Lantau Island. 30 minutes via fast ferry, then a 50 minute bus ride along some fairly basic roads until we got to our destination – the big Buddha. It is very spectacular at first glimpse – sitting right on top of a hill, with steps and gardens going up to it. But you soon realise that it is a very commercial operation and for some reason Buddhism and Coca Cola vending machines do not seem a harmonious mix to me. Once again it was raining heavily and as we climbed up the steps to the Buddha it also became very windy. Courtenay and Rebecca looked to be in danger if getting blown away!
The temple was beautiful, but once again marred by Vending machines being placed close by.
Back on the bus and back to the ferry terminal. This time the slow ferry back to Hong Kong. We arrived back at the Star Ferry terminal to find that the ferries had already been stoped for the evenings fireworks spectacular. A fast walk to Central ststion and we jumped on the underground to go back to Kowloon. By now it was becoming very crowded with everyone wanting a spot ear the harbour to view the fireworks. We had left it far to late to get a spot on the water, but eventually found a space where you could see the island between the buildings. The fireworks were very spectacular and lasted for about 40 minutes. The noise was unreal, and combined with the oohs and aaahs from about 1,000,000 of our closest friends made for quite a memorable evening.
We walked all the way back to our hotel as the roads had been closed to traffic and sat down in a nearby restaurant for our last meal in Hong Kong – a big feed of Dim Sum. We sat down at about 9.30pm and the place was nearly empty – but 11.00 when we left it was packed. They like to eat late in Honkers!
day 2 Hong Kong
Holiday Day 3 – Hong Kong Day 2. June 30th
After getting our monies worth from the buffet breakfast, the girls went back their room for a rest and some diary writing and Brian and I went to look for a Laundromat. With the hot wet weather we were churning through the clothes. In a little back street we found a local laundry – HK$25.00 for 7lbs of washing – perfect. We then walked through a local food market – bananas were AUD.25c each.
After getting that sorted out we once aging headed down Nathan Road towards the Harbour – shopping along the way. The girls each purchased a funky pair of Le Coq Sportif runners. Today was the first day of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival and all the shops had sales on. After boarding on the underground train crossed under the harbour to Hong Kong Island – our destination The Peak. We walked through the pouring rain past all the designer shops. The locals love a sale and an absolute frenzy was taking place in some of the usually more refined establishments. We headed up towards the Mid-Level escalators. These are a very long succession of escalators that take you up through the Ex-pat area of Soho.
Once we reached the top and then proceeded to walk down the hill again – in the rain, and eventually we found the cable car terminal. I think we must have gone straight past it on the escalators.
The cable car takes you up a very steep incline to The Peak. This has all been re-developed and now a rather spectacular building houses a lot of shops and several restaurants. Normally the view from here over Hong Kong and Kowloon is very spectacular, but unfortunately it was still raining lightly and very misty. But through the mist you could still see quite a bit of the island and Kowloon. We had intended to stay for the sunset, but as there was no sun, we headed back down on the cable car, boarded an open top double Decker bus and headed for the underground that took us back to Jordan street station, which is near our hotel. The underground stations have more than one exit, and when we came up onto Nathan Road we had no idea which direction the Hotel was. It would have helped if one of us had remembered what number Nathan Road it was. After a family conference we set out in the direction we though it was – wrong!!! Fortunately we found someone who spoke English and a quick u-turn later we back at The Majestic.
We changed clothes and set off for the Temple Street market. I failed bargaining again and Courtenay paid about HK$40.00 too much for a handbag, but Rebecca was starring in the bargaining department. Her HK$180.00 handbag was eventually purchased for HK$75.00. It was pouring with rain and business was very slow, so obviously there were bargains to be had. The Temple Chilli crab beckoned again for dinner. It was still raining heavily and the outside awnings had a lot of holes in them. Consequently you got a little damp as you ate. The wait staff all wore gumboots!.
Rebecca ordered Chicken and corn soup which arrived in a very large bowl. The 4 elderly Chinamen sitting on the table next to us we most amused as she set about devouring it.
Back to the hotel, and the end of another busy day. 17664 steps!
After getting our monies worth from the buffet breakfast, the girls went back their room for a rest and some diary writing and Brian and I went to look for a Laundromat. With the hot wet weather we were churning through the clothes. In a little back street we found a local laundry – HK$25.00 for 7lbs of washing – perfect. We then walked through a local food market – bananas were AUD.25c each.
After getting that sorted out we once aging headed down Nathan Road towards the Harbour – shopping along the way. The girls each purchased a funky pair of Le Coq Sportif runners. Today was the first day of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival and all the shops had sales on. After boarding on the underground train crossed under the harbour to Hong Kong Island – our destination The Peak. We walked through the pouring rain past all the designer shops. The locals love a sale and an absolute frenzy was taking place in some of the usually more refined establishments. We headed up towards the Mid-Level escalators. These are a very long succession of escalators that take you up through the Ex-pat area of Soho.
Once we reached the top and then proceeded to walk down the hill again – in the rain, and eventually we found the cable car terminal. I think we must have gone straight past it on the escalators.
The cable car takes you up a very steep incline to The Peak. This has all been re-developed and now a rather spectacular building houses a lot of shops and several restaurants. Normally the view from here over Hong Kong and Kowloon is very spectacular, but unfortunately it was still raining lightly and very misty. But through the mist you could still see quite a bit of the island and Kowloon. We had intended to stay for the sunset, but as there was no sun, we headed back down on the cable car, boarded an open top double Decker bus and headed for the underground that took us back to Jordan street station, which is near our hotel. The underground stations have more than one exit, and when we came up onto Nathan Road we had no idea which direction the Hotel was. It would have helped if one of us had remembered what number Nathan Road it was. After a family conference we set out in the direction we though it was – wrong!!! Fortunately we found someone who spoke English and a quick u-turn later we back at The Majestic.
We changed clothes and set off for the Temple Street market. I failed bargaining again and Courtenay paid about HK$40.00 too much for a handbag, but Rebecca was starring in the bargaining department. Her HK$180.00 handbag was eventually purchased for HK$75.00. It was pouring with rain and business was very slow, so obviously there were bargains to be had. The Temple Chilli crab beckoned again for dinner. It was still raining heavily and the outside awnings had a lot of holes in them. Consequently you got a little damp as you ate. The wait staff all wore gumboots!.
Rebecca ordered Chicken and corn soup which arrived in a very large bowl. The 4 elderly Chinamen sitting on the table next to us we most amused as she set about devouring it.
Back to the hotel, and the end of another busy day. 17664 steps!
Hong kong Day 1
Day 2 – Holiday. Day 1 - Hong Kong.
Woke up far too early! The view from the hotel is not quite so spectacular.y. Those roof tops do not look the same in the cold light of day, and some very interesting electrical wiring.
A good buffet breakfast under our belts and it is time to hit the shops! Brian wants shoes, Courtenay wants a handbag and shoes, also Rebecca, and I just want stuff!
The first thing we notice as we step outside is that it is hot! Damn hot. The second thing is that the shops don’t open until 11.0am – possibly because they close at Midnight.
So we walked and walked – Brain got us lost twice! Until he turned the map upside down and read it like a girl, then we worked out where we were. The ladies market was getting ready to set up and some of the shops were starting to open. Our first shopping experience was at the Mount Everest mountaineering shop – just in case we decided to alter our return stop over from Bangkok to Kathmandu. But they had a great range of footwear for all terrains, and after much deliberation and some discussion on how much they really were in AUD we left with some Saloman runners for Brian and a pair of Oakley thongs for yours truly.
By this time we were realty hot, but then the heavens opened and soon we were really wet!!! We walked into the hotel foyer drenched – much to the amusement of the people in the lobby. A quick change of clothing and we ventured out again into a sea of umbrellas. We too purchased the obligatory umbrellas from the nearest street vendor and headed down Nathan Road for the Star Ferry and the number 6 bus to the Stanley Markets. Catching the Ferry was easy, the number 6 bus was another challenge, but in true Amazing Race style a local man told us to follow him, and he guided us to the correct bus terminal. The front row, top deck of the Stanley Market bus has been described as one big Roller coaster ride – they were not wrong! The streets and road are amazingly narrow and very steep in some places. We found a little restaurant behind the market for a late lunch – Rebecca looked around and noticed we were the only round eyes there and suddenly decided she wasn’t hungry. But Courtenay Brian and I polished off a sensational feed of dumplings and noodles, all for about HK$150.00 (AUD24.00). The market was a bit of a disappointment thought – quite small and it has become very touristy. But the girls got some silk PJ’s (after some unsuccessful price haggling from me)
After sweltering at the bus stop we headed back to Central station and caught the underground train back to Kowloon. The Hong Kong train system is amazing – cheap, quick and spotlessly clean!
The girls had a snack in the hotel and headed for bed and Brian and I went out in search of some authentic Hong Kong cuisine. One street back from Nathan Road and the streetscape changes dramatically, and everything is a lot older and all English signs disappear. We sat down at the Temple Chilli Crab – a street side eatery (the word restaurant sounds a bit fancy), and scoffed a big feed of Chilli crab and about 45 San Miguels (the local beer). Good food, but very dodgy surrounds – the dishwasher was couple of buckets and a hose. Check the photo’s!
A quick wander through the Temple Street market – still going stron at 11.00pm, and we headed back to the hotel. For everyone at work participating in the Global Corporate Challenge – I did 23874 steps for the day.
Woke up far too early! The view from the hotel is not quite so spectacular.y. Those roof tops do not look the same in the cold light of day, and some very interesting electrical wiring.
A good buffet breakfast under our belts and it is time to hit the shops! Brian wants shoes, Courtenay wants a handbag and shoes, also Rebecca, and I just want stuff!
The first thing we notice as we step outside is that it is hot! Damn hot. The second thing is that the shops don’t open until 11.0am – possibly because they close at Midnight.
So we walked and walked – Brain got us lost twice! Until he turned the map upside down and read it like a girl, then we worked out where we were. The ladies market was getting ready to set up and some of the shops were starting to open. Our first shopping experience was at the Mount Everest mountaineering shop – just in case we decided to alter our return stop over from Bangkok to Kathmandu. But they had a great range of footwear for all terrains, and after much deliberation and some discussion on how much they really were in AUD we left with some Saloman runners for Brian and a pair of Oakley thongs for yours truly.
By this time we were realty hot, but then the heavens opened and soon we were really wet!!! We walked into the hotel foyer drenched – much to the amusement of the people in the lobby. A quick change of clothing and we ventured out again into a sea of umbrellas. We too purchased the obligatory umbrellas from the nearest street vendor and headed down Nathan Road for the Star Ferry and the number 6 bus to the Stanley Markets. Catching the Ferry was easy, the number 6 bus was another challenge, but in true Amazing Race style a local man told us to follow him, and he guided us to the correct bus terminal. The front row, top deck of the Stanley Market bus has been described as one big Roller coaster ride – they were not wrong! The streets and road are amazingly narrow and very steep in some places. We found a little restaurant behind the market for a late lunch – Rebecca looked around and noticed we were the only round eyes there and suddenly decided she wasn’t hungry. But Courtenay Brian and I polished off a sensational feed of dumplings and noodles, all for about HK$150.00 (AUD24.00). The market was a bit of a disappointment thought – quite small and it has become very touristy. But the girls got some silk PJ’s (after some unsuccessful price haggling from me)
After sweltering at the bus stop we headed back to Central station and caught the underground train back to Kowloon. The Hong Kong train system is amazing – cheap, quick and spotlessly clean!
The girls had a snack in the hotel and headed for bed and Brian and I went out in search of some authentic Hong Kong cuisine. One street back from Nathan Road and the streetscape changes dramatically, and everything is a lot older and all English signs disappear. We sat down at the Temple Chilli Crab – a street side eatery (the word restaurant sounds a bit fancy), and scoffed a big feed of Chilli crab and about 45 San Miguels (the local beer). Good food, but very dodgy surrounds – the dishwasher was couple of buckets and a hose. Check the photo’s!
A quick wander through the Temple Street market – still going stron at 11.00pm, and we headed back to the hotel. For everyone at work participating in the Global Corporate Challenge – I did 23874 steps for the day.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Day one June 28. Melbourne - Hong Kong
Day One – Melbourne to Hong Kong.
6.40am and the alarm goes off. Not sure why I set the alarm – I had been awake half the night checking to see if was time to get up yet. The traffic on the Monash freeway was as crappy as usual – how anyone drives in and out of the city each day has me beat. But after some low level stress that we would be late, we arrived at Cameron and Lisa’s in Moonee Ponds (where we left our car) just as Ray our driver pulled up. We all piled into his statesman and set of to Tullamarine in style!
The plane to Sydney was packed! But we touched down in Sydney in time and made our way to the international transit lounge and waited for the bus to take to the International terminal. What a stupid system! -Sydney could learn a lot from Hong Kong – read more about that later.
The flight to Hong Kong was also very full and about 30 minutes late leaving. We were hoping for a window seat, but were all lined up in the middle of the plane. Apart from eating – and they limit that, plus drinking, there is bugger all to do on a plane, also very little leg room! The individual TV screens were all playing up – so the Qantas staff had their work cut out for them trying to keep them all working. Both Brian’s and mine were very dodgy, but the steward compensated us well with a few glasses of wine from the pointy end of the plane – plus Champagne (and I mean Champagne, not Australian sparkling wine).
After what seemed like an eternity we arrived in Hong Kong and got our first experience of Chinese efficiency. Within 30 minutes we had been through immigration, collected our bags and had boarded the fast train to Kowloon. (They do not seem to bother about customs and quarantine!) The train pulls up opposite where you come out of the baggage area and without even stepping outside of the terminal building you are off to the city, and only for a palty HK$220.00. – Australia take note!
It took about 25 minutes to get to Kowloon station, from where we caught a taxi. The Taxi driver struggled with our larger suitcase, but we all managed to squash in. Courtenay and Rebecca soon realised that seatbelts were not a priority. Brian’s efforts to communicate to driver about whether or not it had been raining were quite comical – some great hand signals!
We have 2 adjoining rooms on the 14th floor – all with single beds! After settling in the girls, Brian and I ducked across the road for the first of many feeds of dumplings and noodles – Yum!
6.40am and the alarm goes off. Not sure why I set the alarm – I had been awake half the night checking to see if was time to get up yet. The traffic on the Monash freeway was as crappy as usual – how anyone drives in and out of the city each day has me beat. But after some low level stress that we would be late, we arrived at Cameron and Lisa’s in Moonee Ponds (where we left our car) just as Ray our driver pulled up. We all piled into his statesman and set of to Tullamarine in style!
The plane to Sydney was packed! But we touched down in Sydney in time and made our way to the international transit lounge and waited for the bus to take to the International terminal. What a stupid system! -Sydney could learn a lot from Hong Kong – read more about that later.
The flight to Hong Kong was also very full and about 30 minutes late leaving. We were hoping for a window seat, but were all lined up in the middle of the plane. Apart from eating – and they limit that, plus drinking, there is bugger all to do on a plane, also very little leg room! The individual TV screens were all playing up – so the Qantas staff had their work cut out for them trying to keep them all working. Both Brian’s and mine were very dodgy, but the steward compensated us well with a few glasses of wine from the pointy end of the plane – plus Champagne (and I mean Champagne, not Australian sparkling wine).
After what seemed like an eternity we arrived in Hong Kong and got our first experience of Chinese efficiency. Within 30 minutes we had been through immigration, collected our bags and had boarded the fast train to Kowloon. (They do not seem to bother about customs and quarantine!) The train pulls up opposite where you come out of the baggage area and without even stepping outside of the terminal building you are off to the city, and only for a palty HK$220.00. – Australia take note!
It took about 25 minutes to get to Kowloon station, from where we caught a taxi. The Taxi driver struggled with our larger suitcase, but we all managed to squash in. Courtenay and Rebecca soon realised that seatbelts were not a priority. Brian’s efforts to communicate to driver about whether or not it had been raining were quite comical – some great hand signals!
We have 2 adjoining rooms on the 14th floor – all with single beds! After settling in the girls, Brian and I ducked across the road for the first of many feeds of dumplings and noodles – Yum!
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