1999

OUR TRIP TO ENGLAND, WALES, IRELAND & EUROPE 1999

 

Buddy & Marg Kennedy and Bernie & Mary Elliott

Diary of Marg Kennedy 1999

Diary of our Trip to England, Wales, Ireland & Europe 1999

Buddy & Marg with  Bernie & Mary Elliott

Author:  Marg Kennedy

Sunday 19^th September

Michelle and Zac, Kathy and Dawn came to see us off.  Kathy was looking after our car.  We left Melbourne at 3.45 pm. And headed for Singapore.  A short break here and off to Heathrow.  A long and tiring trip.

Monday 20^th September      Mary’s birthday

                             Waterperry Gardens

Arrived at Heathrow at 5.20 am.  Towed into the terminal.  Fairly quick through customs and then the bags were waiting for us – fairly unusual!!  Bud and Bernie organised our Hertz rental car and we freshened up briefly – got the bus to the car.  Extra insurance to go into Ireland – have never had to pay that before.  Mondeo – black and roomy.  Cases fitted quite well.   Bernie driving – me navigating – off to Windsor.  However got lost and headed for Oxford.  Waterperry Gardens – a university agricultural school – impressive nursery etc. and a wonderful old church built in 1242.  A family church with pews built in.

Wet and mild so we didn’t do the gardens.  Oxford wet but good.  Took bus around – used Park & Ride.  Pretty impressive 46 University Campuses there.  Had a good look round.  Drove to Cheltenham – B & B on the edge.  Tea at a carvery – Roast and vegetables excellent .  £5.95.

  Tuesday 21^st September         Mild, sunny / cloudy.

Nice breakfast B & B at Cheltenham.  Morning very nice.  Headed off for Wales – Ross on Wye and then to Monmouth.  I left the camera in a National Trust shop – had to go back – they had given it in at the Police Station.  Glad to have it back.  Monmouth was nice – market town – a bit like Mallow in Ireland.  Mary brought a thermos and cups so we bought some bread rolls at Monmouth for lunch.

                                                   Monmouth

On to Tintern and to the Abbey – very impressive – needed to be up the hill to photograph properly.  Chepstow  next – had lunch beside castle (ruin).  First Norman castle built by King John – really big.  Weather good.  Bud videoing like mad.  Headed for Cardiff.  Good drive in to city centre.  Went to Cardiff Castle – really interesting – architect and owner were great friends.  Eccentric and very, very rich.  The attention paid to detail was unbelievable.  Really enjoyed the tour.  Cardiff is getting ready for World Cup Rugby.  Really busy doing up the venue.  Drove on to Swansea.  Bernie loves the M’s (Motorways) He reckons they are go, go, go!!!  Again a pretty good run into the city. – then onto “The Mumbles” (village on the sea) on Gower Peninsular for B & B (£21 each).  Very nice meal at the pub.  Fried prawns – whole prawns fried in garlic butter.  Took some peeling!!! £4.95.  Things are more expensive this time.  Costs have risen and our dollar is not helping -2.2 dollars to £1.  Petrol 72p (AD$1.60).  Pretty tired again tonight!!  Will ring Raymond tomorrow night.  Jamie is OK.  But upset with Janine.

Wednesday 22 September           - really wet

                                                         Cardiff

Had a good breakfast.  Set off a 9.00 am to St. David’s.  Weather is not real promising.  The roads are really good – no worries finding our way now.  Using the freeway roundabout numbers to work out where we are to get off.  Off the freeway to Haverfordwest – then on to the very pretty town of St. David’s.  Cathedral is impressive – being renovated. (Catholic) David is the patron Saint of Wales.  Henry IV buried in the cathedral along with many other famous cardinals.  The ceiling is all wood and the floor beautiful brown and cream tiles.  Students from a school having a lecture from a guide.  Craft display on in the annex at the back – beautiful silver and gold jewelry and glass engraving.  Back to St. David’s and then off to Fishguard. (Ferry to Rosslare).  Bought some bread rolls for lunch.  Had lunch in a little parking place overlooking the town.  Met a couple from South Australia (Helen & Brian).  She was really nice - university lecturer on a working holiday - and he was a history / Lit teacher – a bit over the top.  Good to have a chat.             

                                                       St. David’s

On through Cardigan and then on to Abyswyth– beautiful pier.B & B great – old people like Adaand Donnie (1995).Had a quick look around town and then had tea at a dull little café.Steak sandwich – sliced beef, uncooked bread and bacon – pretty tacky.Lots and lots of chips.Good night’s sleep.Off further north tomorrow.Post card to staff.

Thursday 23^rd September       - Wet but still mild

Set off after a very hearty breakfast to Devil’s bridge – three bridges on top of each other over a gorge.  Off to the Celtic Centre at Machynlleth.  Quite impressive Audio Visual and actors told the story of the Celts.  Wandered through the room – Lord’s Prayer in 6 Celtic languages – quite different.  The Welsh and Scottish were the most musical.  Gathered up some lunch today – filled rolls - and headed up to Port Merion.  Very wet.  Seconds’ shop more expensive than the proper shop.  (Bit of a rip off).  Got Betty a lovely card for her birthday on 1^st October.

                                              Devil’s Bridge

Ended up at same B & B at Bangor from 1997.  Comfortable but plain.  Very busy here.  Tea at the Firkin Pub - ½ chook and vegetables £4.95.  Bed by 9.00 pm. Tonight.  Rang Raymond – not home.

Friday 24^th September         Mild – some showers

Into Bangor – had a look round.  Off to Hollyhead – roadworks (Jim Hughes at B & B advised us to go early).  Not too bad.  On ferry ½ hour late.  Good trip over – fairly rough.  Perfume expensive.  “Duty Free No More”.  Drove into Dublin.  Bud the navigator – ended up going the wrong way up a one way street.  Arrived at Kilronan House – very pleasant.  Mary and Bernie up with God and us down near the kitchen.  Plenty of room.  Beautiful breakfast. Room.  Changed and wandered down Harcourt St.  Pubs everywhere but up market.  Joined the after work gang – very expensive.  Ended up at the Harcourt Hotel – good meal.  Off to O’Donoghues pub – very good music.  Lovely old chap danced a little.  Over to Foley’s but not nearly as good.  Dublin is great.  Easy to walk around.  Felt quite safe.  A good day

                                           Temple Bar, Dublin

Saturday 25^th September      - Overcast but mild

Dublin – walked down Grafton St.  Good shops.  Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre was impressive.  Mary got some jeans.  Tried on lots but not a good fit.  Photos from Bernie’s camera were very clear.  One hour processing.  (Rang David).  Walked back to the car.  Headed off on N7 towards Limerick.  Fairly easy to get out of Dublin – followed the “Circular Road”.  Off to Naas – shopped for cottage supermarket impressive.  These are fairly new – good range of foods.  Vegetables at a little farm type shop. 
The Cottage “just magnifique”.  Roomy and spotless – great view over Lough Derg.  Road in reminded me of Doneraille in Cork – rough and wet. Off to Garry Kennedy pub for tea. Meal was good. The music was very late – too late. We were too tired.

                               View from Cottage over Lough Derg

Sunday 26^th September   - sunny skies

Had a good night’s sleep.  Washing machine a bit too slow.  We will use the heaters at night to dry the odds and ends.  Everyone off to Mass – Nenagh.  Very lovely church.  I stayed home and washed.  Then off to Craggaunowen, a Celtic village traced back to the Iron Age.  Quite good – gave an idea of life in the Celtic Village.  A bit colder this afternoon.  Mary & Bernie went to Bunratty Castle.  Bud and I went to the pub.  Piano, banjo etc. music – very good,.  Irish and Jazz.  Bought A Tipperary clock and Cladaugh ring.  Clothes very expensive.  Cooked tea – vegetables, sausages, and vegetable soup – very good Aussie meal.  Wrote some post cards and then bed.  Nice Portuguese wine for tea.

Monday 27^th September 

Up early – good breakfast.  Set up thermos – off to Rock of Cashell – tour guide was very good.  Interesting to know the history of the Rock.  The Chapel  - Cormac’s - frescos dating back to 12^th Century. (See video)  Then off to Waterford.  Took the guided tour – very informative – saw how the crystal is blown and cut.  Paid for by the work they do – if a problem with the article then the worker is not

             St. Patrick’s Cross, Cashell

Came home through Killarney.  Had a look at the landscape. Very late home – cooked tea.  Tom Hogan, a friend of Mary and Bernie,arrived at 9.00 pm.  Had a lovely chat.  What a nice man. (Mick Sullivan’s cousin).  Then at 10.50 pm. Trish McLoughlin (Owner) rang to say they would pop around.  Arrived at 11.15 pm. and left at 1.15am.  Patrick brought a plunger to fix the blocked shower.

Tuesday 28^th September        - Power off – wet & cold

Power off this morning.  Late night – slept in – Bud & Bernie got a shower – Mary and I didn’t.  No power by 8.45 am.  Had a quick wash – left at 9.35 am for Galway – very wet and quite cold.  Galway was miserable but we had a look at the shopping centre and Cathedral.  Bernie drove well considering the rain.  Stopped in Nenagh on the way home.  Bought some boots £36.74.  Mary got a lamb rack for a roast with our chops.  Very tasty.  Mary and I are having a different red wine each night.  French tonight. - £3.99 – very tasty.  Planned our day for tomorrow.  Off to Dingle, Killarney and Tralee.  Early to bed tonight.  Going well!!

Wednesday 29^th September      - Sunny spell – rain

Got up reasonably early – we all slept in.  Headed off towards Limerick and Ardare.  Lots of road workers and lots and lots of traffic.  Had a quick stop at Ardare but very overcast.  Then headed of towards Dingle through Tralee.  Very green, paddocks very neat.  Raining in the car but when we stop sunny breaks.  We have been really lucky.  Galway only really wet day.  Tralee was very busy.  Dingle peninsular really spectacular.  Large peat bogs, highly populated.  Can see the sea as we go up and around Fuscia lined roads.  Dingle township was lovely – worth the trip.  Then off to Killarney – Mary and Bernie went through Muckross House.  Raining again so didn’t stop in Killarney.  Home again.  Bud drove.  Tea at John Ryan’s pub in Nenagh.  Very good value hamburgers.

                                        Ardare Cottage

                                                                                           Thursday 30^th September   Bud has a cold

Slept in today.  Bernie found a little town with a castle and gardens. (Birr).  Trip across through Nenagh.  Very nice drive.  Thought we found the Thatch Pub (not the right place).  Castle Birr Decamene was impressive.  Had a pony cart drive around the grounds.  Driver “tirty-two” with 5 children.  A really nice young man.  Took about 40 minutes.  Then wandered down the street.  Many shops closed and interesting!!  Wonder how they do business or make a profit.  Had tea with Hogans.  Very impressive.  A lovely hospitable couple, Tom & Kathleen and Mary & Thomas.  Came home and went to bed.  Off to Cork tomorrow to the Woollen Mills and Blarney.  Went to Haynse Woollen Mills at Ballycommon.  Very old fashioned.  Saw one nice jacket but didn’t buy it.

Friday 1^st October             Wet and miserable  - Buddy has a bad cough

Up early again and had breakfast.  Packed up and drove to Blarney.  Bad rain intermittent with cloudy overcast  skies.  Lots of roadwork near Limerick – very slow.  Large numbers of cars – all driving like mad men. Turn out in front – no indicators, no nothing. Really hard to concentrate hard on wet roads.  Bernie is doing a good job.  He is happy to accept the navigator’s directions.

          Birr Castle

Blarney Mills has really changed.  Much more commercial – very touristy.  Buses by the mile.  I got Jamie two jumpers for £48 – I think he will be pleased.  Bud bought me another Galway Crystal Clock – Harp shaped.  Mary got some Galway Crystal glasses – very nice – reasonably price.  Shipped them home to Australia.  Came home through Birdhill and called into Tipperary Crystal – some glasses just magnificent but were £34 each – very expensive.  Very nice display.  Came home – very wet.  Bud drove.  Got washing done – changed and went to the Thatch Hotel for tea.  Very nice – I had Lasagna and Bud had Southern Fried Chicken.

Rattled into Cissie Ryan’s pub at Garry Kennedy on the way home for a Guinness.  A lovely little pub.  Really nice young girl behind the bar – very personable – uni student at Limerick.  Packed cases.  Put together one case for one week for both of us.  Saves carrying in 2 large cases.  Mary and Bernie have done the same.  A great cottage – highly recommended.  Sad to leave.

                                           The Thatch Hotel

Saturday 2^nd October       - Wet start – better in Wales

Set alarm for 6.00 am.  In the car ready to go at 6.45 am.  Packed last night.  Really wet all the way to Dublin – 2½ hours exactly – a really good run.  Dublin had better weather but a cold wind.  Disappointing shop at the ferry terminal – just coffee and scones.  Headed off at 11.45 am. – good crossing and arrived in Wales at 1.30 pm.  Slow travel to Bangor road – roadworks etc.  Came down A55 to Conwy and then looked at Bodnant Gardens.  Really pretty except we only had leaves etc and a thunderstorm.  I can imagine the gardens being absolutely stunning azaleas 6-7 ft high – rows of magnolias and camellias – hundreds of years old.  Back on the road to Chester.  Carmelleth Guest House £36 per room.  Pub tea was good.

                                     Bodnant Gardens

                                                                                     Sunday 3^rd October    - rainy start/ sunny patches

Slept in this morning 8.10 am.  Buddy had a bad night with coughs.  Will need to go to the doctor on Monday I think.  He must wear his coat in the wind!!  Good breakfast and the a quick look at Chester.  It is a really pretty place – all Tudor cottages – shops on two levels – the original mall.  Left at 10.45 am. To the M6 and up to Windermere – had a look around town.  Really pretty countryside.  Lakes District is really lovely.  “Champion”.  Drove on to Ambleside Youth Hostel.  Great – really large – good sized rooms and the facilities are excellent.  Restaurant available for tea £4.60 – three courses.  Sunny spells and sun showers.  Mary tried on a red polo fleece – bought it but found a hole in it so she returned it.  Bud has gone for a pint at McGinty’s Bar.  Youth Hostel very busy.  Lovely spot.

Monday 4^th October            - Sunny – beautiful day

Set of for a cruise on Lake Windermere – 30 min cruise to Bowness.  Really lovely village.  Lots to show about Beatrix Potter. £8.50 – cruise and entry into exhibition.  Bernie videoing.  Bud is off to the doctor in Ambleside.  Home about 12.30 – lunch at Apple Pie café, Ambleside.

                             Beatrix Potter, Bowness

Really quaint – saw a cute little house of weaver – 2 rooms.  He had a wife and six kids. – we wondered where he kept them all.  About 6 x 6 ‘ with little steps up the front.  Went to Kendal.  Good tea at the hostel.  Early to bed – very tired today.  Off to Scotland tomorrow.  Lakes District really pretty – probably the most picturesque after Scotland.  Met a German teacher with 18 students on an exchange trip from near Munich.  Gave me a poster and an address for when we are in Germany.

Tuesday 5^th October     - Sunny start – Good

Up early – down for breakfast – Saw Annalise – got a map about Germany.  Frost on the car windscreen – very cold.  Travelled through mist etc until Glasgow.  Took the Guide Friday bus trip (again) and saw the city.  Some very dirty parts but still quite a good city.  Bought a Pringle jumper £24.95 – wool.  Very cold wind chill factor here.  Had a look at Central Station.  Shopped a bit.  Back in the car and up to Ballock – YH like a castle – just beautiful £11.50 pp per night including breakfast.  Had tea at Ballock Hotel – very nice.  Met Andy – a very efficient waiter.  Funeral guests still part of patronage when we arrived.  Very comfortable YH. Six beds to choose from.  Mary & Bernie had a double and ensuite – very plush.  Loch Lomond tomorrow for a cruise.

                                  Ballock Youth Hostel

Wednesday 6^th October   - Misty overcast but dry

Gong went at 7.45 am.  Interesting way to be called to breakfast.  Youth Hostel is so old.  Very interesting – has a great history.  Cruise this morning.  Met a lot of English people from Portsmouth on a bus trip.  Really friendly and talked a lot.  One hour cruise.  A bit overcast and misty.  Couldn’t see the top of Ben Lomond – shrouded in mist.  Our Youth Hostel was very picturesque from the Loch.  Went shopping at Loch Lomond Outlet at Alexandra – saw lots but didn’t buy anything.  Mary still not able to find a jumper to fit – either too small or too large.  Bought a polo top and skivvy for colder weather.  Off to Luss – really pretty little village on the loch.  Mary bought a mint stick and broke a tooth on her plate.  Much hilarity and off to Alexandra to have it fixed.  The dentist was really nice – picked it up at 5.30 pm – no charge.  Had tea at the other pub in Ballock  - a bit more swish – good value for money.  Very pretty around here.  Went to Ballock castle – free entrance – lovely wooded garden.  Bud a lot better but Mary not so well.

Luss, a Scottish village

Thursday 7^th October            Wet and windy

Packed up – YH ready for a Soap Opera – “The High Road” – TV catering van in the car park and Christmas tree and decorations in the main hall.  Good drive up through the Highlands to Skye.  Pretty miserable day.  Weather really closed in on us.  Can still see the rugged mountains – misty and ominous.  Settled in Kyleaken YH.  Not wonderful!! Went for a drive over the high road from Talsker Distillery to Portree.  Amazing landscape – weather better – some sun.  Good for photographs.  Had tea at the local pub.  Curry really hot.  Did washing - £3 each but all our clothes are clean.  Talked to a young Scot who had “cycled“ up from Drumbarton. (60 x 60 x 60 x 80 miles each days tally.)  The Scots like to ride their bikes or go hiking.

                                       Isle of Skye

Friday 8^th October            Wet & miserable

Breakfast early – packed ready to go by 8.33 am.  Big day down to Edinburgh.  Wet and miserable start – winding roads.  No petrol for miles.  Country different again.  Very few signs on the roads to indicate bends or road work.  Buddy’s cold is improving but Mary’s going downhill.  Got to Edinburgh about 2.30 pm. Kingsley Guest House £25 & £26 each per night.  Quite close to the city – good bus service.  Mary had a sleep.  Bud and I went to find where things were.  Rang Jamie – we are meeting him on Wednesday between 12.00 and  1.00 at his Bar.  He has shifted into his bed sit.  Changed for tea – went to a pub on the Royal Mile.  Very nice tea.  Walked to Princess St. and had a look around.  Came home in a taxi £4.80.  A good day.  Bed 9.30 pm.

Saturday 9^th October      - Good start – rainy end

Had a late breakfast.  Caught a bus to Princes St. where Bernie and Mary went to Guide Friday Bus to see the city and Castle.  Bud and I walked down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace.  Very impressive – each room labelled well and had great furniture.  Queen’s bedroom in a glass vacuum construction.  Queen Mary of Scotts was kept there for 11 years before she went to the Tower of London to be beheaded.  Holyrood Abbey is built beside and in the ruins,  Came back up a cobbled street to Princes St.  Had a good look at the shops while Buddy found a Cyber Café.  Bought a lightweight black wool jacket for outings. £25  Left Edingurgh at 1.05 pm.  Drove down towards Thirsk.  On the way we were involved in a Police chase – Bud driving when a car appeared out of nowhere being chased by three police cars – very exciting.  Got a B & B Cottage at Thirsk.  Anne Lee proprietress.  Very cute and most hospitable. £14 pp.  Had tea at a nice pub and headed home about 8.45 pm.  Lost our way going out and coming home.  Very cosy and comfortable.

Sunday 10^th October  

To Castle Howard after breakfast.  Arden first and then the castle.  A quick look at York – had a hot curry soup and then down to Central England. Castle Howard has a very interesting 300 year exhibition.  Really explained the Castle well.  Gardens beautiful – roses very good.  Some really perfumed ones – Mary enjoyed this.  Then through the house – very expensive.  Down the M1 to get to Coventry quickly.  Drove around at the end of the day to find some where to stay but could find nothing.  A publican suggested a motel – “Toby” £35 a room- and a carvery tea and drinks £56.  A very good find.  Sorted out cases again.  Sending home some stuff tomorrow.  Relieving the pressure.  Viv & Russell tomorrow.

Monday 11^th October     Good weather

Drove onto the M42 and then into M4.  Had a good drive down south.  The weather is good.  Found Viv & Russell’s at Trowbridge without too much trouble.  Went out to tea with them and then stayed the night.  It was good to catch up with them.  We had a good time with them.

                                       Out with Viv & Russell

Tuesday 12^th October

Left Viv & Russell and headed towards Salisbury.  Stopped off at Longleat – Marquis of Bath – Country residence.  Absolutely huge.  He and his wife live in the East Wing and a penthouse on the 4^th floor.  We visited the ground and second floors.  Really palatial – paintings very interesting – I think he was a “hippy”.  Some art works really obscure.  He also has a park with wild animals – we didn’t bother with that.  Drove to Warminster – Mary not well – has a bad cold (interesting Mary & Buddy had flu injection – both really sick).  Drove towards Windsor – got there to find the place booked out.  We had reserved rooms at a Fleet motel – finally drove like mad on M4 , M25 and M3 to arrive by 6.15 pm.  They had kept the rooms (thank God) .  Had a dreadful tea at the Services.

Wednesday 13^th October

Into London – had to get petrol.  Came off A40 onto a small road through Shepherd’s Bush.  Quite a good run!  Arrived at Hotel – great surprise – a flat instead of a room.  Two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room & kitchen.  Really great.  Holiday Inn Bayswater (Craven Hill).  Same price as the double rooms.  Took the car back to Marble Arch- had some difficulty with the extra day – however sorted it out OK.  Got on the Tube to Leicester Square – couldn’t find Bar 38.  Finally walked up a street and I saw Jamie.  Lovely to see him.  He showed us his room – very small at the top of a building but at least he is safe and has all amenities.

                                
                                   Trafalgar Square with Jamie

He took us to Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Mews.  The carriages were wonderful.  The Gold coach amazing!!  Went home after a good walk.  Jamie stayed the night.  He is really good considering the situation from Brighton.

Thursday 14^th to Saturday 16^th October

London – Hampton Court – really good – Jamie came.

Met Mel Bingham – had tea at a funny pub- snooker players – a good laugh – Jamie went home on the Tube – Mel in a taxi.

Regent St. – very disappointing – Globe Theatre – Golden Hind. 

Bought a figurine and Peter Rabbit for Erin – sent it home.

Went to London Dungeon – very disturbing stuff – fun!!

Harrods – Christmas decorations

Buddy realized that the plane to Rome is going to be earlier that expected.  Washed everything – Took a taxi to the airport.

Sunday 17^th October      Rome – fine 23º C

At the airport by 10.00 am.  Checked our duty free – very expensive.  Wandered around.  Plane to Rome was late but promised that the trip would be fast.  Two and a quarter hours.  Rome airport was busy – got luggage and then got some money.  I noticed a Cosmos Group – Bud checked them out  and we got a shuttle to our hotel with them.  25000 lire each ($22) – worth it though – we were delivered to Fleming Hotel door.  Late for meeting so decided to stay in.  Had a meal at a little café near the Hotel.  Bud had roast beef – 5 slices of beef (thin) – that was it!!  He was not a happy person!!  I had penne cabriana – quite nice.  Bud’s chips came separately.  Still not happy.  He still has a cold.

Monday 18^th October        Rome – overcast 18ºC

Gian Pierro, our guide met us this morning – early!! 6.45 am called – 7.15am cases out and breakfast.  Boarded the bus at 8.00 am and off to the Basilica & St. Peters – really impressive.  Sistine Chapel is amazing.  Golly Michelangelo could paint – that ceiling is fantastic.  The two hour tour was great – loved it.  Lunch was a quick bite.

                                           Coliseum , Rome

 Back on the bus and off to the Coliseum – saw the Forum on the way.  It is amazing – the Romans were so clever.  Nero’s palace – impressive sight.  Built over his lake – he wanted people to forget him.  A great afternoon.  The Night tour was extra – The Roman Hills, Pope’s summer house and dinner.  Good fun – home by 9.00pm and off to b

Tuesday 19^th October            Overcast

Left this morning to visit Siena.  Stopped at two medieval villages – Funicular up to the top.  A massive cathedral (Domo) in black and beige blocks.  Very old – built as a fortress type village.  Interesting.  Had a good look around the little streets.  The cost of food is expensive.  Had to go to a bar to go to the toilet.  Italians do not have a WC in many places.  Back to the bus and off towards Siena.  Stopped at a dear little place called San Giorgiami – had a look at the church and visited shops.  Bought some gifts.  Arrived in Siena – fabulous square majestic Domo in grey, pink, white and black marble.  Church black and white inside.

                                        Sienna Square

Had a good wander.  Got some wine, Chianti to have before tea.  Hotel room icy but after tea it was warm.

Wednesday 20^th October        - a reasonable day

An early start to Florence.  A good drive.  Stopped to taste Chianti – disappointing – very commercial – town closed for lunch.  Gian Pierro very apologetic –he has a good sense of humour.  We are moving down the bus each day.  Some of the old dears are really mean.  Judy and Kathy stir them up.  Arrived Florence  and had a buffet dinner. The hotel is in two parts.  The meal was good.  Early to bed.

Thursday 21^st October

Not such an early start.  Drove to a hill overlooking Florence.  Really beautiful – not wet yet.  Had a photo taken as a group.

                        Overlooking Florence

Drove back into the city.  Had a tour guide – a lady with curly hair.  A very good historian.  Explained the culture and religion.  Major church is the Sacred Cross.  Michelangelo’s grave and memorial.  Dante’s grave, Leonardo da Vinci memorial – Marconi etc.  Very impressive.  The floor has been covered to protect the wonderful marble.  Then to the cathedral – beautiful but too bland.  Very wet and cold now.  People are not real happy about the weather.  Home to get ready for Tuscan dinner – Florentine beef steak.  Very good evening.  Food good, some dancing and lots of laughs.  Home late.  Chianti excellent.  Sat with Ann, Mick, Judy, Kathie, Suzie & David – good company.

Friday 22^nd October

St. Mark’s Square , Venice under water

Up early – drove to Pisa.  Nice day.  NO RAIN. Impressive – tower really has a lean up.  They are stabilizing it with weights and concrete.  Much scaffolding on church – “Miracle Square” and Baptiste – ready for millennium visitors – too busy.  Rang Delia and Russell – all is well at home.  Enjoyed Pisa.  Had lunch on the Motorway – choose and pay – good.  Trip full of beautiful scenery.  Hotel at Venice way out of town.  Arrived and got settled – decided to go over to Venice by boat and have drinks at St. Marks Square.  Lovely night – lights and Venice beautiful.  Felt really good – music in the square good.  Home at 11.30 pm – off to bed.  A happy traveller ………

                                                                               

                                                                                        
  Saturday 23^rd October      - rain & mist

               
               St. Francis, Assisi

What a shame.  Venice shrouded in mist.  Last night we were told there would be a high tide.  Water everywhere and rising.  They put out board walks for tourists.  Met our guide and walked the plank so to speak.  Church (St. Marks) gold leaf and mosaic glass inside – took 300 years to do decoration.  300 years to build.  Came out and went to a glass factory – water still rising.  Tourists everywhere.  Venetian glass beautiful but too  pretty.  Loved some glasses but $75 each.  Wandered around Venice in the rain – shoes leaking.  Bought some lace and gifts.  Had a nice lunch in a little Ristrante – good – dry and warm – food OK.  Came back at 5.15 pm by boat – mist coming in again.  Dinner in the Hotel – OK (sweet terrible).  Packed again.  Bathroom great for clothes drying.

Sunday 24^th October                - overcast

Up early – packed the bus and headed for Rome.  Across to Assisi to St. Francis Cathedral.  Assisi little – medieval.  More scaffolding – had a look around.

         

Bought Erin a little suit with Assisi embroidery on it.  Bought a little Monk jug. (Like in Kent cottage).  Seats very close in the back – legs and knees really hurt.  Had a little sleep.  Arrived back in Rome at 6.15 pm.  Had dinner in the Restaurant – quite good.  Americans had tea in Rome – used the Metro (Railway).  Packed again and headed for bed.  Have shuttle bus tomorrow L25000 each – 7.00am. for airport.  Pick up car at 10.00 am.  Really tired – knees really hurting.  Panadol and bed.

Monday 25^th October                  -  sunny & warm

                            Brenner Pass, Italy into Austria

Up early and at 7.00am hit the bus.  Luigi the driver.  A quick trip to the airport.  Sat and waited for the car man – very punctual.  Dark Blue Laguana – brand new (leasing).  Left hand drive – Bud started – pretty good – got us onto the autostrade.  The boys took turns – sometimes I felt like I was going to wear a post.  Got better as the day went on.  Bernie likes to go fast – roads generally good.  Have to be careful in the wet.  Drove all day to Vincenza by 5.45 pm (accident had to detour – helpful lady showed us the way).  Stayed at Hotel Mary – very clean and nice.  Went to Trano’s bar and Pizzeria and had a really good tea.  Waitress spoke English.  Food really nice.  Bud had pasta!!.  Hit bed ready for another travel day.

Tuesday 26^th October             - overcast  - warm

Headed up autostrade towards Milan – missed turn but got direction back.  Most beautiful drive up Brenner Pass road.  Scenery just magnificent – we had patches of sun.  Could take a photograph at every turn.  Autumn trees, pine trees, grassy fields, grape vines, fruit trees, chalet type house Heidi).  Just beautiful. 

Trip was quite good.  Helped with Austrian at lunch by a girl from Munich.  Arrived Salzburg 3.30 pm – used Info Centre phone & TV screen type thing – got Pension (Herbst) near outer edge near airport – very comfortable.  Very clean.  Organised cases and had a bit of a rest.  Left blue coat in Vincenza (not happy).  Good tea.  Tried garlic soup – beautiful.  All’s well – Two days in Salzburg.

             Looking down a Salzburg Street

Wednesday 27^th October            beautiful day

Pension Herbst.  Breakfast was great at the Guest House – buns, banana cake, cold meats, cheese, tomato & orange juice, cereal and tea.  Wandered into the town in the morning.  Old Salzburg has lots of little lanes, churches, squares and shops.  Very expensive – lots of jewelers and clothing.  Weather is lovely – walked into new town and had a look for a coat – no luck.  General look around and then up to Winkler Restaurant lookout – lift up to the top – worth the money.  Could see the whole of old and new towns.  Wandered back – had a look at the local shops.  Had a drink – went to a Mexican/Pizza restaurant again.  Had fish salad – beautiful.  Bud had pasta.

Thursday 28^th October   Another beautiful day

Sound of Music Tour.  Picked up by bus and went to the area where the tour started.   Our driver was very knowledgeable.  Looked quickly at Mirrabell gardens and then off in out little bus with Cheryl (NZ), Sue (Melb) and us with Peter (Nazi).  The trip was really good but we didn’t see in things only places where filming took place.  Went into the country area that was really good to have lunch – overlooked a beautiful lake.  Then to a church used in the film and back to Salzburg.  Mary had her hair done – we wandered and walked.  Home about 5.00 pm.  Back into city to the Beer Hall AMAZING.  Old Monastery – a great experience. The beer was absolutely beautiful.  We drank out of large steins. Home on the bus.

               

                     Margaret and Mary in Sound of Music

Friday 29^th October   Overcast / wet / miserable

Left early for the Romantic Drive in Germany.  The Autobahn was really wet – hard driving.  The cars just fly along – no speed limit in places.  We didn’t go to Innsbruck – too wet.  Up to Munich and around towards Augsburg.  As we went further north the weather improved greatly – drove off the autobahn onto a little yellow road.  First stop Dinkelsbuhl – walked in and got a Zimmer – very comfortable – restaurant underneath.  Had a really good look at the town – bought a black coat to replace my blue one.  The food was really good.  I had potato pancakes and apple sauce – beautiful.  Went to bed after tea.  Fairly tired.  The church was really great – like a big hall from the outside.

                          Dinkelsbuhl Zimmer

Saturday 30^th October             sunny but cold

Went for a walk to find it a special Saturday – Fish Day.  A band playing and presentations made to a range of people.  The shops had great gifts. – need another case to carry them.  Left about 11.00 am and drove up to Rothenberg odT.  A lovely place.  Again a Zimmer inside the wall.  Had to park outside until 6.00 pm.  People everywhere – a real tourist place but delightful.  Had coffee and cake which was wonderful – then went to find the church.  Couldn’t work out when mass was on.  Lots of churches – Lutheran etc.  Wait until tomorrow to see.  Shops really good.  Bought Strauss CD.  Tea was great – Schnitzel at restaurant at Zimmer.  Good day today.

Sunday 31^st October     sunny but really cold

Up too early – Daylight saving finished.  Bought some Christmas decorations and looked at cloths but the shop wasn’t open.  Want to get one for Helen Hastie.  Quite reasonably priced – 34 DM to 48 DM.  Had a good look round.  Left about 10.00 am to head for Wurzburg – Drive lovely – called into some little towns and looked at the squares etc.  Got into Wurzberg – really busy – drove around not knowing where we were – ended up at an Etap hotel that we wanted to book – really amazing that we found it.  Had a rest.  The city is too busy to go out.  Went to a hotel down the road – really nice but a bit expensive.  Italian waiter – very helpful.  The hotel was sterile but fine.

                              The Girls in Rothenburg

Monday 1^st November     Bright and sunny

Up early and into the city – no one in sight – All Saints’ Day!! – Catholic area – no shops. No nothing.  Bloody amazing.  Went to Mass at the Dom – beautiful church – bombed in WW II Mass in German!!! Tried to visit the Residence (large palace).  Got back in car and drove down to the Black forest.  The weather was just beautiful.  Sunny and warm – really pretty.  The drive down was interesting – paddocks of crops etc.  No fences, no stock.  Very good soil – towns about 5 kms apart.  The farm gear at the town – take it out to the farm.  Houses are very big – many floors – some barns attached.  Drove through to the central area.  Had lunch at a dear little pub – had lunch and met some nice German people who spoke English.  They told us about cuckoo clocks.  Stayed the night at Lossburg – the lady had no English however it was a great place to stay.  We went out to a local pub for tea.  It was quite good.  A young fellow at the pension took Buddy for a drive to show him where the eating places were.  He had some English so this was helpful. 

Tuesday 2^nd November     Cloudy / warm

Left after a great breakfast – boiled egg.  The lady was really lovely – very pleasant and happy.  Drove off to see Titisee in the Black Forest to find the cuckoo clock factory.  Not a great morning – roads very good – scenery wonderful as we go up into the mountains.  Arrived at Triburg and had a look at a clock place.  Think we can do better.  Farenwung not wonderful – no shops at all – push on to Titisee.  Bought a clock there – they will send it home.  Interesting tax arrangement.  Supposed to be 14% but ended up 16%.  Drove onto the autobahn at Frieburg – very wet – felt unsafe.  Arrived at Lucerne – wet and cold.  Got a Hotel Zimmer at Meggan north of the city.  Very comfortable.  Had tea at the hotel restaurant – very nice.  Early to bed again.  Really tired.  Sore head and back.
                                                 Lucerne , Switzerland

Wednesday 3^rd November     wet & miserable

Had a good breakfast today.  Bread is beautiful.  Decided to book the hotel for another night – it is warm and comfortable.  Rugged up to walk Lucerne – rainy all day.  Walked over the wooden bridge – much duller today – last time (1995) so lovely.  Pilatus completely enshrouded in mist.  What a shame.  The lake is lovely.  The city is big with lots of shops.  Didn’t feel real well today – I think I have low blood pressure but will push on.  I think I’m tired of being navigator.  Can’t relax at all well in the car.  It’s been a long time.  Looking forward to France.  Will have a good sleep tonight.  Off to Lausanne tomorrow.  I do hope it’s not too wet!!!  Tried on some slacks today – too light weight.  Have a really bad head ache.

                           

Thursday 4^th November

Packed and ready to go by 8.30 am.  Weather dry but still misty.  Got onto the motorway after a small town east of Lucerne.  A good drive down but still misty.  Really bad because you can just see the alps in the distance.  Kept on the motorway until Montreaux – turned off and drove through this town.  Very luxurious – big hotel – Palace & Petit Palace.  Went for a walk along the lake and looked at what the rich people stay in.  Got in the car and drove out to Chateaux Chil

Castle Chillon, Montreaux

Very old – dated back to Roman times.  In the late 1800’s man decided to renovate it but used the original plans.  Very interesting – furniture old and wooden.  Had lunch in Vevey – beautiful choice of foods – not expensive.  Shopping centre restaurant.  Drove through to Jeune Hotel Lausanne (YHA).

Friday 5^th November                      Sunny

Decided to head off after visiting the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.  Very impressive – lots of memorabilia from all Olympics.  Lausanne has been the head of the Olympic movement since 1947.  We watched a movie in 3D on the opening of the Naguno Olympics.  Got some new makeup and soft tissues.  Drove out the lesser highway along the lakeside – very pretty – can just see the Alps – sunshine at last.  A good drive to the autobahn then made our way down towards Valence.  Got lost after Vienne and ended up in a cute little village called Beaurepaire.  Great hotel – raining again.  Did a quick look around and had a posh dinner in the hotel restaurant – lamb- 2 slices, some potatoes and zucchini and a sweet.  90 F.

                                 Beaurepaire, France.

Saturday 6^th November         weather improving

Bought some supplies at Beaurepaire and then got back on the auto route towards Montpellier.  The day got better as we went.  Called in and had a quick look at Montpellier – very old city – huge church and market.  Did some more shopping and  rubbished some Frenchmen about the rugby – France play us today for the World Cup.  After lunch drove towards our cottage/ apartment.  Arrived about 2.30 pm – shopped at supermarket at Pezenas – thought nothing open Sun & Mon.  Got to Nizas at 2.50 pm.  Met Carol and Tony – upstairs apartment – really old but comfortable & warm.  Two bedrooms – one with TV & lounge – one with double.  Kitchen, bathroom & toilet.  Tiles on the floor & big old windows.  Everyone off to wine evening tonight.  I’m not well – bad cold in the head.  Early to bed.  Buddy & Mary woke me later in the night – obviously enjoyed the red wine etc.

                                  Nizas, South France

Sunday 7^th November    Sunny – windy

Slept in this morning.  Had a shower.  Gang off to mass 9.30 am.  I had to get the bread from the baker – he had no English at all.  Got 3 bread sticks for 12 francs.  Went into Pezenas  and had a look around  town.  They were having a major running event – cars everywhere.  Some shops open.  Wind really cold and chilled to the bone.  Drove up through Nizas to have a look.  Lots of grape vines really shaley soil.  Big wine area. (learned that last night).  Roast lamb for tea. Wacko!!!  We are all dying for an Aussie meal.  Spuds. Pumpkin etc.  Had a sleep this afternoon and feel a little better.  Early night again tonight.  The roast was great.  Mary cooked and I made the gravy.  All tired again.  Cold is a lot better.

Monday 8^th November          Sunny & windy

Up early – off to Carcassonne, a medieval village about 100 kms from Nizas.  Had a good breakfast – French bread and sausages.  Don’t feel wonderful – cold not improving.  Wind is very cold – icy.  Drive interesting – lots of wine everywhere – largest wine area in France so Carol told Mary.  The medieval  town was impressive – mainly for tourists though – lots of post card shops etc.  Had a good lunch.  Legume soup and pate roll.  Headed back home on the freeway – quicker but cost 39 Francs – they certainly hit you for the tolls.  Went into Pezenas top get some cold and flu tablets.  Pharmacy man was great – no English – I acted the problem – he diagnosed the problem and prescribed the tablets.  Pork chops for tea.

     Carcassonne, France                                                        Tuesday 9^th November   sunny & windy – Jamie’s B’

Up early again – breakfast over by 8.30 am.  Headed up the Autoroute to Avignon.  Tolls are merciless 73.50 Francs just for a few hundred miles.  Avignon – walled – parking is amazing – so many cars parked outside the walls.  Inside great shops and wide streets.  Wandered around – looked at jumpers.  Bought some slacks 448 francs nice grey wool.  Went up to Palais of the Popes – very impressive – great halls, high ceilings – very little furniture.  100 years of Popes in Avignon – some pretty mean ones too.  Audio guide was great – very informative.  Came out and had a lovely lunch with Mary.  Provincial tarte, salad, fritters and a glass of wine – boys were worried and came looking for us.  Had “interesting” sausages for tea – I had cold meat.

                                            Palais de Popes

Wednesday 10^th November    Overcast / a little windy

Later up today – egg for breakfast.  Tidied up and got organized.  Off to Montpellier.  Bud driving, Mary navigating – had a tour of our village first Pezenas.  Arrived to a busy Montpellier – lots of people and traffic.  Found park at the station car park.  Walked down to city central – new section – just great – bought a pair of shoes 345F and a jumper 249F. 

Had a good look round.  Then Bernie took us up to the old Church we saw on Saturday.  Not open – exams were on – tied to a University.  Came home and had a light tea.  Off to Carol and Tony’s for a wing ding.  Bruchette, Pizza and 4 bottles of wine from us.  Rang Jamie and Du Bresil re Moulin Rouge.

                                                         Montpellier

Thursday 11^th November            Overcast – no wind

Met Sally & Paul – really nice (British couple).   Late up after a good night last night.  Had a sit down supper with Carol, Tony and about 12 others.  Very enjoyable.  Americans from Minnesota were very nice.  Had a good range of food.  Bed at 12.45 am last night.  Got organized and went to the Remembrance Day ceremony at Nizas.  Two flag bearers, about 20 kids with flags and about 80 townspeople.  Marched to the memorial and back for drinks and olives at the Council Chambers.  Met Brenda, Tony & Carol again.  Spoke to the Americans from last night.  Came back to the apartment and had some cold meat then off to Sete to see the coast and oyster beds.  Quite cold but no wind.  Had lunch at 2.30 pm on the sea front at Sete.  Didn’t see the oyster beds.  Came home and ironed all the clothes for case packing on Friday night.  Late tea tonight.  Early night I thin

                                     At Carol’s Supper Night

Friday 12^th November              Raining cats and dogs

Had a hair cut today.  Really wet, cold and miserable.  Great experience at the hairdressers – about 8 customers – he cuts all the hair – 2 in foil and one tips.  She blow dries everyone.  It was like a big party – stopping to read papers and discuss the news.  Appointment for 10.30 am and got out at 12.00 pm.  Hair looks OK.  He cuts the final bit standing up in front of a mirror.  Home for lunch and then a restful afternoon.  Got all the clothes dry inside the apartment on the heaters.  It has not stopped raining all day.  No down pipes connected so all the water falls on the patio and outside the kitchen door.  Have had to mop inside to soak up the water.  Very rustic.  We have had enough time here.

Saturday 13^th November   Raining cats and dogs again

Up really early today – packed ready to go.  Loaded the car in the pouring rain – got quite wet.  Drove off by 8.15 am.  Water over the road in some places.  The drain through Pezenas now a banker – like a river – really muddy and very fast.  Went up through the middle on the A4 to Orleans.  It is a beautiful trip – not unlike Austria and the Brenner Pass.  Had all seasons in one day – heavy rain, misty rain, snow and heavy fog and sunshine.  The wind is very cold.  Drove well – not much traffic – very peaceful into the Loire Valley – very flat with lots of ploughed areas – really nice.  Drove through to Etap at Orleans – checked out dinner places and then had a bit of a rest.  Then had dinner after 7.30 pm.  Pretty tired.  Ready for bed.

                             Snow in the Alpson way to Paris

Sunday 14^th November             Overcast and misty

Drove onto the outer ring road and followed it around to Charles De Gaulle – got lost near the motorway but not for long.  Went out to Selenus and found an Ibis Hotel.  Met an American lass who wanted to know if I spoke English (shades of Marg Harro in Paris ’97) “No only a little bit” I said and then realized she said ENGLISH. So said “Yes I speak it all”.  She really had a good laugh.  Met her and her friend, Ginger later and had tea together.  Great fun.  They had stayed in an Internet cottage in the North of France.  Mary and Bernie shouted us tea which was lovely.  Had lamb and it was delicious.  Late night 10.15 pm. – slept really well.  Hope it’s as nice for Paris.  I do want Bernie and Mary to like it.  I think it’s wonderful.

Monday 15^th November      -    Beautiful clear day , cold breeze

Had a Mac attack for breakfast and then took the car to the airport. (Checked it out yesterday so it was no trouble).  Shuttled to gate 30, Terminal 1 for the Rossy bus.  Very full – nearly didn’t want to take me but let me in because Bud was already on.  Long trip in – weather beautiful.  Managed cases to Du Bresil & settled into rooms.  We have a shower/bath again.  Bud not impressed.  Had a little time to hang clothes and then of to the Eiffel Tower.  It looks great.  Went up the stairs to the first level.  Got some great photos and video footage. 

                                Eiffel Tower

Golly the city looks wonderful.  Mary and Bernie are off to Sacre Coeur.  We went to the Arc De Triomphe – just beautiful.  Remembrance Day flowers and flags still flying.  Had a walk to Printemps before tea.  Had tea at an Italian place.  Very nice.  Bud not hungry – had nibbles etc before we went fore a walk.  Met a couple we saw in Rome – had a lovely chat about our trips. They did Italy, Greece and the Greek Islands.  They were tired out but enjoyed it all.  They had been to Disneyland today.  Had a look at the Christmas lights at Layfayette and Printemps.  Came home – woke Buddy and went to bed.  Lovely clear night.  Disappointed that Moulin Rouge and Follies were shut.  Mary and Bernie might go to the Lido on Wednesday night.  Off to see Paris in the morning – Bus ride – picked up at 10.00 am.  Heard that there were floods in the South of France. – got out of there in time.

Tuesday 16^th November Beautiful day rain about 4.00 pm

Didn’t sleep well last night.  Early breakfast and then off to see Paris and some more monuments.  Picked up by bus to look at Paris.  Very nice French girl was our driver and guide.  Very competent driver.  An American Dad, Skip, his daughter and a friend were in the mini bus too – a bit over the top but were OK.  We had a really good look at everything.  We were dropped back at our hotel about 12.40 and then off to Notre Dame.  It is so impressive – the stained glass windows are just beautiful.
                                                                                                            Paris from the Eiffel Tower

Spent some time having a good look.  The outside is being cleaned for 2001.  Off to the Champs Elysee to get Mary and Bernie’s Lido tickets.  Good deal 520 Francs for the show.  I know they will enjoy it.  Bought some perfume 629Francs – very pleased with the price.  Will be going to Seine Illuminations tonight at 9.30 pm. 

Wednesday 17^th November –rainy&cold –snow in              

         

Up early, breakfast and then off to Versailles. Had to make our own way to Cityrama to catch the bus.  Last night was really great – 2 hours & 15 mins.  We went everywhere!!! Jacques was our driver and he took us all over the main city.  Very impressive – Champs Elysee just beautiful – silver frosted trees – flags out for King of Jordan etc.  Wet start to today but a nice quiet trip out to Versailles.  About 6 nationalities on the bus with a different guide for each group.   Our girl Veronique was excellent.  She gave a lot of historical facts.  I enjoyed it all again.  The Hall of Mirrors is amazing.  Arrived back, bought some gifts and had lunch.  Then went out to post Jamie’s towels.  Very good parcel of plastic bags – cost 40 F.  Not bad!! Came home and then went to look for gifts for Kathy and Russell.  Got perfume with Mary.  Wonderful girl helped us.  So patient and helpful – I got one for Kathy and a really nice after shave for Russell.  Cost altogether 629F – got duty free off.  Very good deal.  Bernie and Mary off to the Lido tonight.  Had tea – crepes – beautiful.  My salad had octopus legs – still see the suckers (not wonderful) Crepe was nice.  Bitter outside.  Bud and I went to Video the Layfayette and Printemps – got some really good footage.  Bud is sick of the video – too heavy – he has lost interest – would like to go home!!!  Packed bags – everything fits well.  Having a later start tomorrow – off to the Louvre in the am.  7.30 pm taxi to the airport.  90 Francs each – a good deal.  Still like Paris!!!!  Even in the cold.

Thursday 18^th November          - cold and miserable

Spent most of the day at the Louvre.  Moved on to Les Invalids and Napoleon’s tomb.  Met a nice French lady who had lost her way and we were able to help her out with directions.  Later on Bernie went back to photograph the Eiffel Tower at night while the rest of us sat in a bar and had a beer or a wine.  We then went back to the hotel near Du Bresil and had tea, picked up our luggage and caught our shuttle to the airport.  While waiting for our flight we had a last drink and then boarded our plane for home.

Saturday 20^th November  Lost Fri 19^th in transit

Home via Singapore - Buddy bought a razor while at the airport.  Arrived in Melbourne at about 6.00 am.  Kathy arrived with the car around 7.30am.  Then off home. 

A great trip!!