Cash's Holiday

Dobra-dan (goodday) (spelling? but sounds like) in Slovene. Weather gone from bad to worse, had plans to spend time in Venice but decided to bypass for few days hoping things will change for the better.   So its up into the mountains of Northern Italy.

But before going any further will take you back to our last stop `Desenzano’. Its name represents a small dot on the map but that doesn’t mean its not crowded. We are certainly spoilt in Aust. and NZ. (Mark you mentioned historic Verona and Padova) History is EVERYWHERE and hard to comprehend. Jules, who teaches ancient history is full of knowledge and absorbing it all. Hearing snippets from her brings it all alive. (though don’t ask me to pass it on in great detail – you’ll get the laymens version from me !)

Nearby Sirmione is the sight of the remains of a huge Roman villa with its 2000 yr old Olive Grove (hollowed naily trunks, still supporting leaves and producing). 

The area forms a long spit jutting out into the lake and going by the lavish homes – one, once belonging to Marie Calas who was jilted by Aristotal Onassis for Jacqueline Kennedy (a commemorative plaque seen on the surrounding wall 1923 – 1974. (Thought you might be interested in that trivia)

On leaving, we decided to try the old highway but the pace was too slow & too clogged, so out onto the toll roads and what a difference. Actually, we find  we are seeing more from these  motorways as they are cut through the country side and you are elevated. Had I mentioned before that indicating when changing lanes is not a common thing over here….very dodgy.  Shame the weather was so bad as driving through the Alpine pass the mountain tops were shrouded in mist. Villages dotted here and there, with their steeply pitched roofs. You can’t but think of their private isolated peaceful world now shattered by the viaduct towering above. Through many tunnels again, the road so smooth and wide….Entered Slovenia via Austria (if only for a short time) No stops/questions, just roadway and on. (said hello to Julie Andrews!!!!).

Bled – The lonely planet book says  – ‘Bled has been designed by the very god of tourism’. Medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff, a 500 yr old church on tiny island of  emerald green lake…..Well we went out to the church via a little closed in motor boat (usually visitors are rowed out in tradition gondila type crafts) But our way meant staying dry. Can imagine how beautiful this area must be in fine weather, forest covered peaks, deep valleys. Clean air (I mention that as Lake Garda had a haze about it)

Our hotel in Bled is quite old (but modernized) family run, by two brothers. They cooked us the biggest T-bone steaks last night and have offered to cook us a suckling pig over the coals of an open fire in the dining room. Of course we have reserved a table close by the cook.

Just a personal note…thanks for all your comments. Glad your getting something out of all this. (:) G       p.s. I can’t take credit for pic’s …Dave managed . I’m still getting there.

We arrived in Lyon 1st of May. It seemed to be a special day, we thought maybe spring festival. Children were selling posies of flowers at the intersections etc. We made our way to the river (Rhone) and found a market day in full cry. Whilst promanarding along the river bank we noticed rowing skulls appearing around the corner. At first 1 or 2  and then came an Armarda of them. People in the apartmants looking over the river would call “OUI” and the rowers would call back. Heaps of calls and the sound would resonate off the buildings. Obviously a tradition and a great experience!  (:) Dave

PS from G.

On to stay the night at Annecy. A thriving and very popular (going by the crowds) town nestled on the shores of Lake Continued Annecy at the base of the Alps. The `older’ sector, very historic….lower village area serviced by waterway/canel, crossed by multiple narrow bridges. Tiny cobbled lanes leading to low doorways set in old stone walls. Slate roof tops joining each other at different levels. Alpine influence in shops….selling clogs, cow bells etc.

2^nd May      Weather deteriorating so decided to go for it. Once leaving Annecy, we got tangled up in the motorway system. `Esmeralda’ (Our GPS) was as confused as we where, but finally (and  with the driver coping very well) we head towards Italy through the alps…….Big easy highway all the way, separated into toll sections. Even though the speed limit is 130, which….. driver promised not to go above, cars zoomed past us at times….heavens knows what speed they reached. Though many tunnels, villages tucked here and there. Old stone `huts’ left abandoned. Snow up on the peaks.

Crossing the border into Italy was of no major consequence. Stopped at  a check point but were waved on into no man’s  land before paying 35Euro’s to enter the 18km (approx) tunnel into Italy, Jules `Italian phase book’, educating us as we go alone.   On through Torino and Milano finishing the day at `Desenzano’ on the shores of Lago (lake) di Garda.

Will just add a few little details that we have devised to make our journeying comfortable. On starting our road trip we are self reliant for breakfast and lunch….Breads are delicious, cheeses, salami, olives…..have a little 1 litre kettle that fits (by coincidence) into the centre console between the two front seats. It plugs into the lighter socket and does its little thing as we travel along. Very safe, no hot water spurting out. Our cups consist of those soft plastic type….gets a bit hot to hold but doubled up.  Our original stirrer was a straw but progress to those tiny plastic spoons. The reason for all this carry on is not locating a store to buy basic cups, spoons etc.    Catching up on washing, what a mission locating a laundry. Can’t help but feel self conscious on approaching a `friendly’ looking person …”Par-la in-glese”.  (do you speak English) If your lucky they have a basic grasp of the language and away you go, hand gestures are universal.

Hi again, First I must say the internet system in France is archaic, even the locals agree.

Sorry about the abrupt ending on the last blog, our life is a bit of a world wind at the moment but loving every minute of it……Will just describe a bit more of our `Hotel Esmeralda’ – located in what’s called the Left Bank, very near the Latin Quarter.   Just around the corner is a famous `old’ book shop (Shakespeare and company) Couldn’t resist buying the  book  ‘Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ – a fable.  `Esmeralda’ features in the story so our host tells us….will be my next read.

Wed 28^th   Saw us covering what we could of the many interesting areas (can only fit so much into one day)….Musee deLouvre, the museum containing de Vinci’s `Mona Lisa’. Roped off, so that distance is maintained at all times….adding to the allure of her.  Numerous other priceless works of art, some so large, the mind boggles to imagine the grandeur of their original home/location.  Archaeological excavations plus much more, are preserved under a huge glass pyramid 21m high, located in the enormous courtyard. Such a modern concept built within the ancient surroundings sounds like a mistake but it goes together really well. Most of the signage within the museum was in French, which was a little frustrating.

Walked the Av des Champs-Elysees leading up to the Arc de Triomphe….beautiful tree lined avenue, couldn’t help but think of the `tour de France’.   Over to the Eiffel Tower…hawkers everywhere, trying to sell, sell, sell.  Tour groups everywhere.

Jet lag effects return again about 4 pm….feel like your sleep-walking. Early dinner followed by a walk around. Passing numerous cute little compact cafes and restaurants, tables flowing out on to the street, in some cases, owners touting for business as you walk by. Atmosphere alive (and its only mid week) 

Thursday 29th  Collected the car from Orly airport…..and the fun began…..Chevy Chase had nothing on us.  Drivers stress levels tested to the max….unfamiliar European car, narrow roads, heavy traffic, confused navigators (The GPS mostly and thankfully we had  the power of vito)plus two back set drivers, all learning to cope with the strange sensation of being on the WRONG side of the road. The situation was serious, at times, but hilarious at the same time. After a little practise we ventured on to the toll road heading out of Paris….speed limit 130km….then came the need for a fuel stop…..diesel in french ???? went by colour of fuel nozzle….pulled into a `big’ space. Two grown men sniffing the said nozzle, next thing a voice (in french) comes over the loud speaker, we are rescued by a friendly truck driver who explains the `large’  fill areas are for trucks only. Anyway needless to say we survived our first day on the road, apart from a parking ticket we collected because we now know you can’t just park and wander off in these narrow laned townships……which by the way are a picture. Some like stepping back in time. `Auxerre’ ,where we stayed  (half way to Lyon) is so historic, still very much part of every day life.  So all in all having a wonderful trip. Weather has been great. ….Will get time at some stage to pass the `load photo on the blog test ‘ but for now….patience. (:)

Hi, Planning to be away from home for three months takes a bit of organisation. We are at the stage that we can’t wait to get out of here. A special thankyou to a few people who’s back-up makes being away far less stressful. Robyn and Tom and David ready to protect our castle, Wendy and Louise for general family support. Grant and Jackie for being `me’  for mum and dad. Fiona our wonderful accountant. Jane for holding the forte and keeping up with the cats. I could go on but this thankyou does go out to many…

Bevan phoned to say we where welcome to stay longer if flights delayed…ooooo thanks Bevan, meanwhile three months later!!!!!

Hi all, Well here we go, hope you enjoy this journey with us, dealing with a blog will be challenge enough let alone long plane flights (:) Gail)

Our travel intentions are as follows:   22/4 Auckland – Brisbane ( join with Jim & Jules):    24/4 Brisbane – Singapore. `Etihad Airways’:    26/4 Singapore – 27/4 Arrive Paris Via stopover Abu Dhabi United Emirates:    29/4 (Drive from) Paris – :   13/5 Italy `Soriano nel Cimino'(our base) (Aprox 1 hrs drive north of Rome):   2/6 Sicily `Fontane Blanche’ (our base) located near Siracusa:   15/6 Leave Sicily – 21/6 Calais (France), cross to Dover,  – Brighton:    22/6 Brighton – London:   24/6 London – South Lancashire:   2/7 (aprox)`Horrobridge’  Devon:   7/7  Fly Exeter (Devon) – Dublin:   20/7 Dublin – Abu Dhabi United Emirates – Sydney:   21/7 Sydney – Auckland:  HOME !!!