27 Weekends (part 10)

Austria, Tour de Tirol Oct 08

No lift from Stansted to our B and B, much to Sineads disgust.Fog on arrival in Salzburg. Seeing the peaks as we approached Berchtesgaden. Catching the bus to Eagles Nest for views of the Bavarian alps and Kongisee below. The original bronze elevator to Hitlers Tea House. A brief stop in Kongisee for pretzels and a close up of the lake. A anxious drive across the border in Austria and onto Reith an Alpbach the flower village for Sineads 10K race. First sight of Jonathan Wyatt and the Kenyans battling it out for line honours. Relaxation in Landhaus Strasser with our throne like toilet, enormous padded bed and walk in shower. Early morning breakfast with Jonathan Wyatt with impressive views of the Tyrol mountains and the village of Soll. A grueling 42K with the impossibly steep last three k to the finish on top of Hohe Salve. Post race feed and beer in the revolving restaurant. Dinner party in Soll and yarning with a fellow kiwi and now native of Soll. Last race and Sineads half marathon in Walchsee with four laps of the lake. Victory for team Alternatives and a cash prize. Traffic jam on the Autobahn and a missed flight in Munich. Whats another night in Munich beers and dinner at the Hoffbrauhaus. Yet more sunshine the following day and a train to Baden Baden and and departure from Karlsruhe Airport.

Italy, Milan and Venice November 08

Milan with Anna for the final marathon of the year. Registration in the shadow of the immense Duomo. A fascinating visit to the Teatro Alla Scala, Milans theatre. A walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle and window shopping along the impossibly expensive Via Monte Napoleone. A visit to Michellangelos last supper through three sets of security doors into a very modern room with a very old painting. A huge Apertivo on an old bike warehouse. Early start before struggling through 42k, a view of the San Siro and the start and finish outside the Castello Sforzesco. Afternoon train to Venice Canal Boat 1 to San Marco square and the plush accommodation of the Ca Dei Conti. A day of wandering the canals with espresso stops along the way. The Rialto Bridge, Jewish quarter, Basillica de San Marco with sloping floors, views from the Bell Tower, advertising hoardings on the Ponte dei Sospiri (bridge of sighs).

27 Weekends (part 9)

Italy, Cinque Terre, Tuscany and Umbria Sept 08
Back in Pisa for a night chilling in the main square with the Italians who just tend to stand around chatting. First coffee of the trip and a pastry for breakie. Reunion with the family on the train to Levanto. First glimpses of the Cinque Terre towns. Well positioned apartment in Levanto town, five minutes to the beach. First run along the cliff top paths and naturally a seafood dinner. Running the cliffs through the five towns, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and a welcomed swim at Riomaggiore. Pizza in Manarola and John struggling up the steps to Corniglia. Rain and a beer in Vernazza. Train up the coast to Santa Margherita Ligure and boat over to Portofino. €7 beers in the sun served by Italy's most arrogant waiter. Bus along the coast past the numerous mansions. On the road after a brief stop at the leaning tower. First stop Casole d Elsa and a surprise over our luxurious apartment. Our very own restaurant how good is steak, rocket and parmesan? John taking a tumble the following night to the town proper, my mac light not cutting the mustard on the rocky path. First hilltop town stop at the completely walled town of Monteriggioni with its short walk on the walls. Driving in circles looking for a park in Sienna. Impressive lunch at a Lonely Planet guided Osteria. Imagining the horse race around the Piazza del Campo. Sinead and Helen draped in shawls in the black and white striped Sienna Cathedral. Views and photos from the East wall of the unbuilt new cathedral. Hilltop town day, the cold wind in Volterra and stumbling over an active jail, the 14 towers of San Gimignano tourist town. First wine tasting of the day with my balcony in the sun. Onward to Grieve in Chianti for wine tasting via a pre paid card and a snack at the famous Macelleria. Stunning views and more tasting in Volpaia before a lesson in Balsamic vinegar in Radda in Chianti. Direction Umbria and day two of hilltop towns. A Brunello in Montalcino in the fortress of course, Pecorino cheese in the town of Pienza, steep steps and roads result in a glass of wine and charchuterie snack in Montepulciano. Our rural retreat in Citta Del Pieve Umbria. A medieval dinner in a tucked away restaurant. My delight in ordering a block of Parmigiana Cheese and disgust when it was grated. John on the BBQ and the huge feed of steak. The view of Lake Trasimeno from the fort in Castiglione del Lago. Sampling some local produce and buying the old man some Grappa. The incredible St Francis cathederal with the two churches. The magnificent frescoes. The emotion of St Francis resting place under the Cathedral. Delicious Bruschetta in a quaint Osteria in Spello. Getting lost in search of Roman ruins. The incredible facade on Orvieto Cathedral. The underground tunnels and houses of Orvieto where Pigeons where bred for food. Lunch in a converted cave thanks to Ethel. Successfully navigating the rental car in downtown Rome.

27 Weekends (part 8)

Rome July 08
€11 rip off airport train to meet Anna in downtown Rome. Hookers in the streets on the way to our impressive apartment. First sight of the Coloseum and Que. Stupid questions on our tour. A visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The controversial type writer the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II under repair. Lunch in the Palazzo della Cancelleria, across the road to the old chariot tracks of Piazza Navona for Gelato. Perfectly timed rain drops through the roof of the Pantheon. More Gelato and tossed coins at Trevi fountain. An early morning run down the deserted Spanish steps. The inevitable ques at St Peters Basilica. Emotion outside Pope John Paul's resting place. The closed on Monday Vatican City, the ridiculous volume of people the following day. The numerous water fountains dotted throughout town. Running along the banks of the Tiber. The impressive Catacombs on the Roman Via Appia. Value for money men's shopping, sharp suits and ties. A lonely journey home as Sinead headed for the Amalfi Coast.

Switzerland, Zurich and Davos July 08
One night in Zurich with Jason. Drifting down the Limmatt River and chilling out on its banks with Zurichs young and trendy. The over priced Zic Zac Rock Hotel. The Lindt chocolate factory. Late night Gelato on the banks of Lake Zurich. Imagining the underground vaults on exclusive Bahnhofstrasse. The impressive Swiss mountain train service. Mountain sunshine in Davos home of the World Economic Forum. Name me some famous Swiss? The rather dour and reserved Swiss. Cable Car high above Davos to check out the valleys and mountain for the next days exertions. Pasta Party and Alcohol free beer. Friday night street festival, I wish we had tried the meat skewers !! Train to the start line at Bergun. A climb to the highest point Keschuttee at 2632 short reprieve then a calf burning climb to Scalletapass for a Tour de France like welcome. Hopa Hopa Hopa Go Go Go !! A whiff of Raclette Cheese before a victory lap to the finish. 30th person to cross the line. A swim in the Hotel pool before drunken antics in the evening, wheel barrow races and a knock on the door at the local baker for fresh bread.

La Rochelle August 08
Quite possibly Ryanairs smallest airport. Sadly more rain and a distinct lack of sunshine. The floating maritime museum. The aquarium was definitely the place to be. Water taxi's around the inner harbour. Running along the limestone cliffs in the direction of Ille de Re. Seafood and Steak dinners with street performers to entertain. Live jazz music on the streets with some African sounds from a local bar. A visit to the three towers in the old harbour, red brick rooftop views from the top. A bus trip over to Ille de Re along the 3km long bridge. Bikes and finally some sunshine the towns of La Flotte and St Martin en Re. Swimming at the beach in Le Bois Plage en Re. Cave de la Guignette for bottles of Guignette wine and fruit based apertif, orange and apple. Fresh and cheap Hutre with beer in hand. Shoveling Moule and Frite and chasing the airport bus.

London Aug 08
Last trip of the summer, appreciating the warmer weather in London. Brick Lane and a night out as Vinnys band make a debut performance. Delicious Bagels in the Jewish Bakery afterward. New Zealand's golden morning at the Olympics. Running along the canal past the soon to be London 2012 stadium. Morgane and Matthieus impressive flat near Euston Station. Wandering through the Camden St Markets. A night of pints in Smithfield before a club with a burlesque evening.

27 Weekends (part 7)

Seville/Madrid June 08
Finally a bit of heat, breakfast in the sun. Tapas, cold beer and cheap wine. A backstreet tour to find some live Flamenco. A visit to the bull ring and to the beautiful gardens of the Alcazar. One of the largest cathedrals in the world, views from the tower and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Sangria and dinner across the Rio Guadalquivir. Early morning running in Parque de Maria Luisa.
Off to Cordoba easy enough. Shame about the €120 first class tickets to Madrid in the afternoon. Beers in the lounge and a snack including Gazpacho tempered the blow. Cordoba with its winding alleys and flower pot filled houses. The moorish feel represented perfectly by the mamooth Mezquita. Another crossing of the Rio Guadalquivir via the stone washed Puente Romano.
Onwards to Madrid and the garden filled train station. Bocadillo Calamari expensive but tasty. Goya in the Prado. The Bernabau tour including a mention of the Real Madrid basketball team who are just as successful as the footballers. An understanding of the history and passion of the club. The impressive trophy room and cushioned bench. Wandering in the direction of the El Rastro market through some shall we say colourful neighbourhoods. A visit to the Palacio Real backing onto the enormous Campo del Moro. Hanging out in Plaza Mayor. Sangria and live piano in a Paloma recommended bar, shame about the smoke. Getting carried away with our dinner Tapas order. The quaint sherry bar opposite our Hotel, your bill written in chalk on the bar. Early morning running in the manicured Parque del Retiro. Madrids two famous fountains regularly the centre of Athletico and Real's victory celebrations.

Austria, Vienna and the Salzkammergut Region June 08
Euro 2008, Vienna's enormous fanzone. The delicately poised Croatia Turkey quarter final. Flares when Croatia scored and tears when the two Turkish goals went in late on. Petr Czech on the Wiener Risenrad in our running spot the Prater Park. Vienese coffee in Trotskys Cafe Central. Weiner Schnitzel that filled our plates. Weiss beer and more Weiss Beer. St Stephens cathederal and the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). A pleasant surprise in the form of a BMW 5 series. First stop Melk on the banks of the Danube. The gold laced Stift Melk and apple struddel for lunch. Another 30 degree plus day with more on the way. Through to the lake and mountain ladden Salzkammergut region. An afternoon dip in Wolfgansee from the town of Strobl. More Euro 2008 and the mid summer bonfire tradition atop the surrounding peaks. Early start for the Postalm half marathon. Seeing stars in the sun and the skin removing crash 1k from the finish. Post race sustenance of Wurst and Saurkraut. The picture postcard but slightly touristy St Wolfgang and another dip in the Wolfgansee lake. Exploring the lakes and onto the Unesco Heritage town of Halstatt. Lederhosen adorned waiters on the banks of the lake, Weiss beer and more Euro 2008. Early morning swim in the Hallstatter See. Dressing up in coloured overalls and sliding down mine shafts in the 7,000 year old salt mines. A very cold visit to the Dachstein ice caves, 30 degrees outside minus 2 in shorts and singlets inside. Another cable car ride a hike in a touch of snow and the spectacular view from the five fingers platform. Last stop Mozart and the Sound of Music town of Salzburg. The wooden shop signs of the old town. The Dom (cathederal) with sombering before and after shots of the WW2 bombings. St Peterskirche and Katakombs. A walk up to the Festung Hohensalzburg, a history of subtle building changes, dungeons and of course views of the hills and River Salzach below. Schloss Mirabell gardens Sinead singing "The Hills are alive." A beer with a view in the Munchsburg park. Dinner and steins in the cavernous Augustiner Braustubl.

27 Weekends (part 6)

Skiing 08 Les Deux Alpes
Sleepy Mizoen without a tourist in sight. Early morning runs on the well marked tracks, stunning views to the reservoir below and mountains above. A track to Alpe d Huez. Our €30 Gite with three course meal. Chocolate Chaud for Breakfast. The enormous Les Deux Alpes. Catching the cable car on the first morning and watching the piste's unfold below. Skiing at 3250 metres. Ratatouille and Tartiflete for lunch high on the mountain. The exhillaration and cold snowmobiling for my birthday. Watching the piste being prepared for the next day. Surviving a handful of black runs. Morgane skiing backwards whilst teaching Debs how to ski. The blizzard and nervous moments as we thought we were the only ones left on the slopes.

Tampere/Helsinki Mar 08
Did I mention how cold it was. The pain of running at minus 14, along with the unbeleiving looks at my pair of shorts. An afternoon stroll on the frozen Lake Pyhajarvi, marvelling at the frozen in boats and taking nervous steps around the lakes edge. Lunch at an American styled diner. Watching our first game of Ice Hockey as the local team Ilves got knocked out of the play offs, despite a last minute equaliser. Being privileged to watch Raimo Helminen play his last game, World Ice Hockeys most capped player. Beer and sausage for dinner, with some very drunk patrons.

Snow in downtown Helsinki. Finally some outdoor ice skating. A touch of kitsch dining at Zetor Reindeer for a main and a tractor ride for desert. A boat trip out to Suomenlinna and a visit to the Fortress before a warming beer at the brewery. Working out sauna etiquette, naked men with cans of beer in the sauna at 9am. The Kansallismuseo for some interesting facts on Sami history. The Russian Orthodox churches dotting the city. Nokia and Kimi Raikennan. The Kauppatori (fish market) for lunch. The incredible selection of flavoured Cider in our local supermarket and not just Kopperberg.

Amsterdam/Groningen April 08
Two nights accommodation with Sander in his downtown student housing. The first signs of spring. A busy day on the canals. Hiring bikes and using the incredible cycling lanes. The obligatory frites and mayo. Catching up with Snead's Dutch friends. An old bike and two good locks are mandatory for cyclists in Amsterdam. Dinner with Sander, Gordon and Mariska. A visit to the Grasshopper and a wander through the red lights. Lunch in the sun at Nieumarkt district. Spring crowds in the Vondelpark. Sadly missing the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums. Train to Fryslan home of the black and white cows to visit Melissa, Helmer and family. Beers in the sun and amusement at Melissa's handle bar baskets for the two girls.

Scotland, Edinburgh and the Highlands May 08
More Edinburgh curry chips with Adeline and Rob. Downtown hostel for the four of us. Rental car over the impressive Forth Road Bridge. A night in Newtonmore including beers with the locals. Waltzing Waters next door. Brunch further up the road at Aviemore. Impressive views over the Cairngorms. The famous half filled flat white at the Mountain Cafe. Wandering the river ness in Inverness. A half hearted attempt on Ben Nevis. A warming pint in the A framed Ben Nevis Inn. A night of Scotch in Fort William. B and B accommodation including square sausage and fruit pudding. Catching the Gondola up Aonach Mor for stunning views of Ben Nevis and the Great Glen. The mind wandering at the world class Mt Biking below and imagining the skiing in winter. Spotting Nessy in Loch Ness. Climbing a wall for views of Urquart Castle complete with catapult. Don't forget the intriguing Highland Cows. Drama on the drive home due to a lack of petrol. Coasting down hills to conserve petrol. Views atop Stirling Castle. The nightmare of filling the car up with petrol at Edinburgh airport.

Chamonix

Skiing Chamonix Jan 09
The Fiat Brava, having a mare at the toll barriers. The White Valley Motorway. The border crossing between France and Switzerland, do I have anything to declare? Four nights in sleepy Servoz at Hotel Les Gorges de Diosaz. Pastries and dark coffee every morning. Europes highest Mt Blanc 4810m. Skiing three resorts, Le Tour, Brevent-Flegere and Grand Monets. Serious off piste action, trails zig zaging the mountains. Tartiflete for carbs. The precariously placed Aguille de Midi cable car. Chamonix itself split by the Arve river draining to the valley below. The Mount Blanc Tunnel through to Courmayeur in Italy.