Damascus
Social accomodation at Al Rahemı, where our room backed out onto the communal area. A visit to the underwhelming Natıonal Museum, the only redeemıng feature being the exhibit of the worlds oldest alphabet from Urgarit. Our first mosque visit in the Umayyad Mosque deep in the old town. A bit of a laugh as Sinead dons a Burkha. Followed by a visit to Saladins Masoleum. A beer in a Christıan Quarter bar, dark, dingy and full of smoke. Gettıng lost in the Souqs fılled wıth locals shopping. Sanctuary in the Azam Palace, a decadent remnant of the Ottoman era. Day trip to Bosra and the impressive fortified theatre. The black basalt remains of the Roman Vıllage now inhabited by local families.
Palmyra
Syrias number one sight. The remains of the town smack bang in the middle of the desert. The enormous sacrificial Bel Temple. The colonaded street that once led to Damascus. Double storey tombs that are now open to dıscovery. Stunning views of the ruins, oasis and town below, from the Arabian Castle perched up a calf breaking hill.
Hama
Compact town famous for ıts Norias (Waterwheels). An afternoon stroll and an impromtu cup of tea and fresh lettuce with the Norias caretaker and famıly. Vıews from the Cıtadel and a snapshot of local history from the Hama Museum. First sight of rain for a month sadly coincıdıng with our visit to the impregnable Crusader Castle, Crac de Chevalier. First stop though was the Citadel of Miysaf former home of the Arab Assasins. Two local buses onto the hilltop Roman ruins of Appamea. A contrast to Palmyra as we were surrounded by lush green grass.
Latakia
A brief stop to the most liberal town we visited ın the Mıddle East. Coffee culture and Western styled dining rains supreme. Our first sight of girls smokıng Nargileh ın public. A friendly taxi to the historic Saladins castle. A sprawling ruin set with sheer drops on either side. The retractable draw bridge the only link with the outside world.
Aleppo
Syrias second largest cıty, a sprawling population of 4 million. More views from a castle from the Citys Citadel. Mobbed by school kids in the lavishly restored throne room. Some tourist souvenirs ın the 13th Century Ottoman Souq. Dining lıke a celebrity in a local restaurant from the famıly room.Sampling some of Aleppos renowned kebabs. An overpriced day trıp to the Basilica of St Simeon. The site where St Simeon sat atop 18m pillars to be closer to God ! A brilliantly preserved Byzantine church with views over the rocky landscape below. A bizarre place indeed.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Jordan
Aqaba
First stop in Jordan on the Red Sea. The enormous Movenpick Resort. Jordanians holiday by the sea. Numerous glass boat tours. An impromtu tour around a Jordanian bakery with Pita bread to taste. Laid back feel with football fans celebrating on the street. A visit to the old Crusader Castle later conquered by Laurence of Arabia.
Wadi Rum
An overnight stay in the desert in our very own tent for the night. Complete with an amazing buffet dinner of Mezze and Kofta. A six hour hike through the desert, hard work in the sun without sufficient water. Taking in Laurence of Arabia's spring, a canyon and Bedouin tents. Topped off by a scramble through a deep ravine. An amazing landscape, rugged hills and different coloured desert sands.
Wadi Musa-Petra
An unfortunate start with a cancelled bus and resulting 40 dinar taxi to Petra. Hitch hiking to Small Petra which we had to ourselves. Also a visit to the oldest village (Bedaya) in the Middle East. A ride back to Wadi Musa with the New Zealand lady who wrote Married to a Bedouin, who still lives in Petra! 30th birthday celebrations hiking around the Rose Tinted City, former home to the mighty Nabatean dynasty. The 1.2k long Siq with The Treasury magically appearing, views from the High Place of Sacrifice, the massive Monastery, Roman Theatre, The Royal Tombs (Palace Tomb and the Urn Tomb), Colonaded street, the list goes on! Very sore legs as we conquered just about every peak in the region.
Madaba
Bus to the Amman turnoff then another hithed ride to town. Home of the Mosaics including the Mosaic Map in St Georges church. Day trip to Mt Nebo where Moses saw the promised land and also died. Onto Bethany beyond the Jordan where John the Baptist baptised Jesus, literally a stones throw from the Israeli border. Finally bobbing in the Dead Sea, a truly memorable experience.
Amman
Final stop in Jordan. A day spent visiting the Citadel with the impressive National Archaelogical Museum housing reputably the oldest sculptures in the world. Followed by the enormous Roman Theatre smack bang in the middle of Downtown Amman. Legendary Turkish Pizza, Felafel sandwiches and fresh juice. A day excursion to the best preserved Roman city outside Italy in Jerash.
First stop in Jordan on the Red Sea. The enormous Movenpick Resort. Jordanians holiday by the sea. Numerous glass boat tours. An impromtu tour around a Jordanian bakery with Pita bread to taste. Laid back feel with football fans celebrating on the street. A visit to the old Crusader Castle later conquered by Laurence of Arabia.
Wadi Rum
An overnight stay in the desert in our very own tent for the night. Complete with an amazing buffet dinner of Mezze and Kofta. A six hour hike through the desert, hard work in the sun without sufficient water. Taking in Laurence of Arabia's spring, a canyon and Bedouin tents. Topped off by a scramble through a deep ravine. An amazing landscape, rugged hills and different coloured desert sands.
Wadi Musa-Petra
An unfortunate start with a cancelled bus and resulting 40 dinar taxi to Petra. Hitch hiking to Small Petra which we had to ourselves. Also a visit to the oldest village (Bedaya) in the Middle East. A ride back to Wadi Musa with the New Zealand lady who wrote Married to a Bedouin, who still lives in Petra! 30th birthday celebrations hiking around the Rose Tinted City, former home to the mighty Nabatean dynasty. The 1.2k long Siq with The Treasury magically appearing, views from the High Place of Sacrifice, the massive Monastery, Roman Theatre, The Royal Tombs (Palace Tomb and the Urn Tomb), Colonaded street, the list goes on! Very sore legs as we conquered just about every peak in the region.
Madaba
Bus to the Amman turnoff then another hithed ride to town. Home of the Mosaics including the Mosaic Map in St Georges church. Day trip to Mt Nebo where Moses saw the promised land and also died. Onto Bethany beyond the Jordan where John the Baptist baptised Jesus, literally a stones throw from the Israeli border. Finally bobbing in the Dead Sea, a truly memorable experience.
Amman
Final stop in Jordan. A day spent visiting the Citadel with the impressive National Archaelogical Museum housing reputably the oldest sculptures in the world. Followed by the enormous Roman Theatre smack bang in the middle of Downtown Amman. Legendary Turkish Pizza, Felafel sandwiches and fresh juice. A day excursion to the best preserved Roman city outside Italy in Jerash.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Egypt
Cairo
The amzing nine Pyramids of Giza. The oldest stone monument in the world- at Saqqara. Stepped in shape. Dahshur and the Red Pyramid- Kafre father's. A look inside to see the intricate construction. The bent pyramid that went slightly wrong in the distance.
Tutenkahmens 11kg mask in the Egyptian Museum.
Overnight bomb in the labrynth that is Khan el Khalili market.
Crosses on Christian Churches in the Coptic area, a strange sight indeed.
Overnight sleeper to Aswan.
Aswan
Felucca ride skippered by our Nubian guide. Friendship then anger when the tip wasnt forth coming.
The impressive Nubian Museum with an interesting piece on the relocation of Abu Simbel.
The six hour return journey to Abu Simbel only a further 80k to the Sudanese border. The twenty metre high Temple built by Ramses the 2nd. With the ten metre high Temple of Hathor next door featruing his wife Nefertari.
Sinead's birthday ruined by my dodgy stomach, yet again!!
Local ferry to the Tombs ofthe Nobles accross the Nile for great views back to the city.
Constant hassle on the riverfront and Souq
Luxor
Bike hire and a trip to the Temple of Hatsheput. A short ride to the incredible Valley of the Kings. Sixty tombs of great Pharoahs and nobles. Impeccable facades and designs.
A visit to the Temple of Karnak the largest Egyptian excavation site.
A dodgy Hotel with shifty hosts. Beers and brekie on the roof made it bearable.
The 17 hour bus mission to Dahab.
Dahab
A backpacker Oasis and a welcome rest from the rest of Egpyt. Breakfast on the beach with the flies and stray cats. World class snorkelling at the Lighthouse reef and unbelievably built up Blue Hole.
A sunset trip to the snow covered Mt Sinai. An easy 2 hour hike to the 2282m high summit for stunning views of the barren landscape. Sadly a cloudy evening ruling out a decent sunset.
Nuweiba
Beach huts on our very own slice of paradise. Our friendly Sudanese host Mohammed who cooked us both brekkie and dinner. The nightmare that is the slow ferry to Jordan. Two hours waiting on the boat then unable to get off once docked !
The amzing nine Pyramids of Giza. The oldest stone monument in the world- at Saqqara. Stepped in shape. Dahshur and the Red Pyramid- Kafre father's. A look inside to see the intricate construction. The bent pyramid that went slightly wrong in the distance.
Tutenkahmens 11kg mask in the Egyptian Museum.
Overnight bomb in the labrynth that is Khan el Khalili market.
Crosses on Christian Churches in the Coptic area, a strange sight indeed.
Overnight sleeper to Aswan.
Aswan
Felucca ride skippered by our Nubian guide. Friendship then anger when the tip wasnt forth coming.
The impressive Nubian Museum with an interesting piece on the relocation of Abu Simbel.
The six hour return journey to Abu Simbel only a further 80k to the Sudanese border. The twenty metre high Temple built by Ramses the 2nd. With the ten metre high Temple of Hathor next door featruing his wife Nefertari.
Sinead's birthday ruined by my dodgy stomach, yet again!!
Local ferry to the Tombs ofthe Nobles accross the Nile for great views back to the city.
Constant hassle on the riverfront and Souq
Luxor
Bike hire and a trip to the Temple of Hatsheput. A short ride to the incredible Valley of the Kings. Sixty tombs of great Pharoahs and nobles. Impeccable facades and designs.
A visit to the Temple of Karnak the largest Egyptian excavation site.
A dodgy Hotel with shifty hosts. Beers and brekie on the roof made it bearable.
The 17 hour bus mission to Dahab.
Dahab
A backpacker Oasis and a welcome rest from the rest of Egpyt. Breakfast on the beach with the flies and stray cats. World class snorkelling at the Lighthouse reef and unbelievably built up Blue Hole.
A sunset trip to the snow covered Mt Sinai. An easy 2 hour hike to the 2282m high summit for stunning views of the barren landscape. Sadly a cloudy evening ruling out a decent sunset.
Nuweiba
Beach huts on our very own slice of paradise. Our friendly Sudanese host Mohammed who cooked us both brekkie and dinner. The nightmare that is the slow ferry to Jordan. Two hours waiting on the boat then unable to get off once docked !
Monday, February 9, 2009
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).
Friday, February 6, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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.
€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.
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.
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