Hopfgarten in the Tyrol

We stayed in the cute village of the Hofgarten in the Tyrol area of Austria. But on the way was a stop at Swarovski factory shop/museum. I spent a little more there than planned, oh well. It was all so pretty. And then it was on to the Contiki special stopover. These are lovely large houses that Contiki has brought that we get to stay in and party at. Definite highlights of the trip. We ate well and drank very well while there. On day two we took a gondola up the mountain and I had bacon dumpings and a large helping of sauerkraut. That night was the tight, white and bright party. Very cool.

Austria and my most favourite place Vienna.

We went to Vienna next. And of all the places we visited I think it was favourite (followed closely by Florence). The first night we went to a concert, and got to explore where Mozart did his thing. The next day we explored the old city that held such beauty. Sampled sacher torte a very rich chocolate cake and had sushi for lunch. That afternoon we went out to the Hapsburg summer palace for an hour before dinner. I found the most amazing fountain made of old Roman ruins.
We then went for schnapps sampling and had a great night out drinking beer, schnapps and eating schnitzel. We waltzed, danced and sung our hearts out.

Slovenia

Next we travelled to Slovenia and stayed the night in Ljubljana. Ljubljana is beautiful, with their town logo of a dragon on their manhole covers, but that is another subject completely. That evening we head up the funicular to the castle for a look about and then we went to crazy bar that had been decorated up with lots of skeletons and quite freaky.

The next day before we left Slovenia we all went for a swim in Lake Bled. It was so warm, just like a bath. After that we headed into town for a piece of bled cake, basically a custard slice.

The rest of Croatia... Split and Zadar... and Bosnia

After Dubrovnik we headed to Split but first we crossed through Bosnia. Just for food stop and photo opportunity.
And then to Split and the Palace of Diocletian. If you ever go there it is worth paying the small fee and going into area underground. It was a very cool place to visit and explore. I would have loved to explore the markets a bit more, but on tour sacrifices must be made.

After Split we headed for Zadar another old walled city to spend the last few hours of the day and stay the night. We went to the movies to see Bruno and yet again had bread for breakfast.

And a big shout out to Fran. As requested I'm updating my blog.

Dubrovnik is as lovely as they say it is.

I've been asked many times why Dubrovnik is so lovely and why everyone loves it so, and really I can't. It just is. Dubronik is an old walled city that is paved in this beautiful stone. The day we were there it was too hot to walk the around the city walls, although it is one thing I regret not doing. The afternoon we went for a cruise around the islands to go for a swim off the boat and have a yummy seafood lunch on one of the islands. And apart from having nothing but bread and jam for breakfast it was a pretty good stay.

The trip to Croatia

Firstly a big shout out to Melissa, thanks for reading. I take requests, so if you want a mention, just drop me a line, or grab me for a quick chat when online.

Right after only minimal issues at the border, we crossed back into the EU and Montinego, and had a lunch stop at a supermarket. I don't think any of us have been so pleased to see a supermarket on our lives. Food was cheap and selection was good. The picture is of me on the car ferry that took a total of 10 min for the journey.

And after an hour or two we were in Croatia and having fun at the border. They made us wait for a few hours claiming we needed a piece of paper. We got thru in the end and made our way to Dubrovnik.

corinth canal

I almost forgot I saw this. We stopped for lunch on our way to Athens. All I could say was WOW. The picture doesn't do it justice. If you're interest in more just Wikipedia it.

Tirane (that's in Alabania!!!)

Yes I've been to Albania now, it's one of the odder places we visited and one of the most eye opening. If you ever get the chance to go to Albania, do go you will get to see things that you never thought were still in use, such as donkey and carts being used as transport in the middle of a major city and traditional methods of erecting haystacks. This former communist state has a long way to go until it is on an even playing field with the rest of the developed world. The country was full of half finished buildings, where they had just been abandoned or were awaiting upper floors. The picture is of me standing in the city square of this post communist stronghold.

Preveza

Wow I'm actually getting around to update this thing. I'm sorry to everyone who is sick of reading about my adventures in Mykonos.

After Mykonos we ferried back to the mainland of Greece. We were in such a rush that we had the god given food of gyros drive thru on the bus, hot food on the bus is huge no no. Even with that we arrived at Preveza and sent straight to the hotel at about 10 pm for dinner and then we were off again at 8am.

Athens

We basically had one afternoon in Athens to see the Acropolis. I almost was in tears to see finally see what I had been wanting to see for so many years. The porch of Maidens was amazing and the Pathenon was overwhelming. We went out for our Greek dinner and it was delicious

Mykonos

Three days in Mykonos was spent swimming, sunbathing, drinking wandering around the town and dancing. The place was amazing, so beautiful. The first day we went to town for and amazing dinner (I had grilled Octopus) and dancing. The second was included reading, bathing in the sun and sea, oh and some shopping. The third day we went to Paradise Beach for a bit of partying. I loved the island, it's definately on my list to return to some day.

Pompeii day.

Well Pompeii day was amazing too. I’ve been waiting to see this for so many years and it was so interesting I could spend hours of not days exploring the different parts of it. I was always frustrated that when my parents went they didn’t take more photos, so now if I have kids that are obsessed with the ancient world they can have a better look at it.

Rome

Well what can I say about Rome, so much to see so little time. I saw the Pantheon and Colosseum, the Spanish steps and the monks bone church, the Trevi Fountain and the big kahuna The Vatican. The Vatican was great and the Sistine chapel was amazing, Michelangelo knew his stuff as did Raphael and Saint Peters Basilica was enormous and brilliant. There were so many other things I want to do there, I have to return.

Venice

Venice is a most amazing place. I’m not sure I need to go back but I’m really pleased I saw it. We went a glass and lace demonstration. We went to the Doges palace and the Bridges of Sighs and then next door to Saint Mark's Basilica. The Doge’s Palace is amazing, I wouldn’t mind living there and Saint Mark’s has so much gold, wow.

Florence

I loved Florence to pieces and I definitely have to go back and see the things I missed out on at the home of the renaissance. I saw Michelangelo’s “David”. This brought almost brought tears to my eyes. It was like he could just get up and start walking. Absolutely stunning. I went into the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. I want go back to the to see the Botticelli’s and see the museum of Leonardo.

Monaco

We popped into Monaco to the district of Monte Carlo and paid our 10Euro to see the Grand Casino where a glass of water was 8Euro and we watched the big wigs throw their money away and drive flash cars. I was able to educate many of the girls of how the game of Roulette is played. We then went to a Casino Bar and chilled for a bit.

Nice

I loved Nice, it was amazing and gorgeous. I can easily see why it’s the play ground of the rich and famous and I’ll be making sure I get a place there when I marry my first Millionaire. We wandered about the streets and climbed the hill to the Chateau. I want to go back to Nice and soak in the atmosphere some more.

"Barcelona!"

Today was our day soaking in the atmosphere of Barcelona. And wow it was good. We drove by the old Olympic village and went on the walking tour of the city centre. stood to same steps the Christopher Columbus did and and saw Gaudi church and shopped. So quite a nice day. Watched some flamenco dancing and did a bit of Salsa. And had Paella for dinner. As I almost feel asleep in a shoe store and at the show I've come home early. Tomorrow the French Riviera.

A break in the Country

Then we headed to the south of the France to relax at the Contiki Chateau Chuex, where we partied, drank wine and walked in the French country side. The Swim in the pool was good. Tomorrow it’s 11 hours to Barcelona.

Paris

We had 3 nights in Paris. First we had an illuminations tour of the city at twilight to get a taste of the city. The following day was trip to Versailles and to take in the extravagance of King Louie the 14th and a little trip around the shops. That evening I climbed the Eiffel Tower and after making the sacrifice of the bus home because I wanted to get to top had the adventure of trying to find a taxi in Paris at midnight. The following day we went to Notre Dame, La Chappell, the Louvre, and museum D’Orsay. Then that night we went out for a French dinner and a cabaret that had no shortage of topless girls.
My highlights of Paris would be the gardens of Versailles, my painting of Eros at Psyche at the Louvre and the van Gough at the D’Orsay.

London

Arrived back in old London Town at 7pm and then with a massive dash to check in and get the last of the pre start meeting for my next tour and get over Sam’s to get rid of some excess weight. Then out dancing for the night and to bed for the beginning of the next 37 days.

This is Lara and Howie my Tour Manager and Driver. They were magic.

Wales

We swapped buses at a crazy place in Wales with the longest place name in the UK. I loved the road signs in Wales; they were just random selections of letters that somehow make words.

Chester

A short stop in the Tudor town of Chester and walk along the walls and grabbing lunch to have on the way back to London.

Going to Gretna Green to get married

A short stop at Gretna Green to witness a wedding at the old blacksmith shop and a group photo. It was cheesy goodness before leaving Scotland. Oooo and I brought the best hat in the world.

It's The Beatles baby

Liver pool rocked the party. I must have missed this city when I wrote the rest of this. Well we went on a Beatles our and this was so very cool. we went to Paul, John, Ringo and George's houses and Penny lane and Strawberry Fields. Pre dinner drinks were at the cavern club. How can you get a much more perfect day?

Glasgow and deep fried Mars bars

We sent one night in the tough Scottish town of Glasgow. Saw several people with knife wounds and was yelled at by a grumpy lady. We had a quite night and dinner in town. Went to a pub for dinner and tried deep fried Mars bar, which I obviously could have at home any time, hmm, but boy was it yummy, too yummy.

(me in front of something)

There is Doctor Who exhibit on until Jan 2010 so maybe I'll get back there to actually see it.

Och wee lassie was in the Highlands

So I've been atrocious with my Blog updating, but the lack of free wifi has limited my opportunities.

We went up to the Highlands for wee looksy about. It was lovely up there. We went to the Glenlevet whisky distillery and tried a 15 yr old, not my cup of tea. Went for a paddle in Loch Ness, Didn't see Nessy though. I subscribe to the Nessy died years ago theory. We went for a cruise across Loch Lomard, saw the cave where Rob Roy hung out. It was all very nice and picturesque.

Edinburgh

Today was a free day in Edinburgh to explore how we wanted. We headed up to Edinbugh Castle in the morning and then to St Giles and then the National Scottish Gallery and then a climb up the Walter Scott monument. An action packed day. Edinburgh seems like a great city and would require a week to start to see most of the sites.
Last night we went to a club, “Espionage”. We were told there were 5 levels of different themes, but what wasn’t said was the 5 levels were underground. There was a floor for every taste. In Edinburgh everything seems to go down several levels underground. There used to be a whole city under there. Very cool.

Hadrian's Wall and into Scotland.

We departed at about 8.30 this morning (Saturday) to first travel to Hadrian's Wall. This wall that was supposed to keep the Scot's out of England conceived and built by the Roman's. 117 km still remain even now. We got to climb amongst the ruins of the Roman Garrison thingy. This was great; I even got to admire the drainage system that is still working. Unsurprisingly I was the only on impressed by this.

We then headed for Scotland and crossed the border. As we drove through the little townships I couldn’t help think of my old favourite TV program wee "Hamish Macbeth". We have just arrived in Edinburgh, where are based for 2 nights, and we did a little drive around old town and new town. Tomorrow is a free day to explore all day, or until 6.30 where we get a yummy dinner of Haggis and other such traditional Scottish excitements, like bagpipes.

York at night.... "I wanna live forever, light up the sky with my name, FAME!!!".

After a lovely roast dinner with exceptionally yummy yorkshire pudding we went on a ghost walk to hear some of the stories of the horrors that befallen the people of York. Gruesome stuff and thoroughly entertaining. Very glad we did this during daylight savings time.

Then it was off to 'Reflex' the best 80s bar EVER. It was a brilliant night. Great songs to dance to even if the rest of the group didn't appreciate "Zombie Claws", got to 80s dance my little socks off.

York and it's wet!

We're in York today and it's wet. Very wet. I've been for a massive wander but it's too wet to take pictures and now I'm hiding in starbucks. Tonight we are having a retro night, it should be grand the place that we are off to is full of Cougars apparently some of the youngsters on the trip a scared. Lol. York is a walled medieval city, very cool.

I don't really have much to say. I'm the only kiwi on the tour and I heard my kiwi accent this morning. I was horrified.

Contiki Day One Windsor and Oxford

Well it's my first day of Contiki and it's a change from being on my own in London (which I could get used to) . I wasn't in the mood this morning but I warmed up to it all as the day worn on and the I just wanted to go back to the hotel and sleep.



Windsor was good, there some cool things to see but it was a little rushed. It was neat to see the Royal things like the tombs and painting of the ancestors. Say the changing of the guards. We then spent the rest of the day in Oxford, I enjoyed that, I bought some shoes :-) and some Doctor Who cards. we went on a walking tour to see some of the colleges around Oxford and some places where Harry Potter was filmed. I had a Pimms at the pub "eagle and child" where CS Lewis and , Tolkin and Charles Dobson used to hang out and drink. I found out some more about my name sake "Alice" (Of Alice of Wonderland fame).



Now at the hotel, with stink internet access so that's why you get no pictures. Tomorrow we are off to York.

Old London Town

Well I've spent 2 days around London and it was grand. Met up with Narvin and Michael for Lunch on Tuesday and then Michael and I went wondering around the place. We climb St Paul's (I'm glad Michael made me do it, although I'm still a little sore). we say a few things that I'll list out more when I have more time.

Then on Wednesday after decamping to London from Reading (thanks Emily, you're a star) had Lunch with Nick and spent the afternoon and evening out with Sam. Sam showed me some of the sights, I have so many more I want to see now. (Sam you rock too)

Me and Tower Bridge

I made it.

Well, I should have written some thing yesterday to just say I arrived, but I didn't and couldn't really be bothered (and didn't think about it). Today I'm still not in the mood to type a great deal but I'll give an update.

I arrived at Heathrow at 11am yesterday after an uneventful two flights and transit in LAX. Everything went to plan, I managed about 10 hours sleep and caught the bus to Reading where I was met by Tim and Abby (For those not in the know, Tim is my Step Brother and Abby his amazing wife). We talked, had cider went for walk around the neighbourhood had dinner and played some board games and then bed. It was great. Thanks guys. I'll be staying another week with them at the beginning of September.

Today Emily picked me up and we had an action fulled day of checking out the nearby towns/cities. We went into the shops at Reading. Then Goring for lunch and a walk by the river. The afternoon was spent in Oxford. I found some shoes (and a Backgammon set) I like I'll have to think about, considering I'm back in Oxford on Thursday. I've got two nights with Emily and Peter before I head off for Contiki number one.



And now it's dinner time.

Almost time

Well Awesome Sam has pointed out it's been a few weeks since I've updated this blog, so I'm stealing some time to bring it up to date.

Last weekend, was my birthday. I turned a whopping 30 years old. Thanks to everyone that came and all the birthday wishes. At one point my entire news feed on facebook was just about me. I felt loved.

I've been rushing about sorting things, I still have a few things to do. I woke up on Monday morning freaking out that I had no more weekends to organise things.

With only one more night of dance left I'm a little saddened. I will have to wait 2 weeks until I get to pull out the dance shoes again. I'm going to suck again when I get back in 3 months time with such sporadic dancing.

I'm looking forward to seeing the sights, but I think I'm mostly looking forward to seeing all my friends around the place.

I should get back to cleaning my desk.

Oh and a big hello to Germany, or should I say Guten Tag.

Maps

And just because I'm so in love with google here are some google maps of my tours.

Great Britain


View Great Britain Contiki in a larger map

European Adventure


View European Adventure Contiki in a larger map

Week 4 Itinerary

It's coming up fast now, I know I'm going to have one week left and so much to do. This week I'm going to sort out my travelex card thingy.

After being pestered by Sam last night I've typed up my Itinerary onto google calendar, so I hope it works. I'm such a sucker for peer pressure. But hopefully we can coordinate meeting up at exotic places around europe as he galavants around the place with Mr. Millar.



Oh and I met my tour buddy, Alana, and she's fantastic. It's going to be so much fun. Anyone who uses a thumbs up gesture to descibe a possible empending distater in the kitchen is my type of person.