Blogs from Europe

Today has been wet! All day, non stop. This has been the only day since we arrived in Europe where we've had to resort wet weather gear. Fortunately we have all the gear plus umbrellas - raincoats, over trousers, backpacks with covers and good shoes. So, off we went. We discovered a bus outside the hotel to get us to the station and from there we walked. Firstly over the ancient covered Chapel Bridge where at least it was dry. The view of the city buildings from here is wonderful - ancient and detailed buildings, the city wall with it's towers, the clock tower and church spires and the rushing water of the Lucern River. We decided to follow the walking tour map in our books so our next stop was at the Jesuit Church. It ... read more

When the budget allows, I would choose these two champagnes before any others. Or, if by chance, someone else is buying, as has been the case more often than not. My good fortune! Maison Ruinart was the world's first Champagne house. Established in 1729, it's been crafting and shipping rosé Champagne since 1764. Today, it focuses on sustainability to fight the effects of climate change, reducing its carbon footprint while improving biodiversity in the vineyard -- and it still makes a great sparkling rosé. Ruinart Brut Rosé blends chardonnay and pinot noir fruit from 30 to 40 different crus (premium vineyard plots) with up to 30% reserve wine -- ensuring the house style remains intact. The wine ages for at least two years in bottle, exceeding the minimum 15 months required by French law for non-vintage ... read more

Today we started at the National Trust operated Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Free entry with our Australian National Trust cards saving us £31.00!! Swinging 100 feet above the sea the bridge is made up of planks strung between wires. The bridge allows you to cross a 60-foot chasm – the mouth of an ancient volcano - to the island of Carrick-a-Rede. For hundreds of years salmon fishermen strung a net from the island in an arc to a boat to catch the fish swimming around the island. In those days they crossed to the island to tend the nets and land their catch on a single rope strung across the chasm. A much easier crossing today. Out on the island there are hundreds of sea birds nesting and bobbing around on the ocean at the foot of ... read more

So today was a travel day. We were leaving Split and going to Dubrovnik, which is south of here by about 1 hour. We were traveling by bus and the bus station was just a short walk from our apartment. When I made the reservation I spent the extra money to reserve specific seats so we could be sure to sit together. It was $7 extra but I thought it was ok! Good thing because when we got on the bus they’re weren’t very many seats left. Of course there were people in our seats and they weren’t very happy about having to move. It was a pretty drive to Dubrovnik. The scenery was beautifull but as is the case, it’s hard to take pictures out a moving bus but I tried my best. Plus we ... read more