Blogs from Europe - page 3

This morning found us heading north-west across the country towards Limerick rather than south-west towards Cork. Ordinarily a circumnavigation of Ireland would continue clockwise around the country BUT we had to make another compromise on OUR itinerary because of Bloody Bruce! Bruce and the E-Street Band are playing Cork tomorrow night, so fans booked out all the accommodation in and around Cork months ago!! Fortunately, it’s a small island and the cities aren’t too far apart. We will head down to Cork on Friday after Bruce packs up and leaves. We started out travelling west on the N25 from which we could see another spectacular bridge crossing the River Suir. After we navigated a short section of the N9 and turned onto the N24 Bernie spotted a place to pull over to photograph the bridge. We ... read more

This morning, we were faced with the most mouth-watering array of food for breakfast. There were enough continental breakfast items to feed a small army and then the option to order eggs and bacon. Fresh fruit and tinned fruits, cereal, pancakes, scones, bread and butter pudding and apple pie (yes, really! for breakfast!) pain au chocolat and other delicious pastries, a variety of breads, meats and cheeses. Something for everyone. It was a glorious sunny morning in Bunratty as we set out towards Birr. We returned along the M7 this time heading north as far as Junction 26 where we turned off onto the N52 which delivered us to Birr in just under an hour. Unfortunately, as we drove north the sun disappeared and we found ourselves driving though a heavy mist/fog? We were worried that ... read more

Our day started with an early pickup by Pierina and Diego to take us to the station. So, a fond farewell to Elisa and Elias and a last look at our home for 5 days. We have been so lucky to stay on the vineyard and see the progress made on the house and farm since our last visit to Diego and Elisa's wedding. Now, the house renovations are mostly done, a shed has been demolished and a new one built. Mostly there is just landscaping around the house to complete. It's beautiful and the vines are looking good for a future harvest. But like all holidays, it's time to move on. Goodbyes and hugs all round, and we were off to Venice to connect to our more direct train to Salzburg. First the journey was ... read more

The weather continues to be fantastic. So far, a week of warm weather from 20 to 28 degrees. I am full of a cold (thanks, Linds) and not feeling great but doses of paracetamol, iburprofen, antihistamine, nasal spray and throat lozenges and off we go. As we have only two full days in Salzburg we've had to be selective. For today we've decided on the Hellbrun Palace, the Salzburg Fortress (Castle) and Old Town meander. From the Station we took a number 25 bus out of the city a little way to the Hellbrun Palace and garden. What a beautiful building and garden. It was initially built in 1613 by Marcus Sittikus, Archbishop of Salzburg. He had a penchant for trick gardens which had been all the rage at one time but now these gardens are ... read more

We woke up, ate breakfast and Susan headed to the medical center for her bandage change. She also got them to evaluate her for her cold. She came back with cough syrup, lozenges, and a z pack. We then decided to take the shuttle from the ship to the port terminal. I’m glad we didn’t try to walk as it was a LONG way but also had many turns that we would not have known which way to go. Once at the terminal, we got a city map and walked into the town. There was not much going on and no cute little shops to go into. At least we got some steps. After a bit, we headed back to the ship, settled in then went to lunch. We took several pictures from the deck of ... read more