Page 2 of DaveJenniO Travel Blog Posts


Europe » Germany » North Rhine-Westphalia » Cologne August 28th 2011

Well we settled into our wonderful cabin on board the Alemannia and got to know the ship in the first 48 hours by being introduced to the crew at the captains dinner party. It was also at this time that we came to realise that we were the only English speaking couple on board and Alemannia is another name for Germany! No problem as we teamed up with a wonderful Germain couple, Klause and Elizabeth, who live in Brazil and speak german, portuguese and english. We had a great time with them getting to know each other over the next 8 days. We also made a great discovery! Wait for it! We discovered a lovely sparkling wine that Jenni really enjoyed and merrily drank for the next week. Miracles do happen but the wine appears to ... read more
First view of Cologne
Personal Guide
Cologne Cathedral

Europe » Netherlands » Gelderland » Wijchen August 26th 2011

We left Toronto late due to a thunder storm, had a bumpy flight to Montreal and then on to Brussels where we arrived in the rain. We attempted to hop on an open top bus to see the main sights of Brussels, but it poured with rain so we sought cover in the bus, which then leaked like a sieve affecting the electronics so all in all our time in Brussels was not great. The following morning, Tuesday, once again in pouring rain we collected our car, a peugot 5 door hatch, and with much stress & cursing and a defective GPS we managed to find our way to the Netherlands. Driving on the right side of the road is an experience, but it did not take Dave long to master the art. We drove to ... read more
Theo and Annie
A Bridge too Far
Airborne Cemetery

North America » Canada » Ontario » Toronto August 20th 2011

Hi All, sorry for delay, but it has been a busy week. We arrived on Sunday at 1.30pm and half an hour later our dear friends from SA Pete and Lil Manser, whom we have known for 32 years arrived. We spent the afternoon catching up on family news. On Monday Dave & Pete attended a workshop while Lil and I walked around Toronto. There is a great water front area which is always busy with various activities from markets to water taxis, day trip cruises and small ferries. It has been very hot here with temperatures from 27 to 31 degrees so I am struggling with the heat, but Lil says Italy is much hotter so not sure how I will cope. Toronto is full of sky scraper apartment blocks which seems to be the ... read more
Hanging in
The bear
Niagra Canadian side


Hit the road again on the wrong side, still not accustomed to this! We headed off early towards Lake Louise and Banff travelling through the impressive Rogers pass. It was difficult to comprehend that we were tavelling through a mountain pass with the size of the roads. This stretch of the Rockies is breath taking and as usual the photographs do not do it justice. Besides the stop at the top of Rogers pass our first real stop was in Lake Louise. This is a magnificent blue lake in the heart of the Rockies overhung by several glaciers. Stunning simply falls short as a description. Of course we had to sample the ice-cream at the Lake to appreciate the real beauty, but the food police were in agreement and also had a sample so I was ... read more
Lake Louise
Wow
Mama Bear

North America » Canada » British Columbia » Kelowna » Big White August 14th 2011

Today we started our trip towards and through the Rockies. We set off with Shaun ( Dave's nephew) and Carol his wife in a beautiful Chrysler "people mover". It was like driving in a jumbo jet. Switches open doors automatically, reading lights for all passanges, and TV screens for back passangers, very comfortable. We spent most of the day driving from Vancouver to Kelowna with stops along the way. We visited the site of a moutain side collapse in 1965, but could not see the mountain as it was our first overcast day since arrival. We drove through beautiful scenery of green forests and green and blue water lakes. We then experienced a huge thunder and lightning storm, the likes of which we had not seen since we left SA. We have discovered Tim Hortens, which ... read more
Lakes Galore
The Real Rockies
Great Roads


Headed out bright and early to catch the float plane to Vancouver Island to spend the day in Victoria. What fun we had speed walking 20 min to the harbour to catch the flight! Flew in a twin Otter for those interested and it was great. Landing on the water was softer than in a normal runway and flying at a lower altitude make the journey interesting in all sorts of ways! Landed in Victoria harbour and headed into town on foot for breakfast with Jen getting cosy with some sailor, see picture! We had traditional Canadian breakfasts, Jen with a skillet of bacon, egg, cheese potatoes and other assorted vegetables, me with pancakes and double ration of bacon! I chose the healthy meal. Sadly the coffee was not great. Must admit that we find the ... read more
Jenni with sailor
Sunken gardens
Italian Garden

North America » Canada » British Columbia » Vancouver August 9th 2011

Our flight over was great, good thing leaving at night as you do get some sleep and the 12hr 25 minutes passed quickly. We arrived to sunshine and was soo good to feel sun shining on us, but not sure how others coped with our very white legs! We were met on arrival by Dave's nephew Shaun and wife Carol, who then took us to our hotel and spent the afternoon showing us the sights of central Vancouver . We went to Stanley Park , 1000acres of park land with areas of natural forest, bicycle and walking tracks and entertainment areas. Also an area displaying sacred ground of the native Americans with totum poles depicting their history. We went up the Vancouver Tower, the second highest building in Vancouver, and watched the sun set. The City ... read more
Steam Clock in Gastown
Gate to China Town
Slow Boat

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Palmerston North August 6th 2011

The excitement is ramping up with our imminent departure. Cats are in the cattery, father is in bed, the All blacks have beaten the Aussies what a great start to the adventure. Many thanks to all the friends who have helped with the travel advice looking forward to seeing Vancouver.... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Palmerston North August 1st 2011

We are preparing to leave on our trip in a few days and will start posting the blogs onto the site from 8 August once we reach Vancouver. Feel free to have a look through the blog and comment via the site if you so wish, but do remember that some of my students will be viewing the blog!... read more




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