We arrived at about 8:00 AM dead tired - not enough sleep because the night on the plane was so short. We took the train from Gatwick Airport to Kings Cross - the station near our hotel and walked from there. We couldn't check into the hotel until noon, so we just sat in the lobby. When we finally did get rooms, we took some afternoon naps. In the evening, we tried some pubs, but they were closed because it was Sunday. We wound up eating in the hotel - lousy expensive food.
I had not wanted to waste this day as we did, but it couldn't be helped; everyone was too tired. I had wanted to go to the speaker's forum in Hyde Park to hear the crazy rabble rousers talk.
Monday, Feb 14 London
I ran early in the morning to find the subway station (Euston, further down from Kings Cross) and then we all walked there in the snow and bitter cold. It was in the mid twenties, but with the wind, snow and humidity, it was really bitter.
We went to Trafalgar Square, then walked down to Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings (the bobbies wouldn't let us in at that time) and then to Westminster Abbey. The Abbey was awesome - especially the Henry VII Chamber. The history there - dating back to the year 900 or so was amazing. The girls thought it was strange that people were buried right in a church.
After lunch we took the subway to the Tower of London. That was really a lot of fun for all. It is a huge castle also dating to about 900 AD, including the original part (the White Tower which we saw and the crown jewels, which were closed up that day). A tour by a Beefeater (one of the guards) made it even more fun, because he told us about the beheadings. We could see the famous Tower Bridge too.
Were too tired for St. Paul's Cathedral.
Ate dinner at an authentic pub, after moving down from another one with a scuzzy guy who was looking at our girls. Anyway, lots of food for a decent price, but it wasn't all that good. The beer was decent; the ale wasn't.
Tuesday, Feb 15 London - Brussels (Palace Hotel)
Took a bus to Ramsgate (near Dover, with some smaller white cliffs) and then the ferry to Dunkirk, France. The Sally Ferry was a bit like a cruise ship, with food, drink and a casino. The weather was dreary, windy and cold. We took a bus from Dunkirk, site of the great evacuation in WW2, to Brussels.
I wish we had had more time in Brussels; it was early evening when we arrived. We walked 3/4 mile to Grand' Place, a very spectacular square, with gothic buildings all around. The evening lighting made for great photography. There were lots of small restaurants around and we stopped and ate at one. Excellent food, but the bill came to $115 for all of us and could well have been more. The girls were self-conscious, especially when we were serenaded by a violin and guitar player.
Brussels is the capital of the EEC and NATO as well as Belgium, so it is very cosmopolitan. Our hotel is very nice; probably best on the trip.
Wednesday, Feb 16 Brussels - Lake Lucern (Hotel Hornli)
I think this is the most driving we'll do in one day for the entire trip. We drove through the Ardennes (where the Battle of the Bulge took place) and then stopped in Luxembourg City, in the Duchy of Luxembourg for a coffee break. We didn't buy anything at all (and this upset the girls) because I didn't want to change money to the currency of a country in which we would spend less than an hour -and then have leftover change. It was a quaint town to walk around in, anyway.
We ate lunch at an expensive roadside rest area in France. Then we arrived at the Hotel Hornli in Switzerland in the evening. The hotel was outside of Lucern (in KissNacht, literally "Kiss Night") and was small and very cozy. Everyone, especially the girls, liked the pejinas (blankets stuffed with down). Dinner was at the hotel, and we talked with the couple from New Zealand/South Africa.
Thursday, Feb 17 Lucern - Lugano (Hotel Europa)
The morning was spent walking around the town of Lucern. It is a pretty town with friendly people. We were almost talked into buying a cookoo clock for a few hundred dollars. The weather was hazy and cool. Later, we took a trip to the top of Mount Titlis (10,000 feet) by cable car (three of them). Above the clouds, we could see beautiful scenery. There were lots of skiers at the top. We ate lunch there and walked through an ice tunnel in a glacier. Not enough time at the top, though; we had to rush back down.
The bus then went on to Lugano, an older town which is also on a lake. Lugano is in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland and seems to be an older, but just as scenic, resort area. Once there, we shopped and tried to get rid of some Swiss coins (most currency exchanges won't take any coins).
later, we ate dinner with Carol and Adrian from Perth, Australia. They were about to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The Hotel Europa is old and has huge rooms with beautiful views of the lake. We were cold the whole night, in spite of having pejinas here, too.
Friday, Feb 18 Lugano - Venice (Hotel Poppi)
It was about a 4 hour ride to Venice, so we arrived at mid-day. We ate a quick stand-up lunch because it costs more in Italy if you want to sit down. We then walked around for a while. The W.C. (Water Closet) cost 500 Lira and the attendants, called Madame Dobermans, gave us tickets which we kept as souvenirs. Venice was cool, but sunny, and the canal water didn't smell as we thought it would. Maybe it does during summer, but we did hear that it is becoming cleaner.
Later on, we went on a Gondola trip complete with a serenade from a singer and an accordion player, for the whole group of us. It was a fun trip through the narrow alley canals.
After the Gondola trip we had a walking tour with Bruno, our guide for the day. We saw St. Mark's Cathedral which is still another beautiful church and then a glass blowing factory.
Still later on, we had some time to walk around and shop some more. The girls bought some souvenirs. The walking around is the best part about Venice; there are surprises around every corner.
We left at dusk to go to the hotel which was outside of the city. Venice really looked magical as we were leaving and the lights were coming on. It also got chillier, 39 or so.
We had a decent Italian dinner at the hotel.
Saturday, Feb 19 Venice - Rome (Pinetta Palace)
This was by far the most beautiful ride (so far). We drove through the Appennines; I had no idea that they were so spectacular. Otherwise, the lower elevation farms and towns are timeless; stone buildings, most with red tile roofs. I think the girls enjoyed this part of the trip as well as anyone. We had cappuccino at a coffee stop.
We stopped in Assisi for lunch and to walk around. It is the home of St. Francis and St. Clair. The churches and buildings, many almost 1000 years old, were great, as was the setting: atop (almost cut out of) a mountain. The town seemed to go on forever as we walked the narrow streets, up and down the hills. Upper and lower churches were the most beautiful yet.
We arrived in Rome in the afternoon and stopped to see the Colosseum, St. Peter's Square and other ruins. Just before dinner we went to some artists and fountains (at Navona Square), and then to Trevi Fountain, where you throw your coins in. We then had the best dinner yet, lots of good food and wine and lots of fun. The NEw Zealand guy was the life of the party there and on the way back. The girls laughed at and with everyone, but Val got a little disgusted after a while.
It is finally a bit warmer now.
Sunday, Feb 20 Rome
Since we had a day where we weren't going anywhere, we thought it would be an easy one. WRONG. We got so tired we couldn't move - especially the girls. We saw so much its difficult to keep track of it all. The Colosseum, the Forum, tons of other drive-by's, then St. Peter's Basilica and Square. While at the square, we got the Papal Blessing (since we were lucky enough to be there on a Sunday). There were probably 100,000 people there. The Pope was just a little white dot in the high window. And he spoke Italian, so we don't know what he said. There is no way to describe St. Peter's Basilica. It was truly unbelievable. We had to go in twice.
We later walked around for a few hours and the girls got extremely tired - especially Valerie. We were lucky to have good weather so far - in the 60's.
In the evening we walked up the Spanish Steps. It wasn't much fun in the rain that had just started. Then, for dinner we went to a place that was similar to that of the previous night.
Monday, Feb 21 Rome - Florence (Hotel Europa)
I've decided that the life for me would be to live in the countryside in Italy, growing grapes for wine, along with olive and other fruit trees, and to have a fat wife in the kitchen. Debbie concurs, but wonders how fat she has to get. These were my thoughts after yet another beautiful ride through Italy.
Before leaving Rome we stopped at the Vatican museums and the Sistene Chapel. These were more spectacular than I thought and a true highlight of the trip. I respected the rules and only took non-flash pictures when permitted.
We spent a couple of hours walking in Florence before retiring. We took a group picture at a beautiful hilltop overlooking the city. Our wanderings took us to the Piazza Della Signoria Piazza Duomo, the Old Bridge and others. All of this wasn't quite as spectacular as Rome, Venice and Assisi, but then we didn't get to see the great museums in Florence, like the Uffizi. All are closed on Mondays.
We had a nice dinner with the group. All of the meals have been good, but none as special as we'd hoped. Although the weather is still nice (50's) I've come down with a cold.
Tuesday, Feb 22 Florence - Nice (Quality Hotel)
We stopped in Pisa and the tower, she is a leaning. Not much else there. The trip along the Italian and French Rivieras was breathtaking. Something like 180 tunnels and lots of bridges too.
When we got to France we stopped at a perfume factory - not my cup of tea. So when the rest of the group toured the place I went for a walk up the hill and took pictures looking down at the Mediterranean.
When we arrived in Nice I lost about $6.00 trying to convert a $20.00 bill in a machine. We needed the cash to buy the girls supper, which they wouldn't eat anyway because they saw a bug near the sandwich in their room. Debbie and I went out to dinner (back in Eze, pronounced E'z, where the perfume factory was) and then on to Monte Carlo in the country of Monoco.
The lights of Nice, Monte Carlo and Monoco City (the other city in the country of Monoco) were pretty. Old Monoco City was very quiet and clean. Monte Carlo has casinos and rich people. We had a drink but didn't gamble.
Wednesday, Feb 23 Nice - Lyon (Hotel Bristol)
We weren't leaving until noon, so the morning was spent walking around Nice. And walk we did - a few miles to find a (good) currency exchange. The carnival was still going on, so there was some decorations and festivities around. It rained a bit in Nice and later, on the trip through Provence.
Everyone is tired of stopping for lunch at roadside rests. The food isn't bad, but we could certainly get more of a feel for the culture if we stopped at some of the towns along the way instead. I guess it has to do with the blistering pace we have to keep.
It was funny how we were treated as second class citizens at the restaurant in Lyon. The big place was fairly nice, cloth napkins and nice dinner rolls for everyone else except our tour group. What is more funny is that we looked and acted like we deserved it (after a long day of travelling).
We didn't see much of Lyon at all. The usual excuse - no time.
Thursday, Feb 24 Lyon - Paris (Hotel Berthier Brochant)
Arriving in Paris, we went right to the Louvre and spent an hour and a half there. They say you need a month and a half. It was good that we had a guide, though, to tell us what we were seeing. We saw Mona (she smiled for us) and other Renaissance works, as well as some Greek and Egyptian art.
That evening we went up the hill to Sacre Cour, the church or the sacred heart. Our group farewell dinner that night was probably the best we had. Lots of fun, too. We danced to an accordion player's music and the Aussies and Kiwis were wild as usual, making everyone laugh.
Friday, Feb 25 Paris
What a day! We started with a city tour, seeing the usual sights, the Eiffel Tower, Arch of Triumph and Notre Dame Cathedral. The latter was big, old and impressive, but not nearly so much as the ones in Italy.
After lunch we went to the palace of Versailles. Now that place was really impressive. It is impossible to describe the richness and splendor of the place, especially the Hall of Mirrors. What a life those people had - the three Louis, (Huey, Dewey and Louis) no - it was Louis the XIV, XV and XVI, along with Marie Antoinette.
The bus then took the girls back to the hotel while Debbie and I got off downtown to walk to the Musee D'Orsay. This museum has the French Impressionism - Renoir, Cezzanne, Monet, Manet, Degas, etc, etc. Although we again only had a couple of hours, we enjoyed it immensely. Renoir is now my favorite; Debbie's is still Cezzanne.
The walk back to the hotel was very very long - especially after being on our feet all day. We brought take-out food back to the room.
Saturday, Feb 26 Paris - London (Royal Scot Hotel)
Uneventful trip across the channel. We got a pizza for dinner.
Sunday, Feb 27 London - Detroit (Hotel Horvath)
Nice to sleep in our own beds again!
Other Notes
As with any trip where a group is going, all of the travellers became fast friends. In fact, the people of this trip were about as interesting as any of the sights. We didn't learn too many names until later on, but we were aware of where they were all from. I never remember names that well anyway.
Everyone in the group is considerate, and nobody seems to be consistently late, which would begin to cause problems. Everyone also gets along fine.
Looking around the bus as I write this, here is what I see:
A young couple, he from New Zealand, she from South Africa, both of them tall and handsome. They're travelling around the world for four years, working a little as they go. FOUR YEARS? How can they do it?
A couple from Victoria, BC, Canada are always upbeat, friendly and laughing. Very nice to be with. We later found out that they were brother and sister instead of husband and wife.
Another very young couple from Philadelphia. Nice kids, too. I later found out that they were on their honeymoon. It was probably a gift - how else could they afford this?
Yet another cheerful young couple (I thought there would be all older people) this time from Sydney, Australia and also on their honeymoon (this being in the middle of their 6 week holiday). At least I know how they can afford this - he is a surgeon. Valerie thinks the young doctor is cute.
A man from Malaysia, travelling by himself, is also a doctor - a Pediatrician. He is articulate and interesting to talk to, but is sometimes shy about joining others. He has spent the last 6 months working in Scotland, but is returning to his home. He has us convinced that we should visit Malaysia.
An Asian couple from Seattle. He was originally from Malaysia, she from Vietnam. Kind of quiet, but friendly as usual.
Two very young looking women from Japan. I think they're sisters. One speaks english better than the other. They smile a lot.
An older couple from Seoul, Korea may be the oldest ones on the trip. They've been very friendly toward us - especially the woman and especially toward our girls. She is an English Teacher who does speak pretty good - she says they read it a lot but don't hear or speak it so often. They are both professors temporarily studying in England.
An Australian couple with their 17 year old son are from Cairns, Australia. Extremely thick accents make them hard to understand - especially the man, who was originally from Italy. Nice and friendly folks.
Adrian and Carol from Perth, Australia are about to celebrate their 25th anniversary. We've spent some time with them - he works for Rolls Royce and she does volunteer work.
Two young ladies from Bhutan win the prize as the quietest people on the trip. They are studying in Australia.
Two young ladies from San Diego both work in the schools there - one as an English/Spanish teacher.
A young couple from Australia may be on their honeymoon. They hang out with the Kiwi/South African. A bit on the wild and fun side, too.
A young couple from Australia are a bit quieter than some of the others. After Europe they are going to spend 6 months touring the U.S. Once again, I don't know how or with what money. We gave them our phone number, so maybe they'll stop by on their way through.
Yet one more couple from Sydney, he works for Quantas Airlines and she is originally from the Philippines.
One other couple from Malaysia, also extremely quiet. He studied computers in England.
Our bus driver for most of the way is Marcel, from Brussels. He is very considerate all of the time.
Finally, there's Liz Flanagan, our British tour guide, who has been with us the whole way. She couldn't be much better at her job. She is very knowledgeable and explains the history, geography and folklore as well as could be. The history seems to come alive because of her!
Liz is from London and speaks four languages. She seems to know the places we go through as if she has lived in all of them. All of this time away from home would not be too conducive to a nice family life, but we don't know her situation.
Always kind and considerate, she keeps us on schedule, which was essential for this trip. She also doesn't get too very close to anyone - professional detachment, I guess. Anyway, she has to get to know new people every two weeks or so.
Liz has made the trip, with its hectic pace as smooth as can be. She deserves a good tip and a positive letter to Cosmos.
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