View 2011 - Europe - Christmas in a larger map
Showing posts with label 2011 Europe Trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 Europe Trip. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 35 - DE
Cookie says...
As they say, all good things must come to an end. We should have been on a flight out of Frankfurt tonight. We'll be heading home via Singapore and Sydney.
Happy Birthday Megan!
As they say, all good things must come to an end. We should have been on a flight out of Frankfurt tonight. We'll be heading home via Singapore and Sydney.
Happy Birthday Megan!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 34 - DE
Cookie says...
Tonight we should have stayed in Stuttgart, I shall update this post as soon as possible.
Tonight we should have stayed in Stuttgart, I shall update this post as soon as possible.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 33 - DE
Cookie says...
So much for a cruisy stay in Freiburg. Today we stepped back into France to visit Strasburg. We walked about Petite France, some of the old town and were gobsmacked by the size of the munster there. After lunch we autobahned it back to Freiburg.
The plan had to be to get to another town as we were after a Black Forest clock but time was short so we strolled around Freiburg and found one there instead. You need to be careful when walking the place as there's mini canals along side all the kerbs which were installed centuries ago to assist with fighting fires. If they existing in Australia, they'd by painted yellow with railings all around them.
We spoiled ourselves for dinner tonight by eating at a joint that the Michelin Man recommends. I know why he's the shape of Mark 'Tubby' Taylor with a few too many spare tires. The wine was matched to the food, it was seriously good tucker (including several things I've never eaten before), we had a plethora of cutlery to use incorrectly and several people seeing to our needs. It was pretty clear we were eating with people from a few classes above us but it was fantastic.
Home time where we packed to for the final leg of the trip.
Julie says...
After finding out there was a Michelin Star restaurant in Freibug, we decided it would be a nice ending to our trip, and worth the money we'd saved sharing bedrooms with snoring friends and eating ham sandwhiches from bakeries in France.
So, here is a description of how our evening went, as Cookie's knowledge of fine dining etiquette was lacking:
1. Cookie has no real idea what 'Michelin' stars in restaurant circles mean, so he googled it before we left for dinner (I could tell this was going to be a classy night)
3. After 5 mins of staring at the 4 different menus we'd been given each, we went with a 'pre-set' seasonal menu with matching wine, as Cookie's decision-making processes meant we would have been there until midnight trying to decided between the 15 different choices of starters.
4. Cookie tried to tell me you are supposed to eat the bite-sized "pre-hous d'ouvers" hous d'ouvers with cutlery.
5. Cookie came across two different types of cutlery he didn't know existed and didn't know how to use properly
6. Cookie told the waitress (who spoke limited English) that he was about to ask a stupid question, and then proceeded to ask his stupid question about where the 'truffles' were on the plate, to which she replied that they were in there somewhere (because she didn't know what he was asking).
7. Is an 8-course dinner too much? According to Cookie it isn't... but then each portion was 'supermodel on a diet' tiny, so I guess it doesnt' matter.
Overall the dinner was really lovely, and the matched wine was beautiful. I would happily go there again, but I would make Cookie research how to use fancy cutlery first, so that he didn't look so hilarious each time they put a new piece in front of him and he didn't know what to do with it.
So much for a cruisy stay in Freiburg. Today we stepped back into France to visit Strasburg. We walked about Petite France, some of the old town and were gobsmacked by the size of the munster there. After lunch we autobahned it back to Freiburg.
The plan had to be to get to another town as we were after a Black Forest clock but time was short so we strolled around Freiburg and found one there instead. You need to be careful when walking the place as there's mini canals along side all the kerbs which were installed centuries ago to assist with fighting fires. If they existing in Australia, they'd by painted yellow with railings all around them.
We spoiled ourselves for dinner tonight by eating at a joint that the Michelin Man recommends. I know why he's the shape of Mark 'Tubby' Taylor with a few too many spare tires. The wine was matched to the food, it was seriously good tucker (including several things I've never eaten before), we had a plethora of cutlery to use incorrectly and several people seeing to our needs. It was pretty clear we were eating with people from a few classes above us but it was fantastic.
Home time where we packed to for the final leg of the trip.
Julie says...
After finding out there was a Michelin Star restaurant in Freibug, we decided it would be a nice ending to our trip, and worth the money we'd saved sharing bedrooms with snoring friends and eating ham sandwhiches from bakeries in France.
So, here is a description of how our evening went, as Cookie's knowledge of fine dining etiquette was lacking:
1. Cookie has no real idea what 'Michelin' stars in restaurant circles mean, so he googled it before we left for dinner (I could tell this was going to be a classy night)
3. After 5 mins of staring at the 4 different menus we'd been given each, we went with a 'pre-set' seasonal menu with matching wine, as Cookie's decision-making processes meant we would have been there until midnight trying to decided between the 15 different choices of starters.
4. Cookie tried to tell me you are supposed to eat the bite-sized "pre-hous d'ouvers" hous d'ouvers with cutlery.
5. Cookie came across two different types of cutlery he didn't know existed and didn't know how to use properly
6. Cookie told the waitress (who spoke limited English) that he was about to ask a stupid question, and then proceeded to ask his stupid question about where the 'truffles' were on the plate, to which she replied that they were in there somewhere (because she didn't know what he was asking).
7. Is an 8-course dinner too much? According to Cookie it isn't... but then each portion was 'supermodel on a diet' tiny, so I guess it doesnt' matter.
Overall the dinner was really lovely, and the matched wine was beautiful. I would happily go there again, but I would make Cookie research how to use fancy cutlery first, so that he didn't look so hilarious each time they put a new piece in front of him and he didn't know what to do with it.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 32 - DE
Cookie says...
There were a few sights we identified of interest however after driving through some wonderful Black Forest roads in the clouds surrounded by snow laden trees, we discovered that the first two were closed. We're not sure how a waterfall can be closed but it was. Oh well, it's probably a good thing as it helped with time.
The third stop was Burg Hohenzollern, which is a royal castle for the ruling family from Prussia. They weren't horribly original in their names as they only ever used two (Fredrick and William). We ended up on a tour of castle interior with a pair of Kiwi's (have I mentioned that it's hard coping with the numbers during this time of year?) and they were a touch odd. Quite into history and all that and I think Julz is glad that I'm not as into things as much as them.
Bit of a trip home in the dark with a combination of autobahn speeds and tight roads at times (even hairpins). We ended up having pizza (for a trip that didn't hit Italy, we've eaten a lot of pizza) and chocolate mousse from a supermarket which was surprising good.
Julie says...
Driving through snow-laden hills and forests was nice. The scenery over here is brilliant, even if it has been foggy at time and rained a lot. I know it would be beautiful here in summer, but then you'd get crowds of people ruining the peace and quiet.
Again we were off to visit castles... yay. The 217 steps up the hill to the Prussian place was painful, considering the number of layers I am wearing and how unfit I am at the moment :( And why do Prussian royalty need a castle in the Black Forest anyway... I thought we were in Germany? I'll have to go home and google Prussia, as my European history and geography knowledge is severely lacking.
There were a few sights we identified of interest however after driving through some wonderful Black Forest roads in the clouds surrounded by snow laden trees, we discovered that the first two were closed. We're not sure how a waterfall can be closed but it was. Oh well, it's probably a good thing as it helped with time.
The third stop was Burg Hohenzollern, which is a royal castle for the ruling family from Prussia. They weren't horribly original in their names as they only ever used two (Fredrick and William). We ended up on a tour of castle interior with a pair of Kiwi's (have I mentioned that it's hard coping with the numbers during this time of year?) and they were a touch odd. Quite into history and all that and I think Julz is glad that I'm not as into things as much as them.
Bit of a trip home in the dark with a combination of autobahn speeds and tight roads at times (even hairpins). We ended up having pizza (for a trip that didn't hit Italy, we've eaten a lot of pizza) and chocolate mousse from a supermarket which was surprising good.
Julie says...
Driving through snow-laden hills and forests was nice. The scenery over here is brilliant, even if it has been foggy at time and rained a lot. I know it would be beautiful here in summer, but then you'd get crowds of people ruining the peace and quiet.
Again we were off to visit castles... yay. The 217 steps up the hill to the Prussian place was painful, considering the number of layers I am wearing and how unfit I am at the moment :( And why do Prussian royalty need a castle in the Black Forest anyway... I thought we were in Germany? I'll have to go home and google Prussia, as my European history and geography knowledge is severely lacking.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 31 - DE
Cookie says...
Pretty simple day today. It was basically all driving. As we left Munich, we wanted to stop by Dachau even though we knew that the concentration camp memorial was closed. We walked around the outside of some of the site and read some of the information boards before getting back on the road. Quite like these autobahns but I'd love to put the Magna through it's paces on them.
Next stop Freiburg. Several hours, a few pitstops and a coupla autobahns with crazy drivers later, we'd arrived in the Black Forest. Once again Julz has picked a place in some obscure location (this is dragging up memories of our stay "in" Salzburg) however it could be another winner. We managed to check in but tried and failed at finding a laundry, had dinner and headed back to the B&B.
Julie says...
Today Cookie got to 'legally' drive at 160kms per hour down the autobahn. He looked quite pleased with himself, even if we were overtaken by every Audi, Mercedes and BMW driver (some must have been doing at least 180kms). I'm suprised our tiny Opel Corsa (similar to a four-door Holden Barina) didn't fall apart at that speed.
And yes, I have managed to book us into a B&B in the middle of absolutely nowhere... again... But as per the 'Salzburg' experience of 2008, the place is an absolute gem, the hosts are lovely, the views are spectacular, and it is definately worth the 20mins drive from town. Cookie, you should just learn to trust my instincts when it comes to booking accommodation!
Pretty simple day today. It was basically all driving. As we left Munich, we wanted to stop by Dachau even though we knew that the concentration camp memorial was closed. We walked around the outside of some of the site and read some of the information boards before getting back on the road. Quite like these autobahns but I'd love to put the Magna through it's paces on them.
Next stop Freiburg. Several hours, a few pitstops and a coupla autobahns with crazy drivers later, we'd arrived in the Black Forest. Once again Julz has picked a place in some obscure location (this is dragging up memories of our stay "in" Salzburg) however it could be another winner. We managed to check in but tried and failed at finding a laundry, had dinner and headed back to the B&B.
Julie says...
Today Cookie got to 'legally' drive at 160kms per hour down the autobahn. He looked quite pleased with himself, even if we were overtaken by every Audi, Mercedes and BMW driver (some must have been doing at least 180kms). I'm suprised our tiny Opel Corsa (similar to a four-door Holden Barina) didn't fall apart at that speed.
And yes, I have managed to book us into a B&B in the middle of absolutely nowhere... again... But as per the 'Salzburg' experience of 2008, the place is an absolute gem, the hosts are lovely, the views are spectacular, and it is definately worth the 20mins drive from town. Cookie, you should just learn to trust my instincts when it comes to booking accommodation!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 30 - DE
Cookie says...
Gavin took us on a walking tour around Munich. We managed to bump into Rachel Smith of AECOM fame who has been involved with a cycle program over here.
We gave mulled wine another chance (we really aren't fans) and then went to another beer house for lunch. Afterwards we walked through the Munich Residence (where the Bavarian royal family lived) for an hour or so (it's not exactly small).
We found a cafe, bludged back at our place and then dropped them off at the airport to head back to England.
Julie says...
The carillon at the "new" town hall was underwhelming but the antiquarium in the Residences is worth a look. However, my highlight for the day was seeing blue sky at 4.30pm, even if it was devoured by nightfall 30 mins later.
Gavin took us on a walking tour around Munich. We managed to bump into Rachel Smith of AECOM fame who has been involved with a cycle program over here.
We gave mulled wine another chance (we really aren't fans) and then went to another beer house for lunch. Afterwards we walked through the Munich Residence (where the Bavarian royal family lived) for an hour or so (it's not exactly small).
We found a cafe, bludged back at our place and then dropped them off at the airport to head back to England.
Julie says...
The carillon at the "new" town hall was underwhelming but the antiquarium in the Residences is worth a look. However, my highlight for the day was seeing blue sky at 4.30pm, even if it was devoured by nightfall 30 mins later.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Day 29 - DE
Cookie says...
On the way out of Zurich we made a pilgrimage to FIFA headquarters. I couldn't help but notice some brown paper bags lying around the place...
We had some horrible weather to drive through first before returning to Germany. We met up with Gavin an Oksana at Neuschwanstein Castle and had a look through it. I once heard an American tourist saying that Germany had their own Disney castle but we didn't hear any dumb comments like that today. The ironic thing with this castle is that the king had it built to be an authentic medieval castle yet he knocked down a medieval castle to build this fake castle.
Munich was where we were staying for the next two nights and after checking in, we went in search of dinner and finished the night in the Hofbräuhaus drinking beer and eating German roast meat.
Julie says...
Today we drove through a blizzard, visited a pretty castle on a hill, broke the law, had a snowball fight and drank beer in a royal brewery.
Gavin says...
Hi.
Oksana says...
Петр странно, он любит Bon Jovi.
On the way out of Zurich we made a pilgrimage to FIFA headquarters. I couldn't help but notice some brown paper bags lying around the place...
We had some horrible weather to drive through first before returning to Germany. We met up with Gavin an Oksana at Neuschwanstein Castle and had a look through it. I once heard an American tourist saying that Germany had their own Disney castle but we didn't hear any dumb comments like that today. The ironic thing with this castle is that the king had it built to be an authentic medieval castle yet he knocked down a medieval castle to build this fake castle.
Munich was where we were staying for the next two nights and after checking in, we went in search of dinner and finished the night in the Hofbräuhaus drinking beer and eating German roast meat.
Julie says...
Today we drove through a blizzard, visited a pretty castle on a hill, broke the law, had a snowball fight and drank beer in a royal brewery.
Gavin says...
Hi.
Oksana says...
Петр странно, он любит Bon Jovi.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 28 - CH
Cookie says...
I had hopes of catching up with The Martin's today however the planets didn't align. They're a couple I knew from my time at Arana Hills COC and have been living over this side of the world for a few years now and presently live in Zurich. Instead we checked out the National Swiss Museum which (as expected) has a good display on the history of their country.
We did a whole lot of walking to burn off the bread we keep eating (Swiss bread is ze best), walked up and down a church spire, sorted out our train seats to Stuttgart and headed out for Italian.
We ended up in a Starbucks so I could update the blog while Julz read my Christmas present (A Game of Thrones).
Julie says...
The weather improved for us today (it didn't rain), but I still think Zurich is similar to Geneva.. really not that interesting. It was good to read up on Swiss history (I really knew nothing about it before), but I'd had enough of the museum when we got to the endless rooms of "house furnishings and lounge room designs from the 1940's to the 1990's in Switzerland" section.
The afternoon was good, as I got to read more of my book :)
I had hopes of catching up with The Martin's today however the planets didn't align. They're a couple I knew from my time at Arana Hills COC and have been living over this side of the world for a few years now and presently live in Zurich. Instead we checked out the National Swiss Museum which (as expected) has a good display on the history of their country.
We did a whole lot of walking to burn off the bread we keep eating (Swiss bread is ze best), walked up and down a church spire, sorted out our train seats to Stuttgart and headed out for Italian.
We ended up in a Starbucks so I could update the blog while Julz read my Christmas present (A Game of Thrones).
Julie says...
The weather improved for us today (it didn't rain), but I still think Zurich is similar to Geneva.. really not that interesting. It was good to read up on Swiss history (I really knew nothing about it before), but I'd had enough of the museum when we got to the endless rooms of "house furnishings and lounge room designs from the 1940's to the 1990's in Switzerland" section.
The afternoon was good, as I got to read more of my book :)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 27 - CH
Cookie says...
We moved from Luzern to Zurich today which is about 30 mins up the road but we went on a bit of a Cook's Tour as we had a mission to conduct. We had a chance to visit another country, well, actually it's a principality, so we took it. We made tracks for Vaduz which is the capital of Liechtenstein where we did the typical tourist thing of getting our passport stamped, a couple of souvenirs and sent a postcard.
A few hours later and we'd checked into the hotel in Zurich and were pounding the pavement around the old town. Because Pilty had left, the weather had mostly been miserable and today was no exception. We'd copped rain, wind, sleet, lightning and after walking around the town tonight, we'd even copped ice. After a hearty Swiss meal, we headed back to base.
Julie says...
In the movie "A Knight's Tale", Heath Ledger invents the story that he comes from Liechtenstein. I always just assumed that Hollywood made that place up but today I got to visit Liechtenstein. It was tiny, rainy, pretty well deserted and looked to consist of a giant mountain range and not much else. But I now have a passport stamp to show for my visit and the customary deck of cards with Liechtenstein's only castle on the back (because our household needs more decks of cards...).
Zurich is wet and miserable and reminds me a little of Geneva (un-inspirational). But the Swiss meal was brilliant and hopefully tomorrow the weather will improve.
On a side note, after 27 days on the road I believe the pillows in this hotel are the worst yet. You'd think merchant Swiss bankers with 7-figure salaries could provide better pillows... but maybe they're spending all their money on the watches worth 20,000 Swiss Franks displayed in every shop window here.
We moved from Luzern to Zurich today which is about 30 mins up the road but we went on a bit of a Cook's Tour as we had a mission to conduct. We had a chance to visit another country, well, actually it's a principality, so we took it. We made tracks for Vaduz which is the capital of Liechtenstein where we did the typical tourist thing of getting our passport stamped, a couple of souvenirs and sent a postcard.
A few hours later and we'd checked into the hotel in Zurich and were pounding the pavement around the old town. Because Pilty had left, the weather had mostly been miserable and today was no exception. We'd copped rain, wind, sleet, lightning and after walking around the town tonight, we'd even copped ice. After a hearty Swiss meal, we headed back to base.
Julie says...
In the movie "A Knight's Tale", Heath Ledger invents the story that he comes from Liechtenstein. I always just assumed that Hollywood made that place up but today I got to visit Liechtenstein. It was tiny, rainy, pretty well deserted and looked to consist of a giant mountain range and not much else. But I now have a passport stamp to show for my visit and the customary deck of cards with Liechtenstein's only castle on the back (because our household needs more decks of cards...).
Zurich is wet and miserable and reminds me a little of Geneva (un-inspirational). But the Swiss meal was brilliant and hopefully tomorrow the weather will improve.
On a side note, after 27 days on the road I believe the pillows in this hotel are the worst yet. You'd think merchant Swiss bankers with 7-figure salaries could provide better pillows... but maybe they're spending all their money on the watches worth 20,000 Swiss Franks displayed in every shop window here.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 26 - CH
Cookie says...
We were off to the transport museum this morning and it was pretty good. It's really hands on to keep the kids occupied and it has a few other neat things to see. It even has a model railroad which represented a section of their network which was almost up to the standard of the Miniatur Wunderland models but built over fifty years ago.
We went in search of the Lion Monument and lunch, scoped out a spot for some time-lapse and then walked along the base of the old town wall (the walls and towers are only open during summer).
We returned to a spot for time-lapse, proceeded to freeze, snapped some extra photos and then headed to an English pub for dinner. I did find it amusing that an I, an Aussie ordered an American burger from an Indian in an English pub in Switzerland - we live in a global village now.
Here's a rough cut of the time-lapse.
Julie says...
Oddly enough, in a country obsessed with banks, it took us ages to find an ATM so we could buy lunch. The Swiss must carry thousands of Swiss Franks with them everywhere (we can only assume that they are all merchant bankers).
Otherwise it was a pleasant day walking off all the food we have eaten these past few weeks. Hopefully my muscles burnt a lot of energy as I shivered with hyperthermia during the obligatory time-lapse.
We were off to the transport museum this morning and it was pretty good. It's really hands on to keep the kids occupied and it has a few other neat things to see. It even has a model railroad which represented a section of their network which was almost up to the standard of the Miniatur Wunderland models but built over fifty years ago.
We went in search of the Lion Monument and lunch, scoped out a spot for some time-lapse and then walked along the base of the old town wall (the walls and towers are only open during summer).
We returned to a spot for time-lapse, proceeded to freeze, snapped some extra photos and then headed to an English pub for dinner. I did find it amusing that an I, an Aussie ordered an American burger from an Indian in an English pub in Switzerland - we live in a global village now.
Here's a rough cut of the time-lapse.
Julie says...
Oddly enough, in a country obsessed with banks, it took us ages to find an ATM so we could buy lunch. The Swiss must carry thousands of Swiss Franks with them everywhere (we can only assume that they are all merchant bankers).
Otherwise it was a pleasant day walking off all the food we have eaten these past few weeks. Hopefully my muscles burnt a lot of energy as I shivered with hyperthermia during the obligatory time-lapse.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Day 25 - CH
Cookie says...
Our shoebox might have been warm and dry but it had crap beds and pillows and I now have a sore back. Somehow we shanked a cheap breaky however afterwards I'm not so sure it was worth the saving. We returned to Geneva airport to pick up the car and we were back on the road. This time it's an Opel Corsa and only just fits us and our gear.
The capital of Switzerland was our next stop (Berne, not Geneva or Zurich) but we turned it into a driveby. From what we saw, it looked nice. We then decided to ignore the sat nav and follow the signs to Luzern. This meant that we ended up driving a back road as opposed to the motorway and for 30 mins, the car was telling us to do a u-turn. We're glad we didn't as we saw some stunning scenery peppered with sterotypical buildings. It was wonderful.
After checking in we went for a walk around the old town and found a place for dinner where we cheese fondue'd it again. Tomorrow we'll find some things to look at.
Julie says...
Ditto to everything he said...
But Cookie forgot to mention that we visited CERN on our way out of Geneva. Now for those readers who aren't science nerds, CERN is the large hadron colider a few kms underground that spans 50kms of France and Switzerland (in one big circle). It's where scientists get to slam tiny little particles together to try to re-create particle fusion and ultimately try to prove the big bang theory (no success so far). Unfortuantely it was closed, and so I missed out on making Cookie do nerdy science stuff with me for once.
Luckily for me however, we checked out places to time-lapse for tomorrow evening, so I can't wait for those 3 hours of boredom to begin :(
And I finally bought some cough medicine, which is a shame for my abs because they have had a serious workout this past week.
Our shoebox might have been warm and dry but it had crap beds and pillows and I now have a sore back. Somehow we shanked a cheap breaky however afterwards I'm not so sure it was worth the saving. We returned to Geneva airport to pick up the car and we were back on the road. This time it's an Opel Corsa and only just fits us and our gear.
The capital of Switzerland was our next stop (Berne, not Geneva or Zurich) but we turned it into a driveby. From what we saw, it looked nice. We then decided to ignore the sat nav and follow the signs to Luzern. This meant that we ended up driving a back road as opposed to the motorway and for 30 mins, the car was telling us to do a u-turn. We're glad we didn't as we saw some stunning scenery peppered with sterotypical buildings. It was wonderful.
After checking in we went for a walk around the old town and found a place for dinner where we cheese fondue'd it again. Tomorrow we'll find some things to look at.
Julie says...
Ditto to everything he said...
But Cookie forgot to mention that we visited CERN on our way out of Geneva. Now for those readers who aren't science nerds, CERN is the large hadron colider a few kms underground that spans 50kms of France and Switzerland (in one big circle). It's where scientists get to slam tiny little particles together to try to re-create particle fusion and ultimately try to prove the big bang theory (no success so far). Unfortuantely it was closed, and so I missed out on making Cookie do nerdy science stuff with me for once.
Luckily for me however, we checked out places to time-lapse for tomorrow evening, so I can't wait for those 3 hours of boredom to begin :(
And I finally bought some cough medicine, which is a shame for my abs because they have had a serious workout this past week.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Day 24 - CH
Cookie says...
I have two words to describe Geneva today - wet and miserable. Regardless, we went exploring. The former United Nations headquarters was still closed so we looked at it from the outside. It seems that tourists aren't the only ones who don't find these things out until it's too late as there was a protest going on outside the front gates.
Next stop was the Reformation Wall and then the cathedral.
The Jet d'Eau was running but it's hard to discern white spray on a background of light grey sky.
We walked through the shopping district (it seems all European city centres are built around shops and souvineers). We even saw a dress for CHF 11,000 (Switzerland is expensive and Geneva moreso). Most places cost a first born to eat at and we can only imagine that everyone must be bankers. We gave up on the weather and headed back to the 'mansion'.
We snuck out for dinner, played some two player 500 (not as fun as four players but still playable) and it was game over for the day.
Julie says...
Today was kinda boring...
It rained, Geneva was closed, and really not that interesting anyway.
I don't earn enough money to even go window shopping in this town.
I have two words to describe Geneva today - wet and miserable. Regardless, we went exploring. The former United Nations headquarters was still closed so we looked at it from the outside. It seems that tourists aren't the only ones who don't find these things out until it's too late as there was a protest going on outside the front gates.
Next stop was the Reformation Wall and then the cathedral.
The Jet d'Eau was running but it's hard to discern white spray on a background of light grey sky.
We walked through the shopping district (it seems all European city centres are built around shops and souvineers). We even saw a dress for CHF 11,000 (Switzerland is expensive and Geneva moreso). Most places cost a first born to eat at and we can only imagine that everyone must be bankers. We gave up on the weather and headed back to the 'mansion'.
We snuck out for dinner, played some two player 500 (not as fun as four players but still playable) and it was game over for the day.
Julie says...
Today was kinda boring...
It rained, Geneva was closed, and really not that interesting anyway.
I don't earn enough money to even go window shopping in this town.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Day 23 - CH
Cookie says...
Sadly, it was time to leave Chamonix. Bronwen was staying the last night there while Pilty and Sarah joined us on the bus back to Geneva. They had a few hours of waiting until their flights so we headed in search of our hostel. We found it easily enough and not far from the train station however it isn't a very big room. In fact, the Hamburg to Paris train trip had marginally less space. Anyway, it's dry and warm so it will be fine.
After settling in, we took a stroll around Lake Geneva and discovered that the massive fountain stops running at four in the afternoon, minutes before I'm about to setup and take some photos of it.
As it was dinner time we headed back into CBD however apparently Geneva resembles Adelaide on Sunday and being New Years Day, it made it even harder to find something open. Fortunately a crepe joint beneath our hostel came to the rescue. Once back in the room we broke out Ticket to Ride, did some reading and hit the hay.
Julie says...
Seeing as how nothing much happened today (a typical travel day), I thought I would take this moment to give some advice to any travellers wishing to follow in our footsteps and explore Europe on a budget by using hostel/cheap hotel accommodation:
1. As European pillows are the thickness of cardboard even when doubled-over and wedged against the headboard, ensure you pack a coat you are happy to roll up and use as neck support.
2. The lake that develops at your feet during shower-time is normal - the Eurpoeans have not figured out that the size of the drain needs to be in proportion to the amount of water coming from the shower-head.
3. Don't ever expect a top sheet on your bed. Instead expect an over-heated room with a heavy doonah, so that you spend the entire night getting too hot and throwing a leg out the side of the bed.
4. When a towel is advertised as being included, expect to be drying yourself with something the size of a facewasher.
Sadly, it was time to leave Chamonix. Bronwen was staying the last night there while Pilty and Sarah joined us on the bus back to Geneva. They had a few hours of waiting until their flights so we headed in search of our hostel. We found it easily enough and not far from the train station however it isn't a very big room. In fact, the Hamburg to Paris train trip had marginally less space. Anyway, it's dry and warm so it will be fine.
After settling in, we took a stroll around Lake Geneva and discovered that the massive fountain stops running at four in the afternoon, minutes before I'm about to setup and take some photos of it.
As it was dinner time we headed back into CBD however apparently Geneva resembles Adelaide on Sunday and being New Years Day, it made it even harder to find something open. Fortunately a crepe joint beneath our hostel came to the rescue. Once back in the room we broke out Ticket to Ride, did some reading and hit the hay.
Julie says...
Seeing as how nothing much happened today (a typical travel day), I thought I would take this moment to give some advice to any travellers wishing to follow in our footsteps and explore Europe on a budget by using hostel/cheap hotel accommodation:
1. As European pillows are the thickness of cardboard even when doubled-over and wedged against the headboard, ensure you pack a coat you are happy to roll up and use as neck support.
2. The lake that develops at your feet during shower-time is normal - the Eurpoeans have not figured out that the size of the drain needs to be in proportion to the amount of water coming from the shower-head.
3. Don't ever expect a top sheet on your bed. Instead expect an over-heated room with a heavy doonah, so that you spend the entire night getting too hot and throwing a leg out the side of the bed.
4. When a towel is advertised as being included, expect to be drying yourself with something the size of a facewasher.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Day 22 - FR
Cookie says...
Last full day in Chamonix today and while my body doesn't agree, it's a shame that we can't spend it up the hill.
The weather has got the best of the place and the lifts around the town are closed. So instead we did some shopping, nerding, carding, dicing and Bron looked after a three course meal for dinner before we saw the new year in.
Julie says...
With it pelting down with snow, lifts closed and avalanche canons firing in the background, I decided that staying indoors was the best idea. That and my lung convulsions were becoming stronger and the idea of getting pneumonia is not all that appealing.
Cookie and I bought the customary ski shirts of the area (because Cookie needs more shirts about snowboarding....) and then spent the rest of the day inside - a nice way to spend the last day of 2011 in my view.
Sarah says...
After having my butt kicked by Les Houches yesterday I decided it was time to turn my ski's in before I killed myself or someone else. After a nice day of rest we had an awesome dinner cooked primarily by one B. Pyle with the help of one J. Cook. Lovely dinner ladies! Saw in 2012 with perhaps a little less fanfare than in the past but fun nonetheless.
Pilty says...
Today was a day of ups and downs.
Downs: Cable car to Aiguille du Midi was once again closed, which this time ruined my chance at going on a date with Bron. The French aren't really into celebrating New Year’s (not even fireworks on TV). Weather was terrible (rainy). Last day of Chamonix (effectively the last day of my trip).
Ups: Didn't catch any of the sickness going around. Had a relaxing day in at home. Chefs (Julie/Bron) worth their weight in gold. Illegal fireworks launched due to no proper ones organised.
Bronwen says...
After the triumph of Les Houches yesterday, I decided to part ways with my skis on a high. Today has been about some rest and relaxation. It was a great NYE dinner followed by seeing in 2012 with a glass of bubbly in hand. Chamonix was going off last night with all the amateur fireworks - is there anything that the French can't do?
Last full day in Chamonix today and while my body doesn't agree, it's a shame that we can't spend it up the hill.
The weather has got the best of the place and the lifts around the town are closed. So instead we did some shopping, nerding, carding, dicing and Bron looked after a three course meal for dinner before we saw the new year in.
Julie says...
With it pelting down with snow, lifts closed and avalanche canons firing in the background, I decided that staying indoors was the best idea. That and my lung convulsions were becoming stronger and the idea of getting pneumonia is not all that appealing.
Cookie and I bought the customary ski shirts of the area (because Cookie needs more shirts about snowboarding....) and then spent the rest of the day inside - a nice way to spend the last day of 2011 in my view.
Sarah says...
After having my butt kicked by Les Houches yesterday I decided it was time to turn my ski's in before I killed myself or someone else. After a nice day of rest we had an awesome dinner cooked primarily by one B. Pyle with the help of one J. Cook. Lovely dinner ladies! Saw in 2012 with perhaps a little less fanfare than in the past but fun nonetheless.
Pilty says...
Today was a day of ups and downs.
Downs: Cable car to Aiguille du Midi was once again closed, which this time ruined my chance at going on a date with Bron. The French aren't really into celebrating New Year’s (not even fireworks on TV). Weather was terrible (rainy). Last day of Chamonix (effectively the last day of my trip).
Ups: Didn't catch any of the sickness going around. Had a relaxing day in at home. Chefs (Julie/Bron) worth their weight in gold. Illegal fireworks launched due to no proper ones organised.
Bronwen says...
After the triumph of Les Houches yesterday, I decided to part ways with my skis on a high. Today has been about some rest and relaxation. It was a great NYE dinner followed by seeing in 2012 with a glass of bubbly in hand. Chamonix was going off last night with all the amateur fireworks - is there anything that the French can't do?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Day 21 - FR
Cookie says...
We woke to find the outside world white. In Cam McKellar's words, it had puked all night. The girls had arranged to meet Georges-Alan at Les Houches so I was happy to check it out while Pilty piked. It would be interesting to see how we all go. The girls went for the lesson and Georges-Alan sent me down a run full of fresh powder and devoid of people. Those that I did see where skiers and I found out why - the return was the worlds longest pommel lift.
The weather was pretty ordinary even if it gave the best conditions to ride. I managed to come across the girls half way down a blue run which heads to where we started, so I joined them for the last 30 mins of their lesson.
Julie says...
Today I skied through a blizzard on my way down a rather large mountain. On multiple occasions, I gaped at Georges-Alan with a "you want me to ski down there..?" look.
But, after 3 hours of thigh-burning "skiing" down the runs (I'm sure those around us would question whether we were actually skiing... maybe surviving was a better description), I felt awesome when I made it to the bottom. If could purchase a new pair of thigh muscles at the ski lift, I so would have done it all again!
Sarah says...
Everything hurts. The End.
Pilty says...
I'm not sure if I'd class today as a successful day or an unsuccessful day. While the others went off to conquer some slope a bit further down the road, I set off to reach the summit of Aiguille du Midi. I was really looking forward to experiencing temps of between -18°C and -20°C and winds between 60kmh and 100kmh, but alas for me, the cable car that takes people to the peak at 3842m was closed for the day
On the other hand, I enjoyed walking around while it was snowing heavily, making snowballs (although no one wanted to have a war with me), built a snow man and even made (or is it became?) a snow angel. It's amazing how soft and dry snow is here.
Bronwen says...
Les Houches, you had your butt kicked by B. Pyle, J. Cook and a little bit by S. Pyle. After a blizzard, the world's longest pummel ride, a red run and a couple of spectacular dives into mounds of fresh powder (with a group of French girls shouting down from the chair lift to see if I was ok...granted I was lying in a pool of snow, looking a bit dead but laughing so hard I couldn't get up), we hit the final slope back into the village. I had a feeling of exhilaration as we had made it all the way down the front of the mountain...a fist pump like I had just won a medal at the Olympics...even despite Georges-Alan telling me that I looked like a skiing chicken on the last slope. We are Georges-Alan's skiing angels!!!
We woke to find the outside world white. In Cam McKellar's words, it had puked all night. The girls had arranged to meet Georges-Alan at Les Houches so I was happy to check it out while Pilty piked. It would be interesting to see how we all go. The girls went for the lesson and Georges-Alan sent me down a run full of fresh powder and devoid of people. Those that I did see where skiers and I found out why - the return was the worlds longest pommel lift.
The weather was pretty ordinary even if it gave the best conditions to ride. I managed to come across the girls half way down a blue run which heads to where we started, so I joined them for the last 30 mins of their lesson.
Julie says...
Today I skied through a blizzard on my way down a rather large mountain. On multiple occasions, I gaped at Georges-Alan with a "you want me to ski down there..?" look.
But, after 3 hours of thigh-burning "skiing" down the runs (I'm sure those around us would question whether we were actually skiing... maybe surviving was a better description), I felt awesome when I made it to the bottom. If could purchase a new pair of thigh muscles at the ski lift, I so would have done it all again!
Sarah says...
Everything hurts. The End.
Pilty says...
I'm not sure if I'd class today as a successful day or an unsuccessful day. While the others went off to conquer some slope a bit further down the road, I set off to reach the summit of Aiguille du Midi. I was really looking forward to experiencing temps of between -18°C and -20°C and winds between 60kmh and 100kmh, but alas for me, the cable car that takes people to the peak at 3842m was closed for the day
On the other hand, I enjoyed walking around while it was snowing heavily, making snowballs (although no one wanted to have a war with me), built a snow man and even made (or is it became?) a snow angel. It's amazing how soft and dry snow is here.
Bronwen says...
Les Houches, you had your butt kicked by B. Pyle, J. Cook and a little bit by S. Pyle. After a blizzard, the world's longest pummel ride, a red run and a couple of spectacular dives into mounds of fresh powder (with a group of French girls shouting down from the chair lift to see if I was ok...granted I was lying in a pool of snow, looking a bit dead but laughing so hard I couldn't get up), we hit the final slope back into the village. I had a feeling of exhilaration as we had made it all the way down the front of the mountain...a fist pump like I had just won a medal at the Olympics...even despite Georges-Alan telling me that I looked like a skiing chicken on the last slope. We are Georges-Alan's skiing angels!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Day 20 - FR
Cookie says...
The promise of snow meant it was cloudy today. We had a slightly later start due to no private lesson. I saw the kiddies on the slopes for a bit (they are coming along) and then headed back up.
As expected if you went high enough, you break through the cloud but all the runs were ending in the cloud. Sometimes it was almost a whiteout and you're left questioning where you are.
I tools downed mid arvo and headed home for a late lunch. Julz and Bron sorted out dinner and after that we cracked out the cards and dice.
Julie says...
Today we tried to pretend we knew what we were doing without Georges-Alan. We spent the entire time reciting "down, up and turn" as we weaved our way down the hill. I managed ten runs down Savoy without a fall (I'm quite impressed with myself), and am looking forward to showing Georges-Alan my brilliance tomorrow - I know he will be impressed.
On a seperate note, today was the first since the trip started when Cookie failed to make a reference to Asterix.
Sarah says...
It was nice to sleep in today. Practiced so that Georges-Alan would not be disappointed tomorrow. On the short runs my technique is improving and it would be good to have more time here so that my muscles could properly adjust and I could continue to get better.
Pilty says...
Pretty successful day. Not only did I manage to ski and not fall over, I also managed to get down the slopes without stopping. I even outlasted the girls in duration. Still not sure why they are all complaining about hurting. There was only one person out there who was always in the wrong positions, and I wasn't hurting. Today was also the first day it snowed. I now know the difference between snow and light rain.
Bronwen says...
Out of eight runs down Savoy, the second was a complete disaster. As a result of a rather spectacular fall on a patch of ice, I am sporting a bruise the size of a small South Pacific nation which is the colour of a rather lovely eggplant. I am continuing to have a pain party in my pants which has been joined by a pain party in my jumper... even my bingo wings hurt. Les Houches tomorrow... may the force be with us.
The promise of snow meant it was cloudy today. We had a slightly later start due to no private lesson. I saw the kiddies on the slopes for a bit (they are coming along) and then headed back up.
As expected if you went high enough, you break through the cloud but all the runs were ending in the cloud. Sometimes it was almost a whiteout and you're left questioning where you are.
I tools downed mid arvo and headed home for a late lunch. Julz and Bron sorted out dinner and after that we cracked out the cards and dice.
Julie says...
Today we tried to pretend we knew what we were doing without Georges-Alan. We spent the entire time reciting "down, up and turn" as we weaved our way down the hill. I managed ten runs down Savoy without a fall (I'm quite impressed with myself), and am looking forward to showing Georges-Alan my brilliance tomorrow - I know he will be impressed.
On a seperate note, today was the first since the trip started when Cookie failed to make a reference to Asterix.
Sarah says...
It was nice to sleep in today. Practiced so that Georges-Alan would not be disappointed tomorrow. On the short runs my technique is improving and it would be good to have more time here so that my muscles could properly adjust and I could continue to get better.
Pilty says...
Pretty successful day. Not only did I manage to ski and not fall over, I also managed to get down the slopes without stopping. I even outlasted the girls in duration. Still not sure why they are all complaining about hurting. There was only one person out there who was always in the wrong positions, and I wasn't hurting. Today was also the first day it snowed. I now know the difference between snow and light rain.
Bronwen says...
Out of eight runs down Savoy, the second was a complete disaster. As a result of a rather spectacular fall on a patch of ice, I am sporting a bruise the size of a small South Pacific nation which is the colour of a rather lovely eggplant. I am continuing to have a pain party in my pants which has been joined by a pain party in my jumper... even my bingo wings hurt. Les Houches tomorrow... may the force be with us.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Day 19 - FR
Cookie says...
The girls (and Pilty) were off for another rendezvous with *French accent* Georges-Alan. I watched for a bit then headed back up to yesterdays field. This time I went right across to the other side and found some more fun and fast runs. One lift was closed while I had queued up due to injury evacs so I went elsewhere. When the girls were done I tried getting back as quick as I could but that was a 90 min commute.
Earlier Sarah and Bron had spied a fondue place for dinner. Entrees were escargots (snails) followed by a meat / oil and a cheese / mushroom fondue. It was soo good but soo filling. I think I had to be rolled back to the apartment. Fortunately it wasn't far (thank you Sarah!)
Julie says...
My calf muscles would like to welcome my thigh and knee muscles to their pain party. I spend so much time pushing down on my skies trying desperately to slow down as I corner that my muscles are questioning my sanity. Georges-Alan assures me that if I go faster, it will be easier...
After introducing myself to the same patch of ice three times, I spent some practice time on the slopes after lunch and I think I am getting the hang of it.
Sarah says...
So we had another lesson with our Guru - Georges-Alan. We are all improving and he is quite patient with us but extremely honest about what we are doing wrong.
Fondue was amazing!
Pilty says...
Skiing... pretty sure I should switch to snowboarding
Fondue... so good, could've eaten it all night
Snowmobiling...non existent :(
Garlic snails...impressively tasty (although probably due to garlic)
Bronwen says...
We hit the big slope today with Georges-Alan. After a very slow start (I couldn't have gone slower if I was dead), I started going about ten metres an hour and managed to not stack it on the last couple of runs down. I am having a pain party in my pants... sitting is difficult as is walking and standing still. Fondue for dinner and a lovely Sancerre helped immensely.
The girls (and Pilty) were off for another rendezvous with *French accent* Georges-Alan. I watched for a bit then headed back up to yesterdays field. This time I went right across to the other side and found some more fun and fast runs. One lift was closed while I had queued up due to injury evacs so I went elsewhere. When the girls were done I tried getting back as quick as I could but that was a 90 min commute.
Earlier Sarah and Bron had spied a fondue place for dinner. Entrees were escargots (snails) followed by a meat / oil and a cheese / mushroom fondue. It was soo good but soo filling. I think I had to be rolled back to the apartment. Fortunately it wasn't far (thank you Sarah!)
Julie says...
My calf muscles would like to welcome my thigh and knee muscles to their pain party. I spend so much time pushing down on my skies trying desperately to slow down as I corner that my muscles are questioning my sanity. Georges-Alan assures me that if I go faster, it will be easier...
After introducing myself to the same patch of ice three times, I spent some practice time on the slopes after lunch and I think I am getting the hang of it.
Sarah says...
So we had another lesson with our Guru - Georges-Alan. We are all improving and he is quite patient with us but extremely honest about what we are doing wrong.
Fondue was amazing!
Pilty says...
Skiing... pretty sure I should switch to snowboarding
Fondue... so good, could've eaten it all night
Snowmobiling...non existent :(
Garlic snails...impressively tasty (although probably due to garlic)
Bronwen says...
We hit the big slope today with Georges-Alan. After a very slow start (I couldn't have gone slower if I was dead), I started going about ten metres an hour and managed to not stack it on the last couple of runs down. I am having a pain party in my pants... sitting is difficult as is walking and standing still. Fondue for dinner and a lovely Sancerre helped immensely.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Day 18 - FR
Cookie says...
CHAMONIX! I've always want to come here (or at least since I've had an interest in the snow) and now I get a chance to hit its slopes. We headed early to meet the instructor but due to an issue at their end, it was another 90mins before one turned up. I watched them settled in and shot through.
The Planpraz gondola is just up the road from our unit and it's where I started. There's a bunch of lifts that hang off that face so I hung out there for a few hours. It was fun and I hit some runs at speed but it was pretty clear that it's been a while since I've boarded and I'm not the same shape (round vs not as round) as I was last time. As for the board, it isn't that great and for the moment I'll describe it as being adequate.
The girls had headed back to base, looking for lunch and had booked more lessons. I met them for food, we changed super market chains and it was a lot better. We headed home, hung out reading, nerding and showering. Bron's making pasta for us tonight and I'm sure the cards shall make another appearance.
Julie says...
"Hello calf muscles, welcome to Charmonix. Here you will find amazing scenery, massive mountains and a beautiful town. However calf muscles, prepare yourselves for a world of hurt... the next 4 days of sking will be interesting...
Sarah says...
So our first sking lesson under the guidance of Georges-Alan went quite well. I can now go over small bumps without looking like a complete spaz! I think the man is a genius!!!
I also completely love this town. It is so beautiful!
Pilty says...
Snow...that's really all I care about. While Cookie got a choice of boarding in 3 countries, my choice was limited to just a couple of green (easy) slopes. I had no problem going down straight, it was just trying to do the turns that I struggled with
Made the best garlic bread for dinner - lots of garlic with a little bit of bread
Bronwen says...
We have a sauntering French ski instructor...he has worked some magic on us on the baby slopes today. We are turning, stopping, going over bumps and generally looking like we are skiing not have muscles spasms on skis. Exhaustion and pain after a day on slopes is taking over...
CHAMONIX! I've always want to come here (or at least since I've had an interest in the snow) and now I get a chance to hit its slopes. We headed early to meet the instructor but due to an issue at their end, it was another 90mins before one turned up. I watched them settled in and shot through.
The Planpraz gondola is just up the road from our unit and it's where I started. There's a bunch of lifts that hang off that face so I hung out there for a few hours. It was fun and I hit some runs at speed but it was pretty clear that it's been a while since I've boarded and I'm not the same shape (round vs not as round) as I was last time. As for the board, it isn't that great and for the moment I'll describe it as being adequate.
The girls had headed back to base, looking for lunch and had booked more lessons. I met them for food, we changed super market chains and it was a lot better. We headed home, hung out reading, nerding and showering. Bron's making pasta for us tonight and I'm sure the cards shall make another appearance.
Julie says...
"Hello calf muscles, welcome to Charmonix. Here you will find amazing scenery, massive mountains and a beautiful town. However calf muscles, prepare yourselves for a world of hurt... the next 4 days of sking will be interesting...
Sarah says...
So our first sking lesson under the guidance of Georges-Alan went quite well. I can now go over small bumps without looking like a complete spaz! I think the man is a genius!!!
I also completely love this town. It is so beautiful!
Pilty says...
Snow...that's really all I care about. While Cookie got a choice of boarding in 3 countries, my choice was limited to just a couple of green (easy) slopes. I had no problem going down straight, it was just trying to do the turns that I struggled with
Made the best garlic bread for dinner - lots of garlic with a little bit of bread
Bronwen says...
We have a sauntering French ski instructor...he has worked some magic on us on the baby slopes today. We are turning, stopping, going over bumps and generally looking like we are skiing not have muscles spasms on skis. Exhaustion and pain after a day on slopes is taking over...
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