Summaries are a little difficult at the best of times for its easy to forget items of importance especially over a six week period, so I will work through our trip from the start and try not to bore any readers who happen along.
Firstly our holiday consisted of four good friends, Pieter,Lyn, Peter and Val deciding to take a holiday through a large part of Europe, finishing up with a chill out session a week in Penang, Malaysia. We started with a two week cruise up the Danube from Budapest Hungary, across the Alps to the Rhine and down into Amsterdam Holland. We began our trip at Melbourne Tullarmarine Airport on 22nd April 2012.
Singapore Airlines. Except for a mechanical delay at Singapore Airport causing us to miss our connecting flight from Frankfurt to Budapest, thus a re- routing at Frankfurt through Dusselldorf and a five hour wait there for a flight to Budapest, we were quite happy with their service. Meals were excellent, Staff were courteous and helpful at all times, and the Airbus A 380 Jet a great plane to fly in for the Economy passenger.
Budapest Hungary. We stayed at La Prima fashion hotel, close to the center of Budapest, this hotel was clean and adequate for our needs and the breakfast was good.
Budapest is steeped in history, a clean and interesting city, made up of two ancient cities each on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest were united in 1873. Places of interest Castle Hill, Gellert Hill, Parliament Building, St.Stephens Basilica, Andrassy ut. the Jewish Quarter, the Great Market Hall and much more. We liked Budapest a pity we only had two days there.
Avalon Panorama. Our home for two weeks from Budapest to Amsterdam, this ship is truly a pleasure to be on, our balcony stateroom was well appointed with plenty of room for two people to enjoy the experience of river cruising. At each port of call the company provided guided tours, these were included in the overall price. On the way from Budapest we visited the following cities and places. Bratislava Slovakia, Vienna Austria, Durnstein Austria, The Wachau Valley, (known for its vineyards and wine) Salzburg Austria (Mozart once lived here). Passau Germany, Regensburg Germany, Nuremberg Germany, Main-Danube Canal, Bamberg Germany, Wurzburg, Germany, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber Germany, Miltenberg Germany, Middle Rhine, Rudesheim Germany, Cologne Germany, Amsterdam Holland.
Here we left the Avalon Panorama its wonderful appointments, food and crew. Thoroughly satisfied with the experience.
Amsterdam Holland. Val and I spent two days here not enough to see the city in any great depth. However we were able to experience the older part, its canals and buildings, Red Light District, also the wonderful Keukenhof Gardens truly a great experience. We stayed at Maes B & B in the older part of Amsterdam close to the red light district, quite comfortable but as the building is some centuries old and three stories high the stairs are steep, however we had plenty of room with our own sitting room and the shower was enormous and modern. Breakfast was provided and quite adequate.
England- Manchester. We left Pieter and Lyn in Amsterdam by Easyjet (a bit of a risk after some of the TV programs I've seen regarding them) and headed for England and Vals cousin Pauline and her husband Steve, what a great time they provided for us with many walks and drives around the immediate district which included visiting places of interest such as Lyme Hall. We also caught up with our Radiance of the Seas friends (New Zealand Cruise) Stuart and Judith, Judith kindly arranged for us to attend a luncheon where vals cousins could attend, we all had a great time with Jon, Sue, Steve, Pauline Stuart and Judith. Thank you again Judith for arranging this wonderful day.
London is a great city, clean and interesting with much pageantry, history and things to see, here we stayed at The Cleveland London in Cleveland square Bayswater, within relatively easy walking distance of the center of London. A clean and well appointed hotel, it suited our needs. We met up with Jeanette Petty and Jane O'sullivan and their husbands, Vals cousins on her Fathers side, a great reunion for Val.. We also saw a number of Londons Icons and I have adequately described our experiences previously.
Eurostar. Truly a great experience, the fastest train we have had the pleasure of traveling on and I was particularly impressed with the countryside between the channel and Paris. It is almost total Market Gardens or intensive farming the whole distance.
Paris. After London, Paris was disappointing to both of us, an interesting city with much in history going for it, we liked the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, (although could not get into either) we liked the other historic places that we saw, but we did not like our Hotel, Hotel Terminus Lyon, for we found the room to be poky with a view over the air conditioning plant and the breakfast left much to be desired. The Metro was good and relatively easy to find your way around if you took your time and studied the signs. It was disappointing to see large numbers of beggars on the streets and buskers on the trains.
Singapore Airport the cleanest and almost certainly the best airport we have passed through in our travels. Heaps of modern shops and eateries. A driverless tram to take you between terminals.
Penang was interesting to say the least. I had a lot of difficulty on the first three days adjusting to the heat and humidity and as I do not like swimming in chlorinated public pools I did not consider the Hotel pool even though it looked magnificent and inviting. Pieter advised me not to swim in the ocean as it did not look clean and had heavy under tows, so for me that was out as well. Val liked the heat and pool and thoroughly enjoyed relaxing by the pool under the coconut palms. We both enjoyed the local food finding it interesting, fresh, cheap and plentiful the beer was excellent and cheap as well. Our room at Bayview Beach Resort was probably the best we stayed in for the whole trip (except for Avalon Panorama stateroom).The breakfast was adequate but I was not impressed with the make believe beef and chicken bacons, or the curry dishes available so I did not eat them. All in all a pleasant stay, would we go back? we have chosen to think about it for a while, overall though quite good.
Our final opinion, a very enjoyable holiday well worth going and the money spent. It was particularly nice to be holidaying with friends who we could rely on if there were any problems, not that there were any. Thank you to those people who made this holiday a pleasant and enjoyable experience for us both. We finished our trip at Tullamarine Airport Melbourne on the 1st June 2012.
Crackers and the Hen.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Home again back to reality
Just a short post to finish off the blog .
We arrived home mid morning,the weather was cold and bleak but never the less we were pleased to be back. The house still stood and nothing had changed. It had a nice fresh air about it as we had placed fragrant diffusers around and they had done the job well.
A trip to the kennel to pick up Molly the dog was next ,and very pleased she was to see us after so long. She has settled back in as if she hasn't been away
The grass needed cutting and the weeds were doing well also a bird had made a home in the pergola but a few days and all will be back to normal. The washing and ironing was the biggest job with two loads going out on the line early the next day and brought in dry later in the afternoon all ironed and returned to the wardrobe. Its as if we haven't been away.
We have been looking at our Photos on the computer over 5000 in total and the memories are starting to flood back. Each place we visited was amazing in it's own way. The history and events that shaped this part of the world is some thing that we both have been wanting to experience for a long time. it's hard to comprehend that some of the buildings we looked at were started 800 years ago and finished before Captain Cook set foot in Australia .
But for now it's back to reality and the planning for the next adventure begins.
We arrived home mid morning,the weather was cold and bleak but never the less we were pleased to be back. The house still stood and nothing had changed. It had a nice fresh air about it as we had placed fragrant diffusers around and they had done the job well.
A trip to the kennel to pick up Molly the dog was next ,and very pleased she was to see us after so long. She has settled back in as if she hasn't been away
The grass needed cutting and the weeds were doing well also a bird had made a home in the pergola but a few days and all will be back to normal. The washing and ironing was the biggest job with two loads going out on the line early the next day and brought in dry later in the afternoon all ironed and returned to the wardrobe. Its as if we haven't been away.
We have been looking at our Photos on the computer over 5000 in total and the memories are starting to flood back. Each place we visited was amazing in it's own way. The history and events that shaped this part of the world is some thing that we both have been wanting to experience for a long time. it's hard to comprehend that some of the buildings we looked at were started 800 years ago and finished before Captain Cook set foot in Australia .
But for now it's back to reality and the planning for the next adventure begins.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
R&R in Penang, Posting in Singapore
Singapore Airport 31st May
The whole idea of a week in Penang was to have some rest and relaxation before returning to reality and it certainly was that . Crackers took a couple of days to adjust to the time difference while everyone else coped reasonably well. The pool was great as always but a little busier than at previous visits due to Malaysian school holidays , this didn't impact that much, and we all enjoyed a restful week .
We had one trip to a large shopping centre but other than that spent most of the time relaxing around the pool or lunching at the beach cafe next door where the beer was extra cold and the food was inexpensive . The view across the inlet from the verandah of this ramshackle establishment makes a beer somehow taste better and small fishing boats at anchor in the lee of Lovers Rock is a very pleasant backdrop.
Most days you can eat and drink for about $ 35.00 out of pocket as breakfast is included in the room tariff this makes for a very affordable place to holiday .
I am writing this while we wait for our Last flight of the escapade. Sitting in Changi airport Singapore with some six hours to kill . There is a free tour that you can do from here into Singapore but unfortunately we missed the last one by thirty seconds and it appears that there are several other rules that we were not aware of that prevented us from going on it.
It is probably a little early to sum up the whole trip with the early parts Budapest and the cruise a bit of a blur and we will need to go over the photos (more than 3000) to bring back the memories of all we have done . We have been blessed with excellent weather. We have had really only one day (Paris ) that we were limited in what we set out to do .
Most of the plane flights 9 in the case of Crackers and the Hen have gone off with out a hitch. There were some delays and train hiccups but we survived them mostly intact.
We squabbled occasionally disagreed as well but all in in all as a group we stuck together helping each other finding which direction ,what level ,what destination , was required. In Paris for example just to get out of the underground requires 4 sets of eyes to find the correct exit .
We have had some great experiences we have laughed a lot discovered a taste for different foods and" beverages" (read beer) We have met some interesting and some not so interesting people. I will probably post a final episode of the escapade a little later when we have had some time to digest it all. But in the meantime I feel a snooze coming on.
The whole idea of a week in Penang was to have some rest and relaxation before returning to reality and it certainly was that . Crackers took a couple of days to adjust to the time difference while everyone else coped reasonably well. The pool was great as always but a little busier than at previous visits due to Malaysian school holidays , this didn't impact that much, and we all enjoyed a restful week .
We had one trip to a large shopping centre but other than that spent most of the time relaxing around the pool or lunching at the beach cafe next door where the beer was extra cold and the food was inexpensive . The view across the inlet from the verandah of this ramshackle establishment makes a beer somehow taste better and small fishing boats at anchor in the lee of Lovers Rock is a very pleasant backdrop.
Most days you can eat and drink for about $ 35.00 out of pocket as breakfast is included in the room tariff this makes for a very affordable place to holiday .
I am writing this while we wait for our Last flight of the escapade. Sitting in Changi airport Singapore with some six hours to kill . There is a free tour that you can do from here into Singapore but unfortunately we missed the last one by thirty seconds and it appears that there are several other rules that we were not aware of that prevented us from going on it.
It is probably a little early to sum up the whole trip with the early parts Budapest and the cruise a bit of a blur and we will need to go over the photos (more than 3000) to bring back the memories of all we have done . We have been blessed with excellent weather. We have had really only one day (Paris ) that we were limited in what we set out to do .
Most of the plane flights 9 in the case of Crackers and the Hen have gone off with out a hitch. There were some delays and train hiccups but we survived them mostly intact.
We squabbled occasionally disagreed as well but all in in all as a group we stuck together helping each other finding which direction ,what level ,what destination , was required. In Paris for example just to get out of the underground requires 4 sets of eyes to find the correct exit .
We have had some great experiences we have laughed a lot discovered a taste for different foods and" beverages" (read beer) We have met some interesting and some not so interesting people. I will probably post a final episode of the escapade a little later when we have had some time to digest it all. But in the meantime I feel a snooze coming on.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Bayview Beach Resort Penang
Bayview Beach Resort Penang 28th May
Wonders will never cease, Crackers and the Hen have risen and are down at breakfast before Pierre "The Large One" and Lynette. We are gradually overcoming jet lag.
Breakfast proves interesting to say the least. The Hotel has suddenly had an influx of patrons, we learn that school holidays have started this week end, many families from areas and countries close by and afar, have now taken residence. An Indian couple are holding wedding nuptials at the hotel and many of their guests are taking the opportunity to stay over another large group of people are also meeting here we think they are from a university campus.
Although the breakfast hall is extremely large and probably holds as many as 200 guests, we find it difficult to get a table for 4 we therefore settle for a table for 2 thinking that if Pieter and Lyn turn up we can add a couple of chairs.
We place our occupied sign on the table and head off to the buffet, which on the whole is quite good, not as good as the Avalon Panorama though. It has fruit juices,tea,coffee a large selection of fresh and dried fruits, yogurts and cereals, jams and peanut butter, pancakes and a choice of breads.
The hot food includes cooked on the spot eggs of most descriptions, several types of skinless sausages, stews, curry puffs, rice, baked beans, cheese and prepared meats,also some items I find difficult to describe. All in all a good selection to choose from but because of the local Muslim religion no ham or bacon as we know it, but you can have chicken bacon!!! If you so choose. I have resisted the temptation so far as it looks a little insipid, but will try before We leave.
After making a selection we return through the multitudes of adults and scrambling children to our table to find that in spite of the reserved sign on the table our chairs have been pinched. I find the people here can be quite rude at times.
Pieter and Lyn turn up after a while and we are able to move to a table for 4 and enjoy the rest of our breakfast.
After breakfast we all decide to catch a bus into Georgetown and stroll through a large shopping center similar to Westfield back home, I take the opportunity to get an appraisal on a gold ring I have picked up on our travels for a very good price 6 pounds sterling. At first the girl at the store tells me it's 18 carat gold and that at today's prices they will give me 1100 ringgits ($350 ) for it subject to testing. The four of us are amazed, what luck, but alas after testing it turns out to be 9 carrot and they don't wish to buy, from their attitude I think that 9 carat may even be a bit dubious. The rest of our visit to this shopping center is taken up with browsing the shops, lunch and searching for a leather belt for Pieter and a slip on dress for Val. Val achieved her goal Pieter is still thinking about the possibilities.
The Monaco F1 Grand prix is on tonight so we decide to go to an eating area called Long Beach, which is showing the race on TV, a large number of food stalls sell freshly cooked local foods here, the norm is to get a table then search the stalls for your choice, order and they deliver to your table, you then pay when it is delivered. The choice is wide and varies, some I don't think I would care to try, Val and I had Gharlic Prawns and a Spring roll each, in both cases truly the best we have had before. The Spring Rolls cost 6 ringgits each, about $1.80 Australian. The Gharlic Prawns 28 ringgits a large sizzling plate (10-12 prawns with vegetables and sauces) approx $9.00 Australian, and truly delightful. We drink the local Tiger beer, large 750 ml bottles 17 ringgits or $5.00 Australian each.
During the evening we sat with a couple from England Gerry and Irene who are staying at our hotel, at one stage it rained heavily and being under a metal roof we could not hear one and other speak.
The night ended happily, we being suitably fed, good company and Webber winning the Monaco Grand Prix.
I noted that the university crowd were to have an outside gathering before we left for the restaurant, many dining tables set up on a small soccer pitch, with high quality table cloths and table ware, together with cloth covered chairs. Around the pitch there must have been 50 to 60 Large stainless steel food Warmers etc, also salad bars and more. Alas the thunderous storms we had early while at the restaurant must have put paid to this party as when we returned at 10pm there was not an item left on the pitch. The staff here are very good maybe they were moved to a dry location, I hope so as the downpour would have quenched Mt Etna.
Cheers Crackers the Eagle and his hen.
Wonders will never cease, Crackers and the Hen have risen and are down at breakfast before Pierre "The Large One" and Lynette. We are gradually overcoming jet lag.
Breakfast proves interesting to say the least. The Hotel has suddenly had an influx of patrons, we learn that school holidays have started this week end, many families from areas and countries close by and afar, have now taken residence. An Indian couple are holding wedding nuptials at the hotel and many of their guests are taking the opportunity to stay over another large group of people are also meeting here we think they are from a university campus.
Although the breakfast hall is extremely large and probably holds as many as 200 guests, we find it difficult to get a table for 4 we therefore settle for a table for 2 thinking that if Pieter and Lyn turn up we can add a couple of chairs.
We place our occupied sign on the table and head off to the buffet, which on the whole is quite good, not as good as the Avalon Panorama though. It has fruit juices,tea,coffee a large selection of fresh and dried fruits, yogurts and cereals, jams and peanut butter, pancakes and a choice of breads.
The hot food includes cooked on the spot eggs of most descriptions, several types of skinless sausages, stews, curry puffs, rice, baked beans, cheese and prepared meats,also some items I find difficult to describe. All in all a good selection to choose from but because of the local Muslim religion no ham or bacon as we know it, but you can have chicken bacon!!! If you so choose. I have resisted the temptation so far as it looks a little insipid, but will try before We leave.
After making a selection we return through the multitudes of adults and scrambling children to our table to find that in spite of the reserved sign on the table our chairs have been pinched. I find the people here can be quite rude at times.
Pieter and Lyn turn up after a while and we are able to move to a table for 4 and enjoy the rest of our breakfast.
After breakfast we all decide to catch a bus into Georgetown and stroll through a large shopping center similar to Westfield back home, I take the opportunity to get an appraisal on a gold ring I have picked up on our travels for a very good price 6 pounds sterling. At first the girl at the store tells me it's 18 carat gold and that at today's prices they will give me 1100 ringgits ($350 ) for it subject to testing. The four of us are amazed, what luck, but alas after testing it turns out to be 9 carrot and they don't wish to buy, from their attitude I think that 9 carat may even be a bit dubious. The rest of our visit to this shopping center is taken up with browsing the shops, lunch and searching for a leather belt for Pieter and a slip on dress for Val. Val achieved her goal Pieter is still thinking about the possibilities.
The Monaco F1 Grand prix is on tonight so we decide to go to an eating area called Long Beach, which is showing the race on TV, a large number of food stalls sell freshly cooked local foods here, the norm is to get a table then search the stalls for your choice, order and they deliver to your table, you then pay when it is delivered. The choice is wide and varies, some I don't think I would care to try, Val and I had Gharlic Prawns and a Spring roll each, in both cases truly the best we have had before. The Spring Rolls cost 6 ringgits each, about $1.80 Australian. The Gharlic Prawns 28 ringgits a large sizzling plate (10-12 prawns with vegetables and sauces) approx $9.00 Australian, and truly delightful. We drink the local Tiger beer, large 750 ml bottles 17 ringgits or $5.00 Australian each.
During the evening we sat with a couple from England Gerry and Irene who are staying at our hotel, at one stage it rained heavily and being under a metal roof we could not hear one and other speak.
The night ended happily, we being suitably fed, good company and Webber winning the Monaco Grand Prix.
I noted that the university crowd were to have an outside gathering before we left for the restaurant, many dining tables set up on a small soccer pitch, with high quality table cloths and table ware, together with cloth covered chairs. Around the pitch there must have been 50 to 60 Large stainless steel food Warmers etc, also salad bars and more. Alas the thunderous storms we had early while at the restaurant must have put paid to this party as when we returned at 10pm there was not an item left on the pitch. The staff here are very good maybe they were moved to a dry location, I hope so as the downpour would have quenched Mt Etna.
Cheers Crackers the Eagle and his hen.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
A day by the pool
Penang 24 th May
We had arranged to meet each other between 8 and 9 for Breakfast in the La Verandah restaurant Pierre and Lynette had finish eating and were starting to get worried when Crackers and the Hen hadn't appeared by 9 o'clock. A quick phone call discovered them still asleep having slept more than 12 hrs.
The rest of the day was spent chilling out on the lawns surrounding the pool with the poolside snack bar being used for lunch
For dinner tonight we caught the bus to "Long Beach" the local Hawkers market where we introduced Crackers and the Hen to some of the local delicacies Crackers reckons that the spring rolls were the best he had ever eaten .
After dinner we wandered back via the night market a few small purchases were made "T" Shirts and the like before another good nights sleep.
We had arranged to meet each other between 8 and 9 for Breakfast in the La Verandah restaurant Pierre and Lynette had finish eating and were starting to get worried when Crackers and the Hen hadn't appeared by 9 o'clock. A quick phone call discovered them still asleep having slept more than 12 hrs.
The rest of the day was spent chilling out on the lawns surrounding the pool with the poolside snack bar being used for lunch
For dinner tonight we caught the bus to "Long Beach" the local Hawkers market where we introduced Crackers and the Hen to some of the local delicacies Crackers reckons that the spring rolls were the best he had ever eaten .
After dinner we wandered back via the night market a few small purchases were made "T" Shirts and the like before another good nights sleep.
Paris to Penang
Leaving Paris traveling to Singapore 23rd May
An early morning start today as we were being picked up by a prearranged shuttle to the airport at 8 AM. The trip to Charles de Gaulle airport was uneventful although the driver was one of the rudest people we have met on our travels and deliberately dropped us off at the wrong gate .
But we found the correct gate eventually and proceeded to the departure gate. Here we encountered the French immigration officials that seemed intent on slowing the whole place to a snails pace and succeeding very well .
We got away on time and the flight some 12 hours 40 mins long was no problem. We managed to snatch some sleep, take in some movies and we arrived at Singapore on time.
We had a 4 hour wait for the connection to Penang with Air Asia. The flight was 20 min late leaving but got to Penang only 10 min late . The prearranged transfer driver was there holding a sign with our name on it and 1 hour later we were at our hotel .
Pierre and Lynette went for a refreshing swim straightaway while Crackers crashed in the room. The Hen was busy familiarizing herself with the surroundings.
We went for dinner later that night at a local restaurant just a short walk from the hotel here we enjoyed the local food followed by some delicious deserts.
A long day over!!!
An early morning start today as we were being picked up by a prearranged shuttle to the airport at 8 AM. The trip to Charles de Gaulle airport was uneventful although the driver was one of the rudest people we have met on our travels and deliberately dropped us off at the wrong gate .
But we found the correct gate eventually and proceeded to the departure gate. Here we encountered the French immigration officials that seemed intent on slowing the whole place to a snails pace and succeeding very well .
We got away on time and the flight some 12 hours 40 mins long was no problem. We managed to snatch some sleep, take in some movies and we arrived at Singapore on time.
We had a 4 hour wait for the connection to Penang with Air Asia. The flight was 20 min late leaving but got to Penang only 10 min late . The prearranged transfer driver was there holding a sign with our name on it and 1 hour later we were at our hotel .
Pierre and Lynette went for a refreshing swim straightaway while Crackers crashed in the room. The Hen was busy familiarizing herself with the surroundings.
We went for dinner later that night at a local restaurant just a short walk from the hotel here we enjoyed the local food followed by some delicious deserts.
A long day over!!!
Au Revoir Paris
Paris 22nd May
The forecast for today was rain but on looking out the window none was about The Hen had a slight tummy problem and decided to err on the side of caution and not to venture too far from the hotel for a while so Pierre and Lynette went out for a walk not any where in particular just wandering along the river to see what they could discover.
We walked in the direction of the two islands in the river Seine , the buildings and small streets are a delight to see. Small cul de sacs that are lined with trees just bursting into leaf, window boxes with brightly colored flowers standing proudly for an apartment dweller as she tended them.
We crossed a bridge on to the first of the islands and walked along a narrow street containing small art galleries and funky little shops. There was a cheese shop and a butcher displaying fresh pheasant and legs of ham that made us hungry just looking at them .
Some biscuits were purchased for later on in the day. There was a tour group that scurried past following the tour leader carrying a number on a stick but in their haste they missed the incredible atmosphere that pervades these narrow streets
We walked on towards Notre Dame but as we neared we saw the crowds waiting to access the cathedral so we avoided them by walking down some side streets, this we found far more enjoyable . We made our way off the island and found a very busy shopping area where we had a coffee and ate our biscuits also availed ourselves of the loo .
The toilets in Paris mostly cost 50 cents to use, they are in varying condition ranging from very good to bloody awful .
Unfortunately Pierres back started playing up and he was forced onto the bed for the remainder of the day while Lynette repacked the cases for our departure tomorrow .
Meanwhile back at the hotel Crackers and the Hen felt it was safe to venture a little further afield and also took a walk browsing the shops and they found a Bakery that was cooking pasties and pies some of these made there way to dinner and very nice they were along with a beer. Dinner was eaten in the dining room of the hotel. It is normally used only for breakfast but we had taken it over for afternoon nibbles and beer as the rooms are so tiny that there is simply no where to sit.
Pierre had a good rest and his back was good enough to take a bus trip to see the Eiffel tower at night. We arrived a little after nine at the place de Trocadero to view the light show. There were already quite a few people awaiting this amazing experience. We took up a position on the fence railing and didn't move for fear of losing the prime spot .
At about 9.45 pm as it slowly got darker the tower lit up from within , you could see the steel lattice work clearly with the lifts from the second level to the top gliding up and down.
Then at ten on the dot the light show started there were lights flashing all over the tower in gay abandon for ten minutes , photos can't do it justice . We passed more than forty coaches waiting for their passengers to view the show on the way back to the bus stop.
We returned to the hotel satisfied with our visit to Paris .
Tomorrow Penang via Singapore
More later
The forecast for today was rain but on looking out the window none was about The Hen had a slight tummy problem and decided to err on the side of caution and not to venture too far from the hotel for a while so Pierre and Lynette went out for a walk not any where in particular just wandering along the river to see what they could discover.
We walked in the direction of the two islands in the river Seine , the buildings and small streets are a delight to see. Small cul de sacs that are lined with trees just bursting into leaf, window boxes with brightly colored flowers standing proudly for an apartment dweller as she tended them.
We crossed a bridge on to the first of the islands and walked along a narrow street containing small art galleries and funky little shops. There was a cheese shop and a butcher displaying fresh pheasant and legs of ham that made us hungry just looking at them .
Some biscuits were purchased for later on in the day. There was a tour group that scurried past following the tour leader carrying a number on a stick but in their haste they missed the incredible atmosphere that pervades these narrow streets
We walked on towards Notre Dame but as we neared we saw the crowds waiting to access the cathedral so we avoided them by walking down some side streets, this we found far more enjoyable . We made our way off the island and found a very busy shopping area where we had a coffee and ate our biscuits also availed ourselves of the loo .
The toilets in Paris mostly cost 50 cents to use, they are in varying condition ranging from very good to bloody awful .
Unfortunately Pierres back started playing up and he was forced onto the bed for the remainder of the day while Lynette repacked the cases for our departure tomorrow .
Meanwhile back at the hotel Crackers and the Hen felt it was safe to venture a little further afield and also took a walk browsing the shops and they found a Bakery that was cooking pasties and pies some of these made there way to dinner and very nice they were along with a beer. Dinner was eaten in the dining room of the hotel. It is normally used only for breakfast but we had taken it over for afternoon nibbles and beer as the rooms are so tiny that there is simply no where to sit.
Pierre had a good rest and his back was good enough to take a bus trip to see the Eiffel tower at night. We arrived a little after nine at the place de Trocadero to view the light show. There were already quite a few people awaiting this amazing experience. We took up a position on the fence railing and didn't move for fear of losing the prime spot .
At about 9.45 pm as it slowly got darker the tower lit up from within , you could see the steel lattice work clearly with the lifts from the second level to the top gliding up and down.
Then at ten on the dot the light show started there were lights flashing all over the tower in gay abandon for ten minutes , photos can't do it justice . We passed more than forty coaches waiting for their passengers to view the show on the way back to the bus stop.
We returned to the hotel satisfied with our visit to Paris .
Tomorrow Penang via Singapore
More later
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