Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Paris Playtime
We were up to have an early breakfast before leaving for Paris. We got on the train to Frankfurt just before 8 and had a quiet trip reading in between watching the scenery. In Frankfurt we only had ten minutes to run over to catch the train for Paris settling in our seats just as the train pulled out. We had lunch on the train from the dining car. I had a meatball with potato salad and Diane had a baked potato. I finished my book during the afternoon – ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon – and thoroughly enjoyed it. We arrived at Paris L’Est just before five and made our way out to the street to look for somewhere to book in. It was not a nice area at all so we went back in to the station where we got tickets on the metro for Gallieni – it was where Hubby and I had stayed before at Mr Bed City. This place was full so we booked into The Campanile( new since we were last there) which was a really super place right next to a mall. After booking in we went into the mall where we ate supper at an Asian restaurant. The food was really tasty! After walking around the mall we went back to the hotel to shower and relax in front of the TV for the evening.
Friday morning we were up for an early breakfast before catching the metro to St.Lazarus for our trip to Le Havre. The train only left just before 11 so we wandered around outside the station and sat for a while in a park close by. We arrived in Le Havre just before 1 and wandered around and down to the dock area before looking for somewhere to eat. It was quite sad to see how many places had closed – sign of the effects of recession. Eventually we found a little restaurant that was quite busy so we went in and placed our order. Diane asked for a vegetarian salad and I had chicken and chips with a fruit juice each. When the food arrived we were not impressed – Diane’s salad was smothered in shrimps and my chips were old and greasy. The waitress took the shrimps off but Diane was not able to eat much as the salad dressing was not very nice at all. My chicken was tasty but the chips were a definite no. After our disgusting meal we wandered around some more before making our way back to the station to have a piece of chocolate cake and tea/coffee. The trip there and back was the best part of our day as we found Le Havre disappointing with no catering for tourists. We were back at our room by about 8, getting a call from Ros to say that Mom was not good at all, which made us very worried. We went to the Asian restaurant again as we knew they made good food and then after an early shower relaxed while watching TV.
Saturday morning we were woken about half six with a call from Ros to say Mom had gone about five in the morning. We were very shocked and just couldn’t believe it. After trying to absorb the news we got ready and went for breakfast. We decided to carry on with our plans for sightseeing to take our minds off the sad news and got on the bus for our tour around all the historical spots taking plenty of pics. Once the tour was over we made our way back to the Seine and walked around enjoying the vibe. We found a little pub about a block up from the river and went in. The woman behind the counter was very friendly and able to speak some English. I ordered the meal of the day which was lemon fish and vegetables while Diane had pasta with vegetables. The food was absolutely delicious. We had a glass of Rose to toast Mom and the happy times she had had in Scotland. We enjoyed the food so much we decided to go for dessert as well and ordered ourselves a brownie with tea/coffee. Well that brownie was the best we had ever eaten and we were really pleased we had found the place especially after the awful meal in Le Havre. After that we went souvenir shopping before walking down to have our cruise down the Seine. The cruise finished at half five and we then walked down to the Eiffel Tower to take pics. We decided we were getting rather footsore now so decided to make our way back to Madeleine to find somewhere to eat and get the metro back to the hotel. What a walk – we couldn’t believe how far we had actually walked. In Madeleine we walked around looking at all the eating places before settling on a sidewalk café. We ordered a walnut salad with toasted cheese rounds and tea/cappuccino. Another good choice as the food was very tasty. It was also great sitting watching everything going on around us – all the traffic and people flowing through the square – and enjoying the vibe of the place. By this time both of us had aching feet from all the walking and were glad to get back to the hotel to shower and put our feet up while watching TV. Sunday morning we were up fairly early to go for breakfast before packing to go back to Dresden. We spent some time wandering around the area before leaving the hotel for Paris L’Est. We caught the train, which was packed, at 1 and got into Frankfurt at about five. The train to Dresden was just as packed and people who hadn’t reserved seats were sitting in the passageway at the end of the carriages. It was just gone ten thirty when we arrived in Dresden and we went up to the hostel to get a room for the night. After having a hot chocolate we showered and went to bed. Monday morning after breakfast we left for the station and after some last minute shopping caught the bus back to Prague.
Our time in Prague has been spent relaxing and clearing all washing ready to go on to Scotland. We leave tonight – Wednesday and arrive in Kirkcaldy tomorrow morning to join Ros for the very sad helping to clear up the flat and have the funeral on Monday the 23rd. We still can’t believe it and every now and again when the news hits again waves of sadness hit us. It is a very difficult time and so sad that we were not able to spend time with her as planned. Everything just happened so quickly and was so unexpected when we originally booked our time in Scotland.
Friday morning we were up for an early breakfast before catching the metro to St.Lazarus for our trip to Le Havre. The train only left just before 11 so we wandered around outside the station and sat for a while in a park close by. We arrived in Le Havre just before 1 and wandered around and down to the dock area before looking for somewhere to eat. It was quite sad to see how many places had closed – sign of the effects of recession. Eventually we found a little restaurant that was quite busy so we went in and placed our order. Diane asked for a vegetarian salad and I had chicken and chips with a fruit juice each. When the food arrived we were not impressed – Diane’s salad was smothered in shrimps and my chips were old and greasy. The waitress took the shrimps off but Diane was not able to eat much as the salad dressing was not very nice at all. My chicken was tasty but the chips were a definite no. After our disgusting meal we wandered around some more before making our way back to the station to have a piece of chocolate cake and tea/coffee. The trip there and back was the best part of our day as we found Le Havre disappointing with no catering for tourists. We were back at our room by about 8, getting a call from Ros to say that Mom was not good at all, which made us very worried. We went to the Asian restaurant again as we knew they made good food and then after an early shower relaxed while watching TV.
Saturday morning we were woken about half six with a call from Ros to say Mom had gone about five in the morning. We were very shocked and just couldn’t believe it. After trying to absorb the news we got ready and went for breakfast. We decided to carry on with our plans for sightseeing to take our minds off the sad news and got on the bus for our tour around all the historical spots taking plenty of pics. Once the tour was over we made our way back to the Seine and walked around enjoying the vibe. We found a little pub about a block up from the river and went in. The woman behind the counter was very friendly and able to speak some English. I ordered the meal of the day which was lemon fish and vegetables while Diane had pasta with vegetables. The food was absolutely delicious. We had a glass of Rose to toast Mom and the happy times she had had in Scotland. We enjoyed the food so much we decided to go for dessert as well and ordered ourselves a brownie with tea/coffee. Well that brownie was the best we had ever eaten and we were really pleased we had found the place especially after the awful meal in Le Havre. After that we went souvenir shopping before walking down to have our cruise down the Seine. The cruise finished at half five and we then walked down to the Eiffel Tower to take pics. We decided we were getting rather footsore now so decided to make our way back to Madeleine to find somewhere to eat and get the metro back to the hotel. What a walk – we couldn’t believe how far we had actually walked. In Madeleine we walked around looking at all the eating places before settling on a sidewalk café. We ordered a walnut salad with toasted cheese rounds and tea/cappuccino. Another good choice as the food was very tasty. It was also great sitting watching everything going on around us – all the traffic and people flowing through the square – and enjoying the vibe of the place. By this time both of us had aching feet from all the walking and were glad to get back to the hotel to shower and put our feet up while watching TV. Sunday morning we were up fairly early to go for breakfast before packing to go back to Dresden. We spent some time wandering around the area before leaving the hotel for Paris L’Est. We caught the train, which was packed, at 1 and got into Frankfurt at about five. The train to Dresden was just as packed and people who hadn’t reserved seats were sitting in the passageway at the end of the carriages. It was just gone ten thirty when we arrived in Dresden and we went up to the hostel to get a room for the night. After having a hot chocolate we showered and went to bed. Monday morning after breakfast we left for the station and after some last minute shopping caught the bus back to Prague.
Our time in Prague has been spent relaxing and clearing all washing ready to go on to Scotland. We leave tonight – Wednesday and arrive in Kirkcaldy tomorrow morning to join Ros for the very sad helping to clear up the flat and have the funeral on Monday the 23rd. We still can’t believe it and every now and again when the news hits again waves of sadness hit us. It is a very difficult time and so sad that we were not able to spend time with her as planned. Everything just happened so quickly and was so unexpected when we originally booked our time in Scotland.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Our Days in Dresden
We were up early to leave for Dresden with Jed dropping us off at Chodov to go through to the bus station at Florenc. The bus ride took only two hours passing through scenic views along the Elbe between the highways. Once in Dresden, with the help of a very friendly local, we booked in to the A & O Hostel a couple of blocks from the Dresden Station. After putting our bags in the room we went back down to the station to book our Paris trip. With that out the way our time in Dresden started in earnest with us going through the bustling and picturesque shopping centre on the way to the Old Town along the Elbe. We took plenty of pics along the way stopping at a spring market that was in full swing. Just off the main road along the Elbe we found a little section of shops and restaurants where we stopped at Las Tacos for a meal. Diane had fries and garlic bread while I had turkey with garlic cream and our usual coffee/tea. The food was really good and we enjoyed sitting among the bustle around us. We bought some souvenirs and a bag along the way back to the hotel going through more of the Old Town. When we had checked in we had been given complimentary vouchers for a glass of sparkling wine at their Sky Bar and we decided to use them. The view across Dresden was lovely and we enjoyed our time up there so much we ended up having a couple of Pina Coladas each with crisps. It was still light by the time we were finished so we went for a walk before settling down for the night. Unfortunately we had a light right outside our room so we battled to sleep. Tuesday morning we went down for breakfast at nine before walking down to the Elbe to go on a cruise. The cruise lasted an hour and a half which gave plenty of time to take pics as well as have tea/coffee with the local Dresden cake which we both enjoyed. After the cruise we crossed over the Augustus Bridge to the far side wandering around enjoying the gardens, shops, old buildings and the river. It was a hot day and we were very happy to find a tea garden situated under a canopy of trees alongside the Bridge. We sat enjoying the shade having an ice cream cone. The lure of the shade prompted us to buy a local pilsner to share which was light and very refreshing. By then we were ready to make our way back through the shopping centre where we did some more shopping. All the walking had made us hungry and footsore so we stopped at the station at Marche for an early supper. It was a good choice as we both enjoyed the delicious, tasty fare served up. Diane had a mushroom and asparagus pasta while I had a pork and asparagus pasta with freshly squeezed fruit juice – a banana mixture. Next was back to the room where we freshened up before making our way to the Sky Bar for another delicious Pina Colada. By now our feet were really throbbing so we did nothing more than go to the room where we showered before chilling in front of the TV. We slept better so obviously were getting used to the light outside the room or were really tired.
Wednesday morning we had a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the Grober Garten which was just a few blocks away. After wandering around enjoying the lovely gardens we made our way into Dresden Zoo. It was a very hot day again and we stopped for an ice cream before going through the zoo. Before leaving the zoo we chilled with a pilsner each which cooled us off ready for more walking. Outside the zoo exit was the little railway which goes around the gardens and we got on for a trip through the garden which we really enjoyed. We made our way down to the station afterwards ready for some more pasta and fruit juice as our late lunch. After wandering through some shops and buying some cake and pretzels we returned to our room for an early shower. The evening was spent chilling in front of the TV resting our feet and eating our pretzels which were delicious. Before going to sleep I packed ready to leave Thursday morning for Paris.
Wednesday morning we had a leisurely breakfast before making our way to the Grober Garten which was just a few blocks away. After wandering around enjoying the lovely gardens we made our way into Dresden Zoo. It was a very hot day again and we stopped for an ice cream before going through the zoo. Before leaving the zoo we chilled with a pilsner each which cooled us off ready for more walking. Outside the zoo exit was the little railway which goes around the gardens and we got on for a trip through the garden which we really enjoyed. We made our way down to the station afterwards ready for some more pasta and fruit juice as our late lunch. After wandering through some shops and buying some cake and pretzels we returned to our room for an early shower. The evening was spent chilling in front of the TV resting our feet and eating our pretzels which were delicious. Before going to sleep I packed ready to leave Thursday morning for Paris.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The rest of our week in Prague
After having breakfast and receiving instructions we made our way to Chodov where we bought ourselves a day ticket before getting on the metro for I.P.Pavlova. Once there we caught the 22 tram to Ujedz and crossed over to the funicular railway. The queue for the railway was sooo long we decided to walk up instead. What a climb! At one time the way up on a short cut was so steep we were almost bent double getting up it. I must say though that the views were more than worth it. At the top we found a beautiful garden through an archway that was so full of flowers in bloom that the air was filled with their scent. It was stunning in there. After wandering around the top of Petrin Hill for a while we descended down the other side to Prague Castle where we had lunch in a little restaurant at the side of the bridge. Diane and I had pasta – she had a veggie one while I had a ham and mushroom with hot chocolates. It was really tasty and great sitting in the sun. Afterwards we wandered around the Castle before making our out through the back past the Royal Gardens and down to the Dripstone wall which was absolutely amazing. By now we were more than ready to get back on the tram to the metro for Chodov where Ros and Steph met us. The rest of the day was spent relaxing.
Friday after a chill morning Diane and I walked down to meet Ros and Steph at Sokolovna for lunch. I ordered a turkey sandwich which was Huge and ‘oh so delicious’. Diane and Steph had soup while Ros had a salad. After getting back home we chilled and read until about half three when we went for a brisk walk with Ros through the park grounds down the road from the house. It was great walking through listening to the birds and breathing the crisp, fresh air. All in all we walked for 6.5kms and I really felt great afterwards. When we got back we showered and chilled until it was time to get the taxi to TGI Friday for our evening out for Steph’s birthday. We ordered mixed starters of filled potato skins, shrimps, chicken legs and mozzarella to share which were really tasty. I was rather disorderly and knocked my glass of wine over but it all added to the fun. Diane ordered a veggie pasta for her main course while I went for the ribs. Another good choice! We finished off with the cup cakes Ros had made and decorated for Steph. The table was also adorned with 18s, a Happy 18th banner and balloons. It really was a fabulous evening and when we were through we walked down to the Old Town Square where we separated with Steph, Diane, Shane and Steph’s two friends going off to enjoy themselves. Ros, Jed and I had a Jagermeister at the George and Dragon before getting a taxi back home arriving at half eleven. I read until Diane and all were back at one.
Saturday – Jed’s birthday we had a real chill day. We sat chatting, reading and enjoying the sun. Late afternoon we had a braai after which I went for a walk down to the creperie where I sat enjoying the sun on a bench before returning to the house. The evening was spent in front of the TV.
Sunday we were up fairly early for breakfast and left just before half nine for Chodov where we caught the metro to Muzeum to go to Wenceslas Square. Jed carried on to his stop for his part of the relay for the Prague Volkswagen Marathon. We wandered through the square down to the market where we did some shopping before going into the Old Town Square for coffee and a snack. It was lovely and sunny sitting there. Once we had finished we went into the chocolate factory where Diane got me my Mother’s Day present – can’t wait to eat it. We then walked to the 42km mark to watch for Jed to come in to take some pics of him. He was pretty hot when he finished so we went off to the George and Dragon for a drink before returning home on the metro. The rest of the afternoon has been spent chilling in the sun and having a boerewors braai. Our week here has been absolutely fabulous and we have had a great time here with Ros and Jed. Tomorrow morning we catch the bus to Dresden where we will book for a couple of days in Paris as well.
Friday after a chill morning Diane and I walked down to meet Ros and Steph at Sokolovna for lunch. I ordered a turkey sandwich which was Huge and ‘oh so delicious’. Diane and Steph had soup while Ros had a salad. After getting back home we chilled and read until about half three when we went for a brisk walk with Ros through the park grounds down the road from the house. It was great walking through listening to the birds and breathing the crisp, fresh air. All in all we walked for 6.5kms and I really felt great afterwards. When we got back we showered and chilled until it was time to get the taxi to TGI Friday for our evening out for Steph’s birthday. We ordered mixed starters of filled potato skins, shrimps, chicken legs and mozzarella to share which were really tasty. I was rather disorderly and knocked my glass of wine over but it all added to the fun. Diane ordered a veggie pasta for her main course while I went for the ribs. Another good choice! We finished off with the cup cakes Ros had made and decorated for Steph. The table was also adorned with 18s, a Happy 18th banner and balloons. It really was a fabulous evening and when we were through we walked down to the Old Town Square where we separated with Steph, Diane, Shane and Steph’s two friends going off to enjoy themselves. Ros, Jed and I had a Jagermeister at the George and Dragon before getting a taxi back home arriving at half eleven. I read until Diane and all were back at one.
Saturday – Jed’s birthday we had a real chill day. We sat chatting, reading and enjoying the sun. Late afternoon we had a braai after which I went for a walk down to the creperie where I sat enjoying the sun on a bench before returning to the house. The evening was spent in front of the TV.
Sunday we were up fairly early for breakfast and left just before half nine for Chodov where we caught the metro to Muzeum to go to Wenceslas Square. Jed carried on to his stop for his part of the relay for the Prague Volkswagen Marathon. We wandered through the square down to the market where we did some shopping before going into the Old Town Square for coffee and a snack. It was lovely and sunny sitting there. Once we had finished we went into the chocolate factory where Diane got me my Mother’s Day present – can’t wait to eat it. We then walked to the 42km mark to watch for Jed to come in to take some pics of him. He was pretty hot when he finished so we went off to the George and Dragon for a drink before returning home on the metro. The rest of the afternoon has been spent chilling in the sun and having a boerewors braai. Our week here has been absolutely fabulous and we have had a great time here with Ros and Jed. Tomorrow morning we catch the bus to Dresden where we will book for a couple of days in Paris as well.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Enjoying Prague
Slept really well with Ros waking us at half nine. After breakfast we made our way into the metro where we got on to go to Florenc where the bus terminus is to pay for our tickets to Dresden. We leave Monday morning and come back the following Monday. Once there we will book for our Paris trip. We got back on the metro to meet Steph for lunch at Grosseto – a boat restaurant moored on the River Vltava. It was lovely sitting in the sun watching the boats going up and down the river. Lunch was really tasty with me having a prawn pasta and Ros a prawn salad. Diane had a veggie pasta with Steph having lasagne. We chilled some more over cappuccino before splitting up. Ros went shopping and home. Steph went back to the library to study while Diane and I crossed over the Charles bridge to Mala Strana. The amount of people on the bridge was unbelievable. No sooner had we started to cross when a surge of people from the other side came over. We were forced forward by the people behind and at the same time the people coming the other way tried to push us back. It was a relief to get past and carry on over the bridge. We wandered along through souvenir shops getting more for our collection and reached the St Vitus Cathedral just as they were changing the guard. After taking pics we went into the Cathedral admiring the fantastic stained glass windows. The place is absolutely beautiful. Leaving there we made our way back down the hill to the trams. As we turned the corner the 22 had just stopped and we ran over to get on for our trip back to the metro. When we got off the tram we had to go back up to the metro at I.P.Pavlova and just as we reached the crossing the light for pedestrians changed from green so we quickly ran over. To our horror a policeman was leaning against the wall over and he stopped us and , in not very good English, told us it wasn’t allowed and we could get a fine. He then asked for our passports which we didn’t have as we had left them at Ros. To our relief he then waved us on and we made short work of getting out of there. At the metro we got on until Orpotov where Ros picked us up. After relaxing and having supper we were in bed by 10.
Tuesday morning we were up at 7 to wish Steph a Happy 18th Birthday before she left for her exam. We spent the morning relaxing and checking through all our pics and putting some up on fb as well as the blog. It was a very cold day with a lot of rain. We left around 11 to fetch Steph and go shopping at the Palladium. Before anything we stopped for lunch with Diane and I having fried cheese and french fries which we enjoyed. After eating Diane and I went up to the Old Town Square with the Astronomical clock. We were there for the two o'clock chime followed by a trumpeter with a fanfare. We got some great pics - just a pity it was so cold. It started raining soon after and we stopped at a souvenir shop to get ourselves some Prague beanies. The shop owner was very amusing and had a strong opinion on South Africa. We felt a lot warmer with our beanies on and made our way back to the Palladium where we wandered around the shops until meeting Ros and Steph at half three. When we got back we had short nap before having a great evening together. Ros made a chicken and broccolli pasta bake for Steph which was really tasty. It was 11 before we made our way to bed.
Wednesday morning we were up about 8 and had a relaxing morning getting our washing cleared and some cleaning down. After lunch we went for a walk through the Pruhonica Castle grounds. It was rather chilly when we started but the sun soon came out again and warmed us up. The castle grounds were stunning with the huge trees and the thick,lush growth everywhere. We enjoyed our walk around the place with Diane taking plenty of pics. We walked up to the castle before leaving through the gates at that side stopping to get an ice-cream each before making our way home. By the time we got back we had had a walk of about 5kms which we all thoroughly enjoyed in the bracing air. Ros put the supper on to cook after which we had a quick trip to the supermarket. We are now having a relaxing evening together.
Tuesday morning we were up at 7 to wish Steph a Happy 18th Birthday before she left for her exam. We spent the morning relaxing and checking through all our pics and putting some up on fb as well as the blog. It was a very cold day with a lot of rain. We left around 11 to fetch Steph and go shopping at the Palladium. Before anything we stopped for lunch with Diane and I having fried cheese and french fries which we enjoyed. After eating Diane and I went up to the Old Town Square with the Astronomical clock. We were there for the two o'clock chime followed by a trumpeter with a fanfare. We got some great pics - just a pity it was so cold. It started raining soon after and we stopped at a souvenir shop to get ourselves some Prague beanies. The shop owner was very amusing and had a strong opinion on South Africa. We felt a lot warmer with our beanies on and made our way back to the Palladium where we wandered around the shops until meeting Ros and Steph at half three. When we got back we had short nap before having a great evening together. Ros made a chicken and broccolli pasta bake for Steph which was really tasty. It was 11 before we made our way to bed.
Wednesday morning we were up about 8 and had a relaxing morning getting our washing cleared and some cleaning down. After lunch we went for a walk through the Pruhonica Castle grounds. It was rather chilly when we started but the sun soon came out again and warmed us up. The castle grounds were stunning with the huge trees and the thick,lush growth everywhere. We enjoyed our walk around the place with Diane taking plenty of pics. We walked up to the castle before leaving through the gates at that side stopping to get an ice-cream each before making our way home. By the time we got back we had had a walk of about 5kms which we all thoroughly enjoyed in the bracing air. Ros put the supper on to cook after which we had a quick trip to the supermarket. We are now having a relaxing evening together.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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