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.

Prague Pics

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.

Prague Pics

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.

London Pics

The first week of our trip

After an uncomfortable,sleepless night we arrived at Heathrow via Zurich. We caught the Metro in to Victoria Station where we stored our backpacks. After a snack of a croissant and coffee/chocolate we got on the sight-seeing bus at half eleven for our tour around London. The sun was shining though the wind was rather chilly. We had a great trip around taking plenty of pics. London was absolutely packed with all the tourists obviously there for the wedding. The bus tour took much longer than expected as there was so much traffic and all the people everywhere. We got off the bus at Westminister at half two for our cruise along the Thames. The cruise was great and Diane was thrilled with all the pics she was able to take. The cruise ended half an hour later at The Tower where after taking more pics we got back on the bus going past Westminister Cathedral and Buckingham Palace before arriving back at Victoria station.We collected our backpacks and caught the metro to Lancing arriving about half five. I remembered most of the way to Auntie Joan and we walked up to her house. Luckily it was a pleasant evening and not a bad walk apart from the last steep section at her house. Auntie Joan was thrilled to see us and quickly put the kettle on. We had sandwiches and our drink before setting up her sleeper couch. After a good catch-up chat Diane and I bathed and went to bed. Thursday morning after breakfast Diane and I went for a walk on the Downs behind Auntie Joan’s house. The sun was shining though the wind was quite strong. We spotted a little fox in the cemetery and some rabbits on the downs. A lot of people were out walking their dogs. Our walk took us about an hour or so going up right to the very top before coming back down. After having lunch(dinner) we took the bus into Worthing where we walked along the sea front. We stopped to get some souvenirs and have a delicious ice-cream cone before making our way to Stephen’s place where we met his wife and little Charlie. After visiting and having a coffee/tea we left to catch the bus back to Lancing arriving back around eight. We sat chatting till around eleven before going to bed. Friday morning we watched the wedding on TV which we really enjoyed. Kate made such a beautiful bride and all the pomp and ceremony as well as the amount of people watching was impressive. Once that was over Diane and I walked into Lancing to book our tickets to go into Victoria station the next morning. When we had our tickets we bought ourselves ready-made sandwiches at the supermarket which we sat outside eating. It was such a lovely afternoon we decided to walk down to the Lancing sea front which was not far at all. When we arrived we got coffees before walking along the front taking pics. A short way up the locals were having a wedding celebration with an orchestra playing. We stayed a while listening and enjoying the sun before making our way back to Auntie Joan where we had a very pleasant evening together. Saturday morning after breakfast we packed up and made our way down the the station to get the train to London. We arrived about half eleven and after storing our backpacks walked around London going in to Hamleys before stopping at Trafalgar Square to eat the sandwiches Auntie Joan had made us. We bought some more souvenirs and spent some time on a bench alongside the Thames. By this time we were starting to get tired so we made our way back to Victoria station we we had coffee/tea and a panini roll at Costas. After that we wandered through the shops at the station buying some t-shirts for ourselves as well as Ali and the boys. We decided we couldn’t leave London without having a Drink somewhere so we went across the road to a little Italian place where we had a delicious glass of wine each. By then it was after eight so we collected our bags and caught the train to Gatwick where we washed up before finding ourselves a quiet spot to sit. Diane dozed a bit and I tried to nap but wasn’t really tired so we sat talking and looking at the paper, At four in the morning we made our way in to the depature lounge ready for our flight to Prague.We had our tea/coffee and I had a yoghurt before going around the shops. The flight left around eight and we landed at half ten getting picked up by Ros and Jed. We had bacon rolls and coffee/tea before having a shower and then spending the day chilling and chatting together.During the afternoon we sat outside enjoying the sun. In the evening we walked down to the local creperie for supper. I had a goats cheese and walnut salad which I really enjoyed while Diane had a vegetable pancake. Once back it wasn’t long before Diane and I were in bed. By then we were really exhausted. Once in bed I was out for the count until the next morning.