Whether the weather is hot, or whether the weather is cold...

All right, folks? I once again feel like I am in a Harry Potter movie! The variety of British accents all around make it seem slightly surreal!

The other night we went shopping at the local supermarket chain called Sainsbury's. An interesting experience as people are screaming at each other in various languages outside the front and you had to pack your own groceries. I have a new found respect for check out chicks the world over!

Not much to report, I am afraid. Yesterday was spent completing my uni assignment and last night was spent inside with a roast dinner! Very English...! Afterwards I watched a bit of tv... Lea and Sam (the people whose house I'm staying in) have SkyTV which has LITERALLY almost 1000 channels! I am in couch potato heaven! (Thankfully I was able to avoid the temptation to procrastinate and worked steadily on my assignment!)

Today the weather is forecast to be "sunny" with a top of 7 degrees. We'll no doubt have to make use of this fine weather to get out and about and see the sights. Today the plan is to see the Natural History Museum and perhaps one or two others. Hopefully I will have some pictures for you soon!

Catchya!

Wedding Bells...

Hi all... Apologies to all and sundry for the lack of recent posts.

I am currently lying on a plush rug on Lea's living room floor, attempting not to explode from having consumed some of the best Indian food on the face of this planet! Thank goodness for the merry little fire going in the fireplace. It's warming the room wonderfully (as my t-shirt cannot cover my food baby) whilst drying some clothes (will there ever be a time where we are NOT doing laundry?) and the Ariel washing powder scent is permeating the room... (I really will have to figure a way to bring some home!)

But how did I get here, well, first I have to tell you about the wedding! It was rainy, and whilst this was unfortunate, it did not at all detract from the wonderful day we all had. The ceremony was held in a beautiful little church in the town of Ravello, on the Amalfi coast. Todd and I have since spent a couple of hours there and have come away with a fortune in ceramics!

The church was dimly lit, as there was not much sunshine, however this gave the whole day a slightly "softer" effect. I don't know how to describe it better than that, but it was almost magical. A string quartet was playing beautifully in the corner of the church as Lea walked down the aisle, Todd at her side (giving her away). The white carpet down the aisle had been strewn with white rose petals and Lea's bouquet was a beautiful arrangement of sunflowers and white roses, which was replicated throughout the church.

Wedding Planner Shannon with Ashleigh whose catch phrase is "ciao!"

The ceremony was punctuated by pieces of music played by the quartet... truly beautiful! Afterwards we all met for a drink and photos at Lea and Sam's hotel and then off we went to the reception.

The reception was held at Mamma Agata's which is a cooking school in Ravello (http://www.mammaagata.com/). On this occassion however, Mamma Agata and her daughter Chiara had been cooking for us and the food was OUT OF THIS WORLD! The portions were generous, the quality amazing and the atmosphere, unbelievable! The table was set on Mamma Agata's terrace with a view overlooking the coast at night. Light came from candles on and around the table as well as a few lamps artfully placed on the walls.

Beautiful hand made pasta... mmm!

Mamma Agata's Lemon Chicken - to DIE for!

Lea (and Todd) looked amazing!

 

Both the cake and the view were spectacular!


The day before we were due to depart the Amalfi coast, Lea and Sam held a farewell brunch on the terrace at the Villa. It was catered by the same people who made the wedding cake and the food was, once again, just beautiful!

The next day, (Saturday) Todd and I said farewell to the group and drove to Naples (un-eventfully, I might add!) and then boarded our flight to London. We were very kindly picked up by Todd's friend Tom and we then had a wonderful dinner at a "gastro" pub with Tom, his fiance Jenny and Yolanda. The next day we also caught up with a couple of Todd's other London based friends at Tom and Jenny's place, (Jenny prepared the most amazing roast lamb as well as a pavlova!) after which, sadly, Yolanda had to say goodbye and leave for Heathrow for her flight back to Australia.

Todd and I have firmly agreed that we have to stop eating so much as we are steadily getting enormous - (of course, the Indian tonight doesn't count!)

Today... well, this afternoon, really... Todd and I went out and bought a wig... yes, a wig! I will insert photos as soon as possible, however it turns out that Barrister's wigs are significantly cheaper when bought over here, so Todd has taken advantage of the opportunity. I, of course could barely stop myself from laughing, however have conceded that it is a great purchase as  it will definately come in handy for the next dress up party I am invited to!!!

After this we stopped at the London Transport Museum which tells the story of the development of the rail, bus and now tram system in London. The museum is quite interactive and was actually really interesting. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so was unable to take a photo of me pretending to drive the iconic double decker that was on display... (I couldn't help sitting in the drivers seat and humming "Hail to the bus-driver" to myself... lame, huh?)

Tomorrow I fear that I have much Uni work to do, so traipsing around London may have to wait... will update and add photos soonest.

2 outta 3 ain't bad....!

Hey Folks... just a quick update, mainly for the "foodies" in the audience! Last night the "boys" went out for dinner to Rossellini's, a 2 Michelen starred restaurant in Ravello (a small town along the Amalfi coast). Below are some pictures from our meal.

Yes... I know what you're thinking... seven courses!!! But they were only small sizes!!! Even so, at the end, we were all full!

Today was spent relaxing and getting some Uni work done. We went for a swim in the sun which was just fantastic! Additionally, Todd and I had sent off some laundry to the town to be done for us. It apparently was going to cost about 6 euros per kilo... exorbitant!!! We weighed our stuff using the nifty luggage weigher (thanks Ju!) and found that it came to about 6 kg. Doing the math, we thought this was acceptable. I mean the only other option was really to go down to the boat wharf and beat the clothes against the rocks, 3rd world style.

The laundry came back (and thank god as I was down to my last clean pair of undies) and it has totalled 65 euros!!! That's around $100AUD!!! We of course had no choice but to pay it! Lesson learned, however... of course the Italians would charge delivery, not for the entire load, but for each bag!!!

The Wedding is tomorrow and we all can't wait. Apparently the food is going to be another highlight. I suspect I will need to be rolled into bed tomorrow night, both from alcohol consumption and from eating like a pig. Will keep you updated!

The rain in Italy, falls mainly on your balcony!

Hi All... last night's dinner wasn't a late one however was a great chance to sit back and relax, getting to know the other wedding guest further. We all shared some anti-pasto platters that we'd made up and sat on the terrace drinking and laughing. Was a great night!

Overnight the rain started and it was "throwing it down" to borrow Michelle McD's expression! It has eased a little this morning, however the ocean is still a little wild... Below are some pictures of the swell where it meets the cliff below our balcony. It's fantastic to watch it ebb and flow, even if the balcony is a little wet! Unfortunately this also meant that Yolanda's (friend of Todd's who is also sharing the apartment) plan for an early morning ocean dip was not to be.

Today the main drama as been how to do some washing. It appears that the only laundry service is down in the town and it's a drama to get there (with the long windy roads) so we've sent it out via the hotel. It is about 6 Euros per kilo... however at this point, I would just like some clean underwear! Besides, the feeling of decadance that permeates this apartment has to rub off in some fashion? Todd however, "lost his shit."

I have also tried to procure an iron, which in Italy seems to be particularly challenging. After being told in a previous hotel that it is illegal to lend out irons in Italy I was a little skeptical. Today I called reception to ask for one and was advised that they thought that there was one in apartment ten. A LONG story short, they had the board, but no iron and so cleaning girls were sent scurrying through the rain to look in various apartments and rooms for an iron. We've now found one and in combination with the board from number 10, we have the technology! This is really at the very heart of what life in Italy is all about!

Today the girls are going to a beauty spa for lunch and treatments. Tonight the guys are heading out to a dinner at the 2 Michelin star restaurant Rossellini's... apparently it is going to be about 7 courses! I will of course eat lightly today - well that's the plan... we'll see how it goes.

This ain't no Italian Job...

Well folks, since I last wrote, I have been to the independent state of San Marino, stayed for a couple of nights and am now on the Amalfi coast. San Marino was absolutely beautiful and is well worth a visit for anyone travelling to Italy. The historical centre sits upon a mountain and is protected by three towers, which are the famous icon of San Marino. There were lots of steps and terraces, meaning a little bit of exercise... the ankle has held up well!

One of the three towers of San Marino

Another potential dating site photo...?

Yesterday we drove from San Marino to the Amalfi Coast. I cannot begin to describe the combination of love and loathing I feel for this place already, and we've only been here 24 hours! (8 of them sleeping!) The loathing comes from the long and windy roads that one must navigate in order to reach this beautiful sea side town. Italian driver are TOTALLY NUTS and even more so when having to navigate small windy roads that are only one lane in either direction. I was beeped and abused by several drivers who thought my pace up the hills and along the coast was far too sedate. Clearly my part in the real Italian Job will never eventuate!

However once we reached the hotel, it was easy to see that this was no ordinary hotel. We walked inside the front gate and was greeted immediately with a small maze of stairs delicately winding their way around the insides of a building that clings oh so beautifully to the side of a cliff directly above the ocean. Below are some photos I took this morning from the balcony off the dining room. The sun had just now come out from behind the distant coastal hill and was sparkling across the water beautifully.

The views off of our balcony are amazing!

Today we went on the "welcome sail" with the other wedding guests. Everyone is just lovely! We had some trouble getting from the boat to the isolated coastal ristorante where we were due to have lunch. (By trouble I mean that I almost capsized the smaller boat that was 'transferring' us to the coast). Todd later assured me this was due to a particularly large swell - he didn't make it clear whether he was referring to ocean swells, however... Afterwards we went for a walk and some gelati in the actual town of Amalfi.

Todd reclining at the rear of the boat (do they call that the stern?)

Todd and Lea (bride to be) enjoying a gelato!

Tonight we went for a swim in the lovely pool. It was a little cold however, so we went down to the ocean which was actually warmer! Todd and another guest, Craig started talking about sharks, and as I looked out over the horizon I must admit I started to panic a little! I stayed for a few more minutes to ensure it wasn't obvious that I was freaking about shark-talk and then got out. (How ironic it would have been if I had been eaten by a shark in those few minutes... certainly worthy of inclusion in an Alanis Morisette song...?)

Tonight we have drinks and a light dinner on the terrace planned. Should be a nice relaxing evening...!

Ciao.. Xx

Diary of an Addict...

Dear Audience... I can't help it. I keep doing it. It's not like it's planned... a craving just comes over me. I don't know what to do. Both nights in Bologna, Todd and I went to dinner at (what we think is) the best Italian restaurant in Bologna... Nonna Della Rosa's. It was food that was such good quality, great atmosphere and reasonably priced... Where else can you find this in Italy... very few places it turns out! At the end of the meal the waiter puts a bottle of Lemoncello (Italian sweet/very strong digestive alcohol) and you can help yourselves! We loved the wine that is specifically made for this restaurant, so we took two bottles with us... only 11 euros each! Not even $20AUD and it is GOOD!

Todd's main - Fetta di Manzo con Sale Grosso e Rosmario... mmmmm.

The meals were just fantastic!

The best Balsamic I've ever tasted!!!

Todd had to be convinced that we needed dessert on our second visit...(!)

I, however, needed no such convincing... (surprise!)

Bologna was lovely, and although it turned out to be a place of relaxation rather than sight seeing, it was great to stop for a while and just enjoy our time going by. The hotel was 70's perfection... we even had a bar in the room (unfortunately not stocked!).

We've now moved on to Rimini, and rather than taking the main highway, we've elected to travel one of the smaller roadways. It is certainly still a main thoroughfare, however allows us to pass through some of the main towns on the way. I suppose you'd call it the 'scenic route' and indeed it is. Todd and I stopped at a pasticceria (pastry shop) which was beautiful! For 3 euros we had coffee, water and a sweeterie! Cheap cheap!

The countryside is simply stunning, and although it's taking a little longer to get between places, (also because we occasionally get lost) it's well worth it. Today we are heading out for a day trip to San Marino (independent micro state) and hope to do some duty free shopping. I'm not sure how this will be accomplished, as our suit cases are already fatter even though we haven't really bought very much. Todd and I have decided that we must just be packing them inefficiently... what do you think? ;)

An Angel, A Train Ride and a Floating City...

Buongiorno! Venice is as welcoming as ever, and whilst the massive hordes of tourists have remained, this city still holds a special place in my heart. Todd and I caught the Vaporetti to our hotel, and it is amazing! The lobby is all wood panelled and beautifully laid out. Unfortunately, as with many Venetian buildings, there are lots of stairs! Thankfully the porter took our bags up... Todd and I were huffing at the top, whilst the porter wasn't even breathing heavily after making two trips with bags! Gah!

The trip here from Vienna was probably the most horrific travel experience I've ever had, however. Todd and I struggled to get help from the various Austrian Rail officials... the only respite was when we were permitted access to the "lounge" for 1st class rail passengers. (Think Qantas Club, but from the 1940s). The woman who validated our EurRail passess was clearly more interested in her biology homework. (She was studying and labelling parts of the human body). When I indicated to Todd that I really would've liked to blast her, Todd's suggestion was to point out on the diagram which body part I thought she was most like... I'll let you figure that one out. Proving that the lounge was a dive, an older man walked in carrying a bronze coloured angel carving about a foot long. This was strange, however I thought that maybe it was a souvenier that he didn't want damaged. It got even stranger when the man proceeded to hold the angel (a cherub) to his nose and sniff deeply! He only removed it in order to take a sip of his drink! I'm not sure what the angel smelt like, but it must've been good!

When we boarded the train, the "family sleeper" we had booked turned out to be a room as big as a toilet, with a bunk and a tiny space to walk in (where we had to place our bags). We had been advised that there was a small "wash area" in the cabin, so I tried for about 30 seconds to open the only other door there was (a sliding sort of door) until I heard someone call out - "No!" I thought that maybe it was a shared toilet, however we soon worked out that I had spent the last minute trying to gain access to the other cabin next door! Most embarassment! The "wash area" turned out to be under-neath a small table in the corner! Gah! Todd had to virtually stand on my shoulders to access the top bunk as there was no discernible place to erect the ladder! After a terrible night's sleep, finally we arrived and I couldn't have been more relieved to get off that train!

We spent some time wandering around the city... Venice is great like that... you can just walk around, get lost and then find yourselves again! We then took another boat to go to the beach island of Lido, where we had a pizza and antipasto lunch by the sea. The weather was spectacular!

We went back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out for dinner. Prior to this however, we decided to have a look around the Rialto bridge, and of course, the revered bookshop, Rivoaltus! We went in and it was like being transported back in time. Remembered smells of the leather and cotton paper came flooding into my senses. The soft glow of the lights against the window, reflected off the many hued feathered pens also for sale, made them them look like jewelled feathers. The same woman who runs the shop was behind the counter and Todd and I spent some time talking with her as we picked out our purchases. Eventually, all the books (I stuck to three for myself!) were wrapped and it was time to leave. The lady behind the counter gave us a discount and some freebies, so we left very happy!

I had wanted to go to an area that I had previously visited when in Venice, however couldn't find my way there - even with a map! I guess it just proves how much I relied on Emma for directions last time I was here! After arriving at two dead ends that ended with water and no bridge, we gave up and decided to try a restaurant recommended by the hotel. The food was fantastic, the wine average, but the ambience was brilliant. I became a little tipsy on the wine and when we walked the sort distance back to the hotel, we pretty much crashed straight away.

This morning we slept in, have had breakfast and will now shortly be leaving to pick up our car and drive to Bologna. I am hoping to engage the services of the porter once more in retrieving our bags as I can't even think about having to bring them down ourselves!

Apologies for lack of photos, I will add more as soon as possible!

Baci, baci!

Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehn...

Well Friends... the time has come... to say goodbye... to Vienna! I've had a really wonderful time here, and whilst I know there is so much more for us to see and explore, it's time to move on to Venice.

We have one more day in this beautiful city... we bought tickets for a cruise down the Danube in Vienna (possibly with a schnitzel lunch!) and then tonight we take an overnight train to Venezia!

Since my last post, I have indeed now tried a true Viennese Schnitzel! I ended up ordering the "medium" size and of course when the plate came out, there were THREE schnitzels on it! I think this is the first time in history that I was UNABLE to finish the schnitzel I'd been served! (Todd had to help me out!) The place where we ate is pictured below... interesting name, hey?

I went and did a bit of shopping and on the way, we found an observation tower. Apparently, they are re-building the train station here and there's a big "sell" campaign. Part of it is offering free lifts to the top! Fantastic view, even if there was a lot of construction going on!

Yesterday we visited the Schonbron Palace.... original home of the Habsburgs. The architecture is unbelievable. We took a tour - one highlight of which was an older tourist with a hat that announced "I LOVE WANG". I'm not really sure what he was trying to say...

Disappointing that we didn't have a whole lot of time to look around, however we had to get to the Belvedere Palace.

Me outside Schoenbrun Palace. The colour is apparently famous throughout Europe as "Schoebrun Yellow".

Pose I would put on a dating profile. In the Belvedere Palace Gardens.

Unfortunately we've also had to say goodbye to the very helpful (not!) front desk assistant that Todd as nicknamed "Slobodan's daughter" due to her surname. Todd has also had to say goodbye to eating his breakfast snack of choice... a rolled up raw fish fillet wrapped around pickled onions... it looks DISGUSTING! I could not take a photo of it for fear of having to look at it for more than a few seconds and hence of course, vomiting.

Apologies for the brevity of this post, however this trip is flying past!!!! Will update again soon with tales from Venice and the magical bookshop!

Entschuldigen Sie bitte!

Greetings Herrs and Fraus (and Fraulines too I suppose!)


Yesterday Todd and I spent some time exploring this beautiful city of Vienna. Having now mostly recovered from the flight, we were keen to get an early start on some tourist-y activities. Of course, early start meant breakfast at 9.30, leaving the hotel at about 11, stopping for 3-4 coffees along the way... you get the idea.





The architecture is simply beautiful here.



We walked around the city admiring the beautiful architecture. There is certainly lots of it. Vienna is famous for several things; it's beautiful buildings, the food and of course the culture! There are lots of museums and concert halls throughout the city and we spent some time in the Museum of Fine Art.



Of course, in usual Danny fashion, it took us about 20 minutes to find the entrance to what we thought was the Museum. This was further punctuated by the fact that when we DID find the entrance, I asked an official looking girl where the Museum of Fine Art was, she said "it's not here". Todd and I later discussed that possession of a walkie-talkie does not make someone "official". When I said we were looking to see some paintings from famous artists, such as Caravaggio, she did tell me that there were some in the the giant building... strange that.



We then sat down in the garden to consult our map. The quality of the map is such that it is literally falling to pieces within days of our arrival in Vienna. As Todd was checking the details a young woman approached us with a rose in her outstretched hands.



This was really lovely, I thought. This kind young woman obviously wanting to promote Vienna as a welcoming city, wandering the gardens of a tourist attraction offering roses to tourists. I gladly took the rose and this is where it turned ugly. You see, faithful followers, one would think I was accustomed to the beggers in Europe, (refer to earlier chapters where I was duped by a 'deaf' man selling French flag pins) but no. This woman had me hook line and sinker! She held up a photo of a clearly unhappy child and proceeded to ask for money. Of course, Todd had already politiely declined the rose, however, clearly, since I had taken it, we were up for some cash here. I was speechless!

 

Todd gave me a "look" and then basically gave her ALL of the coin he had. I had thought she would be pleased with this (as I was really dis-pleased!) however her face was actually quite scowlish! Afterwards Todd told me that it really amounted to about €2($3.50AUD) so clearly this was why she was unhappy!

Anyway.. it turned out that the building that was "not it" was actually "it" and we went inside. The art work is stunning and there was a lot to get through. After a couple of hours, Todd and I made our way back to the hotel room.

We had earlier booked tickets for an orchestral performance, so we had to quickly get ready and made our way over to the Konserthaus. It was a really beautiful performance, punctuated with some humour and operatic performances. We were in the second row and had a fantastic view. Unfortunately, the older gentleman next to Todd obviously thought he should be on stage as he was "conducting" in his seat and humming along to the music. This wouldn't have been so bad, but it really sounded like he was off key...!

All around a fanstastic evening. The one thing we forgot was to have dinner! I still haven't tried a Viennese schnitzel. (For those who know me, I understand the incredulity you are now experiencing due to my almost obsession around the chicken schnitty, however the "Schnitzel Centre" on the corner across from the hotel that sells schnitties for €2 seems a little dodgy to me!) So I think that should be my top priority for my next meal! I'll let you know how it goes!

Auf wiedersehn!