Florence

What a great place for shopping!


Florence



Statue of David



Florence Cathedral

We loved staying in the city of Florence where there were markets and shops everywhere - all within walking distance of our hotel.

While Drew slaved away working we did some sightseeing & what else... went shopping!

David was bigger than big as you can see in the picture. Amazing to see the detail. The cathedral was also spectacular.

We will remember Florence for David & the markets.

Pisa

On our way to Florence we stopped at the popular tourist destination Pisa. We of course couldn't resist taking the "fun" photos of the leaning tower of Pisa.

We had lots of fun going up to the top of the tower although mum was a bit nervous. 

Enjoyed the sights of Pisa!

 

 

Cinque Terre



Cannes

Travelling to our next destination was interesting and fun. We stopped in Cannes for a look and had a fun time cruising the city streets observing the hustle & bustle of this busy French town. We kept a close lookout for George and Brad but were obviously out of town for the day. 


 
We also stopped in Monaco for a quick look around before completing our 11 hour drive to Cinque Terre. Big day!

Monaco

The Italian Riviera was spectacular and we were able to enjoy the sights in both day and night & were able to see the lights of the small towns as we drove along the rugged coastline. Cinque Terre is a section of the Liguira region and is made up of 5 small towns each quite different to the others.

View from bedroom - Manarola

 We stayed in the town of Manerola. The next morning we travelled by train to Monterrosso and enjoyed the beach & food/wine until lunch. Drew enjoyed a swim in the beautiful clear water (not too cold) while the rest of us watched in a beach cafe.

Monterrosso

Corniglia

 Drew, Michael & Laura walked the most difficult & challenging walk between towns from Monterrosso to Vernazza, while Simone & I took the ferry (yes, slackers!).  Drew, Michael & I then walked to the next town of Corniglia, while Simone and Laura caught the train. Both walks were fantastic with amazing views.

Beach at Monterrosso

We really enjoyed the day taking in all the differences between the towns. All towns had their own unique identity and charm. With the blue trail almost complete  Drew & I took the romantic "trail of love" after returning to our base at Manarola, to the final town of Riomaggiore, where  we enjoyed the local Italian wine & food. The evening walk watching the sun go down was a perfect end to a great day.


Vernazza from the Blue trail

 



Michael at Monterrosso

 


Having a break at Monterrosso



Canal Boat trip - Agen, France



Simone on deck

  We started the canal trip in Agen France and motored to Boe where we stayed the night. On arrival and with strong winds we finally managed to berth the vessel with a little help from our new found friends. In actual fact their kind assistance was born out of fear of our boat colliding with theirs under trying conditions. After a few attempts we were safely moored. The crew was then fed, watered and put to bed. We all fell asleep exhausted from our first day on the water.

We overslept and arose late the following morning with our goal to reach Moissac. A full day's boating. It was pull up anchor and open up the throttle. Full speed ahead, which in fact was a leisurely 10 knots on the canal. The first loch was a bit nerve wracking. The pro's and con's were considered before pushing the green button which would surely send our vessel to to the bottom of the loch or raise us to the new water level allowing us to continue up stream. After the gates closed and the water started to flow we new we had made the right decision. A collective sigh of relief was had and renewed our confidence in navigating the remaining 9 lochs before reaching our final destination(Moissac.)




Moored at Moissac




Travelling along canal

Travelling along the canal was very scenic and allowed us to take in the rich provincial sights of the region.



Market day at Moissac






Art on the street

 
Moissac was a truly beautiful city.
After a big day on the water we moored perfectly alongside the other boats in a cosy little port.
The wind had disappeared earlier in the day and so we enjoyed a warm, calm night in this quaint little village.

We awoke to the sound of music.
Market day in Moissac as well as a bustling little sidewalk sale right behind us. This set the day for a party atmosphere. We stayed in Moissac all morning eating, drinking and poking around before a mad dash for the draw bridge before 12.30 which sees the bridge closed for their siesta. We waved to the gate keeper with 5 minutes to spare as we headed off back to Agen. Another big day on the water with music blaring and waving to all the locals was a lot of fun.

Moored succesfully in Agen, cooked up a storm, slept soundly, handed the keys back and set off on our next adventure. Cinque Terre.

St Pierre sur Dropt (Lynne & Bryan's)



Lynne & Bryan's Ponderosa

  Lynne & Bryan's house was fantastic. The work they have done is amazing - they have a beautiful home with a stunning garden.

It was great to catch up with the Rowes for a few days and we were able to enjoy some relaxing and enjoyable times.

We went to a ropes course which the kids really enjoyed. Zenya displayed her excellent gymnastics skills up high in the tree tops. It was great to see all the kids having so much fun.


Beautiful Garden




Laura on Ropes Course


We visited a small village market one day which followed with an enjoyable picnic at one of the local chateau winerys.

We then did some shopping in the beautiful town of Bergerac.

Bryan & Drew took on the local tennis pros & came out exhausted but victorious. The Kiwi/Aussie duo proved to be unbeatable on the day but the French guys are keen for a rematch on our next visit. A spot of chainsawing and a round of golf kept the boys busy.

Great food, great friends and a plethora of activities made for a great visit.


Lynne & Jen at market


Thanks guys for a fun and relaxing time. Just what we needed after a few weeks on the tourist trail.

Fina  the dog was a big hit with everyone along with the chooks, chicks, cats, rabbits and goldfish. A real farm stay.
 

Bergerac




Fina



Thanks to Lynne, Bryan & family for their great hospitality. We all had a memorable time staying in St Pierre sur Dropt.

St Pierr

Paris



Room in Paris




Kitchen



Arch de Triomph




Eiffel Tower



In Paris we stayed in a busy area called Abbesses. It had many great shops and restaurants and was the perfect place to be based. We were able to catch trains to all locations from here. Our accommodation was fantastic; a little appartment on the first floor in a quiet court.

Eiffel Tower by day

We went to the Eiffel Tower during the day and also went back to see the lights at night. We also visited the Arch de Triomph, Louvre and Notre Damme Cathedral.

Street where we stayed in Paris


We enjoyed walking the streets of Paris and took many great photos of interesting people and sights!




Michael at top of Eiffel Tower