Simply stunning! More than a billion Christmas lights, music and festive decorations light up the city heart of Athen’s, as Mic & I wish everyone back home a very Merry Christmas. And it’s hard not to feel the festive vibe when you’re sitting amongst this wonderland, sipping a hot chocolate in the Little Kook Cafe. Incredibly popular with all the Christmas crowds as oodles of people flock to this location for a photo opportunity, or two, with Santa of course! These photos were taken just after midnight which just goes to show that the social scene in Greece is both alive and well and that celebrating Christmas is definitely in their DNA. It may be just a little over the top…but what the heck, it’s Christmas!!!

Another favourite spot to hang out this Christmas is the fabulous Syntagma Square. You’ll find a huge Christmas tree set up in the middle of the space, adorned with some lovely fairy lights. The elves have made this square family friendly too, adding other novelties like teddies and oversized Christmas presents to the theme. Live performers also flaunt their talent here, so if you’re interested in supporting the local music scene you can easily join in; maybe even giving up some loose change in exchange for some entertainment. Mic couldn’t believe his ears when they started to play “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. I was a little disappointed, however, as I was hoping for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 🤣.

As you walk around the streets of Athens, you can’t help but notice all the Christmas cheer, you’ll be spolit for choice as you come across Christmas markets, bazaars and street vendors selling gorgeous handmade creations. It’s very Christmasy, totally unexpected and highly contagious.

Now, if you look towards the night sky I promise you’ll see a shining star. Well, it may not be the typical star your accustomed to, but it’s by far the most impressive star in Athen’s skyline, the favourite of this Christmas tale, the Acropolis. An archaeological site that houses several of Athen’s most famous ruins including the Parthenon, Erechtheum, Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It honours the pagan goddess Athena. A symbol of power and wisdom who assisted the Athenians to gain freedom from the Persian rule during the 5th century BC. Shadow lighting really enhances the features of this ancient asset and it’s so good to see that town planning has limited the height of surrounding buildings to protect this amazing view. It’s one of the few sites that’s missed out on a Christmas makeover, but when you look this good…. there’s obviously no need.

Moving on to everyone’s most enjoyable subject food, glorious food. It’s what everyone indulges on at this time of year. Hands down to the traditional Greek dishes, you’ve won my heart over and over again. So, we begin our feast with the classic Moussaka, Souvlaki, Gyros, Baklava and Spanakopita just to name a few. Fitting into this culture around this time of year is easy as long as you don’t eat alone. Thank goodness to the thoughtful Greek’s who skip breakfast, just a black coffee and cigarette makes do. Their philosophy works well here keeping everyone in shape… prolonged fasting before it even became trendy.

Aside from all the festivities, there’s the upkeep of traditions that must go on and so our week flies by dropping into the local Byzantine Greek Orthodox churches, calling into the Acropolis museum, racing Mic around the Olympic stadium, watching the changing of the guard and gate crashing a traditional Greek dance party.

Well, to say the least we’ve had a great year on the road and are now ready to enjoy Christmas and we hope you are too.

So, with much love from Mic and myself have a very, merry Christmas. It’s such a wonderful time of year to spend with family and friends and even though we won’t make it home this year to celebrate, you’re all in our thoughts and prayers. And to our family a very special Christmas wish and mistletoe kiss.

So, yes it is true! All roads do lead to Rome and as such, we find ourselves in Italy’s magnificent capital city. Mic had already visited here before, however, this was my first visit and I have to say I loved every minute experiencing all of Rome’s glorious sites. Well, that’s probably a little ambitious to say “all” but let’s say we’ve made a good start.

And if there is a best way to see all that Rome has to offer it’s definitely via foot and to have the conviction to just go and explore until someone tells you stop! As you can imagine, this place is extremely popular with tourists and even in the off season, you’re not going to be travelling alone but will be sharing it with millions of other international tourists. In fact to give you some perspective of just how busy this city can get it’s known to be the 2nd most popular spot to visit in the EU after Paris. Needless to say it’s numerous attractions are on many people’s bucket lists.

So, before we get started we all know the catchy metaphor that Rome wasn’t built in a day, but to appreciate just how long this Empire has been in the making for, we are reminded that it dates back to the 8th Century BC.

And like all establishments their must be a founder responsible for its beginnings. In this case, legend has it that there were twin brothers Romulus and Remus charged with building such an Empire. Raised by a she-wolf 🤣 after being abandoned by their mother near Italy’s famous river the Tiber. The boys were fiercely competitive with the stronger one, Romulus managing to steal Rome for himself and killing his brother Remus in the process.

Winning the power struggle, Romulus, earned the right to name the city after himself and to this day we still affectionately know it as Rome. As a reminder of this incredible defeat, a bronze statue displaying this legendary tale are prominently displayed at civic entrances. It’s an unusual sign post and not terribly welcoming, but like everything in Rome its powerful symbolism legitimises unwavering imperial strength.

But the undeniable force behind Rome’s existence is the Colosseum. There’s a very famous saying about this building and that is “Rome will exist as long as the Colosseum does; when the Colosseum falls, so will Rome; when Rome falls, so will the world.” You instantly get the impression that Rome is central to everything and everyone.

It’s unsurprising then, that this Colosseum is the seventh Wonder of the World because of the architecture, structural design, innovation and scale. Taking a tour we explored the underground workings of this facility that housed incredible hoists, cells with exotic animals from South Africa (including a Giraffe that they referred to as Carmello Leopardo…a Camel with spots of a Leopard having never seen a creature like this before 😂😂), slaves, criminals and gladiators. On centre stage we tried to imagine what it would have been like to be part of the atmosphere here on game day, especially when they filled the stage with water to hold boat races and how the crowd would have reacted when the Emperor ran his hand across his jugular to indicate whether a criminal would survive or not.

An interesting fun fact though is that in 80 AD, with your price of your entry ticket, they supplied snacks. Yum! Apparently, just recently archaeologists have discovered some of those snacks. Astonishingly, they are still in tact and suitable for consumption. Oh, not so yum.

However, on a lighter note there’s a fun side to Rome that is sure to bring a smile to your face. It’s a beautiful fountain, called the Trevi. And unlike so many other places in Rome there’s free admission. But for me it’s the antics that go on here relating to the myth, which requires you to have three coins ready and a skill to know your right hand from your left. As you will take each coin in your right hand and throw it over your left shoulder. So, as you might have guessed I came prepared and had practiced the skill throwing phenomena at home. Of the three coins I really only needed one as the first ensures you will return to Rome, the second that you will fall in love with an attractive Italian and the third that you will marry the person you met. Two and three have already been fulfilled for me, and although not an Italian he’s an attractive Aussie who means the world to me 🥰😘.

The Vatican City is arguably one of the most significant religious cities in the World for Roman Catholics, that is home to St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. It is also the smallest country in the world which is governed by its own monarch Pope Francis. The sheer depth of knowledge, works of art and artefacts that were on display for public viewing here was mind blowing. A day full of sensory overload and fatigue had us returning the following Sunday to receive a humble blessing from the No. 1 himself.

As we think about making plans for Christmas; we take time out to enjoy a very special lunch with our Polish friends, Patryk, Justyna & Gaya who we have been travelling with since Pienza. It’s a happy occasion for us all as we dine on local favourites and share an Italian wine or two. It symbolises the end of a fabulous trip to this amazing city, made all the more memorable by the lovely travel companions we met along the way 😍. So, until next time ciao.

We have been travelling through Tuscany for the last 3 weeks, in our camper and living like “Truscans”. It’s a life I could become accustomed to. So, why is it so appealing?

Well, more than anywhere in Italy the contrast between city versus countryside couldn’t be more apparent. As city landscapes go, no other region boasts such an outstanding portfolio of the world’s Medieval and Renaissance periods. With all my gratitude for this highly creative period going to the Tuscan painters and architects which thrived during this time. They’ve left behind treasures generations will enjoy.

Whereas, the countryside in Tuscany provides that quintessentially green Italian landscape, dotted with hilltop towns, pencil pines, olive groves and vineyards that blanket a series of rolling hills. A scenery that’s so inviting you can never tire of it. The people in this region have also chosen a very different pace of life and existence. One thing that stands out is that they are extremely proud of their agricultural products and delight in you tasting their home made pastas, olive oils, wines and traditional desserts. They don’t believe in rushing and give you plenty of time to experience those authentic Tuscan flavours which have matured and developed over the ages under that amazing Tuscan sun. Yum! And so we made the most of our time visiting the many agritourism spots exploring all the nooks and crannies.

But the real surprise in each of the country towns we visited was that each had a unique feature that only that town could be appreciated for. And in Volterra it was their production of alabaster sculptures. A glimpse in many of the shop windows confirmed this. In fact it was possible to buy anything from a keyring to a statue. The town also had a fully functional alabaster studio which was open to the public. Here you could see sculptors refining their skills, creating beautiful masterpieces and managing to keep this long standing tradition alive.

Our next stop, San Gimignano, which is said to be one of the most magical of Tuscany’s hill towns. It is unique because of the incredible number of towers that frame its skyline. A symbol of power and prestige, the town previously had 76 of them. Now only 14 remain after the Florentine conquerors demanded they be dismantled during the 14th Century. No easy feet I’m sure! So, the towers that are still standing surround the three adjoining squares and frame the significant landmarks of the town, being the 13th century well, palace, church, town hall and marketplace. It’s possible to work your way through the streets as we did to the highest point where you can take advantage of the most photogenic view of the Tuscan countryside from the Rocca citadel.

Travelling further south we called into the Medieval town of Siena. A maze of organically formed streets which was vastly different from the streets of Firenze. Roman’s fancied right angles, but here it’s the twists and turns that is the attraction. However, the real hero here though is their square which is transformed into a racetrack during July and August for the Palio di Siena. 17 jockeys riding bareback complete 3 laps in 70 seconds. A fiercely contested race not unlike our Melbourne Cup back home.

And should the weather turn bad, why not explore a family owned taverna in one of the smaller Italian towns like Lucignano. It’s quiet, intimate and you’ll receive the traditional Italian lunch that can only be found away from the main tourist scene. However, make sure you’re on time as the lunch service is from midday till around 2pm, and after that it’s time for a siesta. We received a very warm welcome from the waitress here and the food was delicious. The company also perfecto.

However, if asked which town in Tuscany was our favourite, we’d have to recommend Pienza. This town ticks all the boxes because it has a distinct character, stunning location and interesting history. Pope Pius the 2nd was born here during the 1400’s and bestowed one of the greatest gifts he could on his home town, by turning it into an ‘ideal city’.

While neighbouring Rocca d’Orcia is a quiet medieval town, with a dominating fortress. During the Middle Ages, this hamlet protected the Francigena route which was the main thoroughfare for pilgrims travelling from Rome to Canterbury in the UK.

So as we finally decide to leave Tuscany and head towards Rome, Mic discovered a local geothermal bathing spot in Bagni di San Filippo. The place smells like rotten eggs and reminds me of Love Island, so I’m more than happy to watch from the sidelines and be astounded by the natural forces at play here. Mic assures me it was worth it to brave the cold for 30s to be able to relax in the 40 degree water. Maybe next time I’ll have the courage to accompany him, but I’m not promising anything!!!

Inevitably our Tuscan trip ends in the fortified city of Pitigliano which means “Little Jerusalem”. A city that has been built on top of volcanic rock. Recent excavations have revealed that there was a city below a city and that it’s purpose was to provide a safe refuge for housing Jews. One of it’s most attractive features which can be seen from afar is the Medici aquaduct. An impressive series of arches that transported water to the town.

Tuscany like so many other places in Italy is a destination that lives up to the hype. There is so much to enjoy here that it’s hard not to get caught up in wishing you were a permanent resident. Whether you’re interested in history, monuments, churches, museums, art galleries or you just want to sit back in a Cafe and watch the world go bye, then choosing this area as a place to visit will definitely live up to those expectations. Only trouble is that you may have to make this your destination of choice for years to come if you hope to experience the authentic Tuscan way of life and visit all the remarkable places it has on offer.

However, before we charge off into the countryside to experience “dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing) we decide to uncover the magic of Tuscanies larger cities by visiting Lucca, Firenze and Pisa. And rather than overload the senses, I’m adopting the less is more philosophy and taking the opportunity to highlight what made our trip unique because maybe… just maybe, I’ll make it back here one day.

Now a little more than an hour by motorhome, approx 40km to the northwest of Firenze is Lucca. A peaceful town that has beautifully preserved its 16th – 17th century brick wall. The wall today is heavily shaded and used to maintain a traffic free zone for the historic centre. The city is best known for its talented musicians and hosting a series of music festivals during Summer. However, on the day we visited, they were preparing for a Comic and Game Festival under the banner of Hope this year. It’s a very big affair and brings in a small fortune for this city, a little like Comic-Con back home.

But our favourite photo was the rather unusual bell tower from the 13th century. It’s aptly named the Guingi Tower after the family who paid to build it. It was a status symbol to construct towers like these during that period. We love this one because of the tall trees growing on top. We are led to believe that the second floor down was the kitchen. So, it’s amazing to think that the kitchen come garden/dining experience was as fashionable in that century as it is today, and that it still provides the same ambience.

Our next stop was Florence or as the locals call it Firenze. One of the world’s greatest tourist magnets. A perfect spot to enjoy a house sit and look after Harley, an extremely affectionate Frenchie who was happy to be our tour guide for the week. Capturing our hearts, as well as others along the way we visited the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David, Uffizi Galleries and Ponte Vecchio (Florence’s first bridge). We did so much walking Harley was happy to get home for a well deserved rest, with no encouragement required.

This city is truly blessed with an outstanding treasure trove of masterpieces. Seeing for the first time the Duomo or as it’s more officially known the Santa Maria del Fiore, I was astounded. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve seen from the outside. With the green, white and rose marble combinations, I can see why it’s the civic pride of the Florentines. Just opposite is the Romanesque bapitistry with its magnificent bronze doors. The doors that are really eye capturing are the Doors of Paradise created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. They depict the Life of Jesus and various scenes from the Old Testament. Michelangelo, was apparently quoted as saying the doors were good enough to adorn the entrance to heaven.

However, probably a lesser known fact about this city is that it has also had its fair share of troubles with both WWII and the 1966 floods causing damage to its buildings, bridges, paintings, sculptures and precious books. But thanks to the Golden Age of Aquarius, a recovery effort by its citizens inspired people from across the world to get involved and help with the restoration process. All those art loving fans helped make the impossible, possible. Today there’s just the flood level marks at 3m as a reminder.

Finishing off a very busy couple of weeks we find ourselves marvelling at the punch drunk tower, the unmistakable leaning tower of Pisa which has become a national icon for Italy and this town. Although we found this hard to believe, but the tower was on a lean from the day of its construction back in 1173 and was noticeably leaning when they had only completed three of its eight storeys. Over time the increase gradually got worse and by the late 20th Century it was 4.5m out of alignment. Fearing an imminent collapse, the site was closed in 1990 and thankfully a remedy was sought from some fabulous engineers 😇.

Locals say that the seaside National Park of Cinque Terre, located around 2 hours south of Palma, is Italy’s favourite go to spot … outside of its major cities and northern lakes, that is. Even ahead of the Amalfi Coast?? So to settle this debate, Mic and I decide to discover this coastal haven for ourselves.

The Cinque Terre National Park extends through the territories of five coastal villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza & Monterosso al Mare. The best way to see them all in a day is to catch the train from La Spezia and lace up the hiking shoes to walk the coastal route, starting from Monterosso al Mare in our case.

We had such gorgeous weather to appreciate this unique landscape, where man has shaped the natural environment, terracing the steep coastal slopes to produce land for farming olives and grapes. It was also interesting to witness monorail carts delivering this produce from the steep orchards above.

Of the 5 villages visited, Corniglia our third stop, is perched above the other 4 seaside villages. It proved to be a welcome spot for lunch and take a deserving drink after ascending the 350 stairs to reach its peak. Then the descent 😮‍💨 … into Manarola. Luckily for me, the main pedestrain path had been closed due to a recent rock slide, so a quick train ride made do 😁.

In fact, each village is easily reached by train, with frequent departures each half hour. Our final stop was Riomaggiore.

As I’m sure you’d agree the area is extremely beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed the 18km hike and believe this was the best way to see such an amazing coastline. Make sure though you undertake the hike when the weather is this good as the coastal cliffs vulnerability are easily masked by their beauty and can be quite treacherous in the wet.

Another busy week ahead, especially when this girl is visiting the fashion capital of Milan. This region has won world recognition in its design of modern clothes and as such the upmarket fashion houses of Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, etc, etc grace the oppulent sidewalks. They flaunt the latest styles and blow my budget in the first transaction. Well, that’s of course if I were to make one!! And then of course there’s Mic, who can’t go past a Lego shop or the stray Lamborghini or Ferrari sitting idle outside these famous big brand icons.

Mic loves Lego and in this shot he’s also made some new friends. 😂😂

Yet despite the fact this is Italy’s most fashionable destination for the fashion conscious, we’re off to climb the 250 steps of the Duomo Cathedral. This Gothic style Cathedral dominates one of the liveliest squares in Europe. Its construction began in 1386 by the Visconti family and involved teams of Italian, French, Flemish and German architects and sculptors. It was finished in 1813 and is understandably a very beautiful Cathedral. There are 3400 statues adorning the external facades and with so much effort going into every detail make sure you give yourself some time to appreciate how intricate they are. Not to forget to mention the unbeatable city view you get from the roof top. It’s quite a sight and being able to escape the hustle and bustle below is very therapeutic.

But apart from the Cathedral, to the northwest of the city centre is Castello Sforzesco. It was also built by the Visconti family but was rebuilt in the 15th Century by the Duke Francesco Sforza. It’s a solid square structure that’s built around a courtyard. Inside the fort there are small art museums. The must see attraction here is Michelangelo’s last work, the Rondanini Pieta. He was 89 when he embarked on this medieval sculpture and was chiselling away until six days before his death. Now that’s dedication for you. To appreciate this sculpture you first see the back of the Virgin Mary mourning the loss of her son and then from the front, Jesus is sustaining his mother by supporting her on his shoulders. It’s a striking piece with the whole room being dedicated to this masterpiece.

The real attraction for my pilgrimage to Milan though is Leonardo da Vinci’s, Last Supper. Thankfully, we were able to see it as it’s booked out in advance for weeks!! It’s a true masterpiece and being able to see it first hand was soul stirring. I adore the depth and sublety Leonardo managed to paint into the tempera. The traumatic scene is so emotive. Without words you can feel the impact of Jesus’s statement when he declares to his disciples the fear that one of them will betray him. However, after visiting, my thanks must go to Pinin Brambilla Barcilon. An art restorer who has painstakingly restored this masterpiece over the last 20 years.

47km east of Milan we explore the upper city of Bergamo. It’s another Italian masterpiece. A world heritage site since 2017 with Venetian walls, hectares of greenery, a magnificent square “Piazza Vecchia”, funicular that will take you to Vigillio Hill to capture a breathtaking view of the city below.

You can easily spend a day here walking the cobbled streets to find great Italian brands. The food and wine here is also award winning having being named the Creative City of Gastronomy since 2019.

Shakespeare’s inspiration for Romeo and Juliet was fair Verona. A lively city with an amazing ambience that’s blessed with the Adige River. The water flows down from the Dolomites, providing that perfect contrast of aqua against the terracotta roof line.

As we mosey around, we stumble upon the Italians playing a medieval game of S-Cianco. The cultural traditions are so entrenched here that they’ve been playing this game for centuries. It takes place in a cobbled court yard and looks like an ancient form of cricket. Instead of wickets they use a stone and hit a small stick into the air with a very small bat. We were amused by how seriously they took the scoring and involved the umpire in all decision making.

Our final stop for the week is Bologna, made famous by its culinary delight, Spaghetti Bolognese. Another lesser known fact is they are renown for their Gelatto, producing arguably the best in all of Italy. However, that argument is for another blog down the track.

Also, their twin towers were simply amazing and what we didn’t realise, it is almost twice the height of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, standing 97m tall and having a greater lean of 2.2m. With that in mind, we chickened out of the ascent and finished our week with a lazy Sunday stroll amongst the locals, soaking up Bologna’s ambience from its city square, Piazza Maggiore.

As we say our good byes to Switzerland and tackle the Simplon pass in our motorhome, we are looking forward to spending the next eight weeks in Italy. Immersing ourselves in their infectious culture and enjoying that famous Italian cuisine that’s imitated the world over.

Who could go past the pizzas, gelato and spaghetti! Not to forget they have been blessed with ancient ruins, frescoed churches, wonderful artwork and sculptures created by the ever so talented Italian Renaissance masters. But before we get too entrenched in la dolce vita (the sweet life), we must explore the magnificent lakes district.

And it’s easy to see why the three great lakes of Maggiore, Como and Orta are known to draw a crowd or two. The stunning scenery has encouraged tourists over the centuries to take customary boat trips to explore the unique islands situated on the lakes. Of the most popular trips to take is the one from Stresa to the Borromean Islands, where a leisurely stroll of the esplanade and gardens is guaranteed.

Especially when the stroll can capture the only way to travel around Italy. A side cart taking man’s best friend along for the ride. Simply too cute for words.

Our choice of spots though was the sought after town known mostly by the locals as Sacro Monte. This quaint location stands on the summit of a hill overlooking the Lake of Orta. The site itself is dedicated to Francis of Assisi and each of the twenty chapels, recounts episodes of the saint’s life, interpreted as a similie of the life of Jesus. The reserve covers 13 hectares, of densely planted trees, historic gardens and beautifully architecturally designed buildings.

Finishing the week off we find ourselves enjoying Lake Como. The weather has been magnificent and the locals have been taking advantage of the climate too! Spending their time on the lake, taking their pleasure craft for joy rides.

It’s less than an hour from Milan, which makes this the perfect spot for the Milanese to take time out from their busy schedules and have some well deserved time for leisure on one of the most desirable lakes. An evergreen escarpment adorned with some amazing villas. What could be more perfect!🥰

It was a chilly start, but Mic and I were up for the challenge. A leisurely 20km ride into town from our overnight park in the affluent area known as Coppet, having just arrived in Switzerland. And without a doubt, after one month of little to no exercise there was nothing leisurely about my ride into town 😅.

I should be thankful though that the pathway around Europe’s largest alpine lake, Lake Geneva, was fairly flat and smooth and the scenery so picturesque it made a perfect distraction. With only 15km of pedalling to tackle until we reached our first sight, the Jet d’Eau. An oversized fountain pumping 7 tonnes of water into the crystal clear skies of Geneva, which created an ideal focal point on the sparkling shores of this very slick and cosmopolitan city.

But apart from being mesmerised by such a plume, we cycled further around the lake to find the flower clock. Hard to believe but there are 6500 flowers arranged perfectly in the Swiss colours of course. As we left the lake and encroached upon the city centre the number of government and non-governmental agencies was hard to fathom. There are more than 200 of them occupying this unique space. It seems that if you want to be recognised on the world stage, then your destination of choice should be this location, but make sure your pockets are fully loaded with cash as the real estate is very pricey. Not only can you access the headquarters of the United Nation’s, there’s also the International Red Cross and the World Health Organisation just to name a few.

Furthermore, just like any big city there’s always those interesting structures that beckon you to take a second look. One such piece was the giant red chair with a very noticeable broken leg. It is adjacent to the UN. As a symbol, it opposes land mines and cluster bombs. A powerful image reminding us of how innocent bystanders can be impacted by the violence of warfare. In fact in 1997, there was a strong push by the disabled community to support a treaty which would unite countries against such war crimes and in 1999 the Ottawa Treaty was finally signed making it International Law to be able to pursue nations who partook in such an act. It turned out to be a very big win for humanity with over 40 countries demonstrating support.

Similarly, some 60km away from Geneva is Lausanne. Another favourite spot that was chosen by the International Olympic Committee to be the host city for 50 international sports federations and sports orientated organisations. It’s also famous for the Chateau de Chillon a medieval castle on Lake Geneva. A great spot for a photo opportunity or two.

However, if you really want to experience one of the best mountain landscapes and fall in love with the inspiration that graces that famous chocolate bar wrapper “Toblerone”. Then you must stop as we did in the timber chalet filled Swiss village of Zermatt. We chose the Glacier Paradise ski lift to take us all the way to the top. So, we could admire this craggy chiselled peak and throw a few snow balls around. The height at the top is approx 4000m so it’s definitely possible to feel the affects of altitude as we did with a shortness of breath. Though it’s nothing that a hot chocolate and complimentary mountain shaped chocolate can’t fix. Only problem, Mic had to share!

And at this time of year it’s especially gorgeous with all the dramatic changes of foliage. Such a perfect day out!

So where have we been? Well a certain person had a special birthday this year, so for Mic’s 50th we flew home to spend time with family and share this special occasion. And what better way than soaking up the sun on the Sunshine Coast and taking in lunch at Noosa’s Bistro C.

However, with my two year career break fast approaching, it’s time to travel back to the UK, pick up our motorhome in storage and recommence our travels. This time through, Italy, Greece and Turkey are our main destinations.

So we’re off and there’s no messing about as we decide to travel via the French Toll roads, into Switzerland and across the Alp’s Simplon Pass, down into Northern Italy. But not without a small detour to some French Patisseries and Saturday Markets 🤣.

Here we come … Italy, Greece and Turkey!!!

So with the first leg of our European travels almost at an end, we have decided to accept two lovely housesits in and around the Cotswolds, to slow down 🐌, relax and prepare the motorhome for storage, as we return to Australia for Mic’s birthday and catch up with our family. We’ve missed our kids very much, so being able to give them an enormous bear hug means so much and just thinking about it, I’m getting very excited 😍.

But before I sign off, I’d like to say that the last two weeks have been so enjoyable due to the interesting people we’ve met and because of their loving animals we’ve had the pleasure of caring for. During our stays we have formed some amazing bonds with the animals. We have got to know them and they have left us with some lasting memories we will cherish forever. We will remain forever grateful for receiving such a warm welcome by our hosts as they invited us into their homes and for enriching our travel experiences by sharing great local knowledge and history.

And if a picture is worth a thousand words, no wonder everyone falls in love with the Cotswolds. It oozes English country charm with soft rural landscapes, honey-coloured villages, old mansions and the most endearing churches. There’s only one thing missing … I’m still yet to try a cream tea in the afternoon. Guess, I’ll just have to go back 😉

Not too far away is the famous spa town of Bath. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 30 years. It’s a glory box of hidden treasures, due to Roman remains, 18th century architecture, town planning, historic social scene, hot springs and impressive landscapes as it’s nestled in a valley surrounded by undisturbed woodland hills.

From its initial conception some 2,000 years ago this city was built for pleasure and relaxation. Its waters were believed to have healing properties and therefore many visitors have returned to this spot year after year seeking to bathe in the natural hot springs to aid in their wellness and overall wellbeing.

We spent the weekend here and can really see why visitors to Bath fall in love with the place and that extends to the film makers too! If some of Mic’s photos look familiar, that’s because the popular Netflix smash-hit Bridgerton was filmed here. The story line focuses on the society’s social scene in the 1800’s, a mix of romance and scandal from that era. With their being no shortage of Georgian architecture adorning many of the streets in Bath, the producers were spoilt for choice. Although, as you would expect the Royal Crescent which is Bath’s most iconic row of homes was the prominent shoot spot, with No 1 Royal Crescent being the Featherington family’s abode.

So on our way back to our house sitting duties, we’ve discovered that our stocks are low, and that we need to stock up on some organic produce. And you’ll never guess who just happens to be taking on the farmer’s role only a stone’s throw away, selling no nonsense goods that are really good for you!!! Yep, our neighbour is Jeremy Clarkson and he’s doing it tough. Well let’s just say he’s coping a bit of flack for being so popular and the neighbours aren’t too happy that he seems to be creating a Jeremy Clarkson theme park in their backyard, spoiling their amenity of course as he tries his hand at farming. Oh well, just a bit of a laugh for us as we spend our £15 on vanilla cow juice, apple cider and a few other goodies we probably didn’t need.

Have I said how much I love the Cotswolds and now these weavers houses on Arlington Row. They are aptly referred to as the rack isle. The story pertains to the 17th Century when the sheep’s wool needed to be washed before the weaving could take place. Rows of racks would be placed into the sun, helping the wool to dry.

We also had an opprtunity to catch up with friends Julie and Alan in Marlborough for a pub lunch. Plenty of laughs and good times as we shared our travel stories before making our way home for a snooze.

Loving our final house sit in Wantage … with the sweetest natured cat ever. The ever so fluffy Ragdoll cat, Willow. She’s got a great routine of sleeping, smooching and nibbling. She’s also a great hedgehog watcher, which we also had the pleasure of meeting during their nightly visits.

And finally our last stop, the Mini Factory, before our long haul flight home on Wednesday night, arriving back in Hervey Bay Friday morning. Mic has always wanted to visit this modern facility being a Mini fan and it didn’t disappoint. So with that now checked off, 8 countries behind us, approx. 10,000km of travel, our first 6 months of adventures has just flown by!!!🚐🚌🚂🚄🚙🚜🚲🛳✈️🛩