The last Post

Lets start at the very beginning...that's a very good place to start.
Thank you....
To Keitha in her infinite wisdom 'to just get it booked and do it'....thank you.  X
To Gail Frances for looking after the 'Little White Menace' that is my little Manu.  Appreciated it so much knowing he was well cared for by his aunty Gail. X 
To Victoria for suggesting we took a limo from the office to the airport instead of a taxi...it was all of mmmm $5 more and got this adventure off to a great start...thank you Miss Vic...for we both remember the horrors of the Melbourne taxis from last year. X
Thanks to Bob and  Patricia for keeping an eye on the house. X
Thanks to Mark for setting up this blog at short notice..always there to help out the oldies. X

Thanks to Steve John too for kindly collecting us from the airport. X
Thanks also to everyone who has shared this with us.  I know we didn't set the comments part up but we know the stats for the blog and have had heaps of comments via fb messenger and emails...thanks to all. X
Finally and not the least ...thanks to the Old Badger for most excellent skills in organising this trip of a life time...what a hoot we have had.
Oh and thanks to me for the Train trip...my idea...big Gold  Star Bat.
Even if things have been a bit...well less than perfect here and there..it has invariably been hysterical...well once the shock wore off in a couple of cases lol
He has been amazing.  Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road for nearly a month, in a manual (which he hasn't driven for years)...amazing.  We always got where we needed to be, mostly on time and without damaging the car. If you could have seen some of the condition the cars were in, especially in Spain...he did a grand job.  But most of all...I was eternally grateful that he refused my offer to share the driving....mostly with the events of Girona....he never lost his bottle...awesome job but more importantly...Barcelona...what a hero.
6 weeks 24/7 with my soul mate....Thank you my love it has been magical..and if this is what retirement will be like...then bring it on.  XXX

The flights?...We flew Air France who are in a partnership with China Southern  Air.  It seems the current thing...these 'partnerships'.

All I can say is..'Air France what were you thinking????'  it's sort of like they arrived late at school the first day when everyone was paring off....and all the other best friends were taken.    Yeah..not a fan...give them a big miss...unless they get a new best friend in the future. 

We flew Premium Economy..which was leaps and bounds better than Economy but...no where near as good as Business. I guess you always get what you pay for.

So to wind up ....the last of the photos.
The Cheshire cat.  One of many which was sort of like a 'Where's Wally thing'
Paul trying to light the BBQ at the Oliverier..the olive grove...took him about an hour all up....my fault, note the girly drink I mixed complete with strawberry..what was I thinking...as soon as he had a beer...no worries.
Now that is a proper pork pie.
The killer staircase(s) at Arles..note the 'landing' and I use the term loosely...about 40 cm.
The little Volvo that was on the adventure with us and got us to each new place safe and sound.
The little creature in Girona...the rough translation is 'kiss my...posterior'
Irish pub...no matter where you go in the world...you will always find an Irish Pub....it became a bit of a game with us...everywhere we went we found one.

Au revoir ....perfect last day...in Paris

What a brilliant end to the holiday....
We decided that only having the one full day in Paris, we would take a day tour.  This included a bus tour of the city, a river cruise down the Seine and lunch at the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower.  It was absolutely wonderful...everything you could wish for including an arrogant waiter...now come on...it would have disappointing without that.
Absolute magic...he thought he was funny...and he was. Paul bounced comments back at him and he seemed to respect that..so it was a giggle.  Pure magic.  The food was wonderful to top it all off.  What a view. 
The city of Paris was amazing, the architecture, the history...just wonderful. 
Parisiennes were really nice.  To begin with we got a tad confused after getting off the train first thing on our way to meet the tour, so we asked a shop keeper who was just opening up for the day for help and despite our poor French and his battle with English, he was so nice and actually escorted us to the road we were looking for.    Everyone we approached for help were very nice.  Despite the warnings of pickpockets, I still felt really safe and comfortable (even on the diabolically disgusting underground -yukko...never complain about our rail again btw...it may not function properly...trains may get cancelled, late etc.  but if you think it is filthy and disgusting...then think again)...anyway, I digress.
We finished off our day by visiting the little village near our Hotel.  We booked near the airport for ease and it was like an industrial estate but of hotels...sort of like Hotel alley.  We were almost the last on the road...we walked a few metres to the end of the road and sort of stepped back in time...from huge hotels like the Marriot etc. and then there is Roissy...this sweet little village.  So we had one last drink and said au revour to Paris and our holiday. 
Never thought I would say that and some of you know I was not keen on going to France at all...(my last experience there was pretty awful)..but this time it was a dream...new memories. I would love to see Paris again on foot and nose around and Provence is also a given.

A day in Paris

It started with coffee and croissants at a little cafe near the Louvre.

Nurse...nurse, he's out of bed again....

All I can say is that my husband is one of the most intelligent, organised, thorough, grounded and cluey people I know.   So...who is this person I have been travelling with and what has he done with my husband?
We are all ready, bags packed.  I wanted to pop downstairs to wait for the taxi but the Badger wanted to wait in the apartment.  The taxi arrives a little early, he spots it from the open window and it's action stations ...carting all the bags down (remember there is no parking etc.) so...like 2 mad fools we almost fly down the two flights dragging bags in our wake....it took two trips btw. ..the luggage has been breeding. 
Start loading up the taxi...and...he realises he left his backpack...with passport etc.  in the apartment....leaving the keys on the table as requested. Jheeezh.  Traffic is pretty consistent but the  taxi driver could see I was pretty distressed he just said...'it's ok...don't worry'  he didn't seem to have a problem with parking illegally... in a LANE. God bless him.  He waited with us and  20 minutes later.... that same lovely young chap who let me in on the first day turned up,  back pack retrieved, we were on our way...for about a kilometre anyway....motorbike at the traffic lights informs our driver 'flat tyre'....you couldn't make this stuff up could you.
We got to the airport, found the duty free for a bit of retail therapy but more importantly...found a bar.  Sitting there...and I do have a photo...a guy walks past in a ...'male organ costume'....seriously.  I jumped up to take a photo and just got him before he descended down the escalator....turned to go back to my seat and a Yorkshire terrier trots past in a tutu.   Tutu or not...how can you get a dog into an airport???? ..... only in Barcelona.  Didn't get a shot of that sadly.
I am beginning to feel like the world is going mad....time to go home me thinks.
Arrived at hotel and need to seriously get some sleep.  Tomorrow it's our last day and we are off out at 6.30am for a tour of Paris....if we manage to wake up on time.

Today's shots

I am just so totally captivated by the architecture!  Thinking of the Lovely Gail Frances again today as I know how she loves it too.

Dia Cuatro Barcelona

Another very full day...discovering amazing things at each turn of a corner.  Almost worn our feet out ....me thinks we are probably an inch shorter than when we left home.  Mind you, it is much needed exercise.
Tried again to get to see the Cathedral but even trying to book on line for tomorrow is a 'no can do'....  well we could just about manage it if we stressed ourselves out before heading off to the airport tomorrow...so ...narh....we have decided there will be a next time ....so, next time it will be...they may have completed more by then. hehehehehe
Off to Paris late tomorrow afternoon for the very last and somewhat short leg of this jaunt. 

Just s few more sights

The round building with the blue eggy things is a disused bull ring.  They are against it here... Good for them!  
We tried but failed to get into the Sagrada Familia, sadly too full.  Wondered about for hours discovering lots of other stuff though.
We have been on our feet from just after 9 am until we walked back in the apartment at 5 ish... Big day!

Busy on Barcelona

Spent all morning roaming with an audio tour of one of Gaudi's buildings...awesome!

Our Kev

I think I found Kevin Rudd standing for Spanish politics?

Barcelona Photos

Mad.... Bad and Dangerous to know.....

..if you know where to find the best shopping and have a credit card...my goodness one could do some serious damage....especially in the Gothic Quarter.
We have had a brilliant day.  Barcelona is unbelievable.  Such an exciting and varied city, thoroughly unique, I think anyway.
We began our day very slowly....Paul didn't even get up until after 9am.  So then we hit the streets.  We found the Gothic Quarter.  Totally mind blowing...the architecture, the ambience, the food, the boutiques...the everything.  So bohemian...one of my most favourite places so far.  After walking around for ages and ages just taking it all in, we had a coffee and later lunch at amazing places. The latter was a gorgeous quirky restaurant.  For only the equivalent of A$25 for the both of us, we had a glass of wine, the most heavenly vegetable soup.  Trout baked and wrapped in their ham...paper thin slices of such...then baked custard for dessert..infused with vanilla and cinnamon served with mint and cream.....'kept these two little piggies going for the rest of the day...apart from stopping late this afternoon for a Cava and beer in the sunshine, once we started on our return from the harbour and beach.  I have no idea how many kilometres we did...but I imagine we are going to sleep well again tonight.  Just picked up a baguette and some jamon (the paper thin ham), salad etc. and a night in is planned...I for one could not face another restaurant today...but as often said...tomorrow however, is indeed, another day.....
Photos to follow as soon as Paul has recovered and uploaded from the camera.  Trying at the moment to change our flights to Paris...without much luck by the sounds of it.

Just a taste!

Dia dos Barceonla

'Will post photos of yesterday's sights in a tick.  Firstly just a little re-cap.
So sorry to say goodbye to the little Volvo yesterday but I dare say Paul was glad to get out and run...albeit dragging the heavy cases behind
him.  It took hours for his blood pressure to return to normal...what a hero, again I don't know how he did it...when we were on the approach to Barcelona and the traffic became obvious, I was freaking out and I was only a passenger.  Even with good old Carmen the GPS, this was destined to be a nightmare of epic proportions...and navigating on the 'wrong' side of the road..just as well it wasn't just after getting the car.  Both of us were using every device we had at hand to find the blasted Railway station but even Carmen wouldn't identify one until you are basically on top of it and also note for the future...find out in advance the local terminology for such places.  In the end we abandoned trying to do that bit together and he wasn't joking when he said I was basically thrown onto the pavement...I only managed to drag the 2 top cases out of the boot before he had to start moving and I left him with all that luggage to try to get here.  Then there I am on the pavement...alone for the first time in 5 weeks.   I was the lucky one though because about ten minutes later a delightful young man ushered me into this heavenly apartment.  It is to die for...huge and luxurious.  Walking distance to stuff and tastefully decorated and well appointed with attention to detail ahhh marvelous.
Also one thing I had meant to mention before about the cars...especially in Spain...oh my....I love cars as those who know me...know.  It was heartbreaking to see all these luxury cars...current model Jaguars, Mercs, Beemers...and worst of all.... gasp....Alfas, probably only moths old some of them......battered up.  Then after starting to get around the old cities and towns...I could see why. I felt for sure we were going to have to mortgage the house to pay for any damage to the little Volvo...but Paul did an excellent job of navigating through the narrow streets and parking....and maybe also a jolly heap load of luck. 
Anyway after a walk in the sunshine a coffee and beers for the Badger...it was on on to a delightful afternoon of taking in the phenomenal architecture. 

Barcelona boogie

Well, driving in peak hour in a city with huge traffic snarls is bad enough but it didn't get better.  I made it to the apartment on the late side and basically  threw JQ out of the car, with just 2 overnight bags, to meet the apartment owner.  OK that's good, made it in time.  Oh Sh** I don't know where to drop the car off apart from it is at a railway station about 3 Km's away.  No maps and no idea what direction, in crazy traffic.  Eventually managed to find the railway station on the GPS whilst stopped at lights.  Now I eventually got there but where the hell is Hertz?  After circling the station I found Hertz which was just a shopfront. I could see all the other companies return parks but not Hertz.  After circling a few more times I gave up and parked fully on the wide pavement in front of their office to find out that their return bays were 5 stories underground around the corner (not at the station).  The sign outside had to have measured 5" square and I had passed it about 5 times.  OK, checked the car in and, fingers crossed, got away with the small scrape under the front bumper (If you knew what condition cars are in over here and the size of the streets in the historical parts of cities, this was no mean feat).  I was then left with a memory of the address of the apartment (sort of), 2 large cases, I large trundle bag, 2 large shopping bags, a backpack and a jacket, all 5 stories down in a car park.  Luckily there was a lift and I still don't know how I managed alone, but once I hit the street with my load I was able to get a taxi to the apartment, which was JQ's choice, to find we are opposite the Gay Pride shop in the middle of the gay district ( I thought I saw the taxi driver winking at me?).  It's very colourful.  I think I am returning back to normal after a few beers.

Christopher Columbus!

That way to Maccas!

Barcelona! Barcelona!

What a glorious busy busy city!   Got here after a very hairy ride but I'll let Poor Paul relate that.  Gay Times ahead!!!!! 

Still here....

Well... What a day.   I am looking forward to getting out of here in the morning.  Despite the inclement weather we decided to do the walk around the wall which once surrounded the city but sadly much of it has gone... Who knows where.   Anyway coats on and scarfed up we head for the stairs. 
Badger asks 'did you pick up the map? '
me : 'no, but no worries I'll pop back and get it '  ... he fishes around for the keys... But oh no!!!  Locked in the apartment.  It is raining quite heavily and without the keys... once we exit we cannot access even the lift or stairs.   So homeless we start our walk. Every half hour trying to contact the owner for help. I was just starting to get worried that she's out of town on business or something when I spotted a gorgeous little boutique hotel... Looks 5 star to me... 'hmmmm maybe this isn't as bad as is seems ' lips just start to curl into a smile when finally owner is returning our calls and messages. Drats!!! Lol
To top it off we spent a good while searching for the Badger's spare glasses,  his only ones now, since he lost his others a few weeks ago.  We turned the cases inside out.  Then trekked back to the car... again,  for another look there.  Eventually I found them tucked down the seat near the hand brake.  Fair do 's... as he pointed out,  he could have found them sooner if he had glasses on...
Anyway attached photos are from the wall.  We also found a delightful garden tucked up there.  The bridge is 'Eiffel 's bridge'
.

Dia dos Girona

After a good night sleep,  charming cafe for breakfast and discovered the Jewish Quarter, which had a quiet and refined elegance...had lunch there at the cafe in the photo, lunch was heavenly...and now feeling somewhat more convivial towards Girona. 
When I say discovered I should qualify that with.... Arhummm (clears throat) ...'rediscovered' the Jewish Quarter, for this is where the Bat and Badger were hooning yesterday afternoon. Note photos of some of the lanes we got the little Volvo through!  Arh the Badger is indeed a legend!

Girona

It's ok... I guess...it's just been a bad day,

Girona

Yes well....what can I say about Girona...if you are thinking of making it your holiday destination...then do yourselves a favour...and ....don't. 
What a flipping day.  We got up after a nice sleep in, leisurely got ready and left for the one hour drive here. Meandered along, found the gorgeous little gem that is Pals as the Badger mentioned...drank in the atmosphere as well as a coffee.  Called in and found his childhood holiday spot...still there, even if the then little village is now a huge sprawling holiday city that makes the Gold Cast look like a country town.  
So we arrive in Girona.  Following the address instructions plugged into Carmen the Garmin (the GPS).... she has never skipped a beat up to now.  OMG...we are climbing up bloody cobbled donkey lanes at 45 degrees .  "how's it look on your side?"...."yep you will clear it this side" as we try to get around another tight corner...the lanes getting steeper and tighter.      Signs saying no unauthorised vehicles in the city from what I could barely make out from the Spanish street signs.  Cops and security left right and centre...so no doubt we are going to face a number of fines.. finally...finally we negotiate out of the old city.    So we now try to find the 'parking' that is advertised as available with the apartment...yeah..it's a public car park....7 minutes walk away and .......full.  Bloody hell can this day...the Badgers birthday btw..can it get any worse...answer...yes it can.  We drag heavy bags from the car park...eventually.....after trying to kill time waiting for a space... back up the donkey lanes, this time on foot...to find the apartment.  A total disaster zone.  Garbage left behind, bed unmade, no towels and it is now after 5 pm. This is the worst of Airbnb.  All has been quite good up to now.  So here we are.  dumped the bags and went for dinner which was nice but Girona in the end is quite...under whelming.  Anyway for better or worse we are here for another 2 nights after tonight....There is no Hilton here...no Sheraton...that I could see today anyway..but tomorrow is indeed another day....lol.  stay tuned..all may turn out ok in the end.   Eventually someone turned up with brand new sheets in the wrappers....we have a nice freshly made bed, fresh towels and the garbage was eventually removed.  Yikes......

Childhood memories

In the early 1960's the family would make a pilgrimage/drive to Spain on our annual holidays.  Finally to camp on the Costa Brave at Playa d'Aro and guess what, the Cala GoGo is still there.  I got to see the pool where I first learnt to swim.  Happy memories.