Brianna’s concert at Paco Suca infant school, Granada ES
The Alhambra from Paseo de los Tristes (way of the lost), Granada ES
H&A’s from Thursday June 13 to Thursday June 20, 2024.
We will be spending the next few days with Hayden, Andrea and Brianna and playing them as they come.
Basically because we don’t have anything planned.
But first we had to organise some shopping which were mainly electrical goods.
I needed a new Power Bank, as my current one has all but died and badly overheats.
Not a good sign.
Thea needed a new USB, for storage and a Memory Card for her camera.
As Friday was cleaning day in the house, we had to be out by 11:00hrs.
Before shopping we had a walk around Granada.
Our first impressions of Granada, was how different it was, compared to Italy and Greece.
Especially when it came to the quality of life for it people.
Granada was clean, orderly and relaxed and the average person was better dressed.
There weren’t the uninhabited buildings, graffiti and abundance of street people that we saw in those two countries.
We had coffee at Kona, Hayden’s favourite. He not only has a coffee here but also buys his ground coffee from the same place.
We then headed to El Corte Inglés to look for what we needed.
The choice was limited and expensive so we contacted Hayden for some local advice.
We finished up at Wayland Computers.
Here we managed to get everything we needed and it was much, much cheaper than El Corte Inglés.
Out next trip is to Switzerland, on Thursday, to catch up with Denis and Martine.
So planning will be needed for that.
But before that we had to attend Brianna’s end of year concert at her school, Patosuca.
It was a bit like her judo night, a shambles but a lot of fun.
Brianna was suffering the ‘End of year blues’ and this was evident in her behaviour.
She realised that the school term was at an end and now she would be in a form of day care.
This was made harder for her by the fact that her normal teacher, a favourite, wasn’t going to be looking after her.
She would be on leave.
Now Brianna would have to get used to a new person.
Our last few days was spent getting ready for our next adventure.
We needed to consider what we packed, as we were heading to Switzerland tomorrow and the weather would be much cooler there.
Having recently walked into Granada and back, when the temperature was in the mid 30°Cs, we now decided to stay inside.
This was a silly idea, as the temperature had dropped to the mid 20°Cs.
Tomorrow would be an early start, as our plane was due to depart at 09:25 hrs.
Thursday June 20, 2024.
Granada, Spain, to Geneva, via Barcelona and then to Lausanne and finally Arnex-sur-Orbe, Switzerland.
We got to the airport earlier than expected, due to a very efficient taxi driver.
Thea went looking for a stamp, as she had a post card to send to Aida in Australia, this one was from Brianna.
I’m afraid the postal system is dead. Not just in Australia but around the world.
We couldn’t get a stamp, let alone find a Post Office in Greece now it’s the same in Spain.
The only country, we have visited on this trip, that seem to have solved the post card issue is Italy.
There postage for post cards is handled by a private company, who provide their own stamps and letter boxes.
We were on another Vueling flight to Barcelona and we had seats 4A and 4B, very close to the front.
This is good in one respect as you get to disembark quickly but it has its issues.
So many people, who are sitting in the rear of the plane, put their cabin luggage in the front.
This left no space for our luggage.
Vueling have done so well in organising the disembarkation, by only allowing five rows at a time to leave.
Now they need to address the way people stow their luggage.
On our previous flight I discovery that the Maps App works while you are airborne, so long as you are over land.
This is great to see your flight, especially considering that airlines like Vueling don’t have any onboard flight monitoring.
The next stage of our trip to see Denis and Martine was a flight from Barcelona to Geneva, then a train to Lausanne. Here we will meet Denis and then travel, again by train, to Arnex sur Orbe.
What a luxury to have a train station at an airport.
It’s a shame that successive governments, since the 1960’s, have failed to pull their fingers from their arses and make it happen in Melbourne.
The Morel home in Arnex-sur-Orbe CH with the Barclay’s
Friday June 21, 2024.
Arnex-sur-Orbe, with a side trip to Lusanne, Switzerland.
Having had a latish night chatting we had a late start to the day. Also the clouds were threatening rain.
Coffee was at the local corner store, that’s also a supermarket and Post Office.
Yes the Swiss still have a postal system.
Then we had a stroll around the village and past Marine’s old house. This is a beautiful old building that’s been home to the Morel’s since 1604.
As the weather had turned a bit nasty, it was decided to visit Platform 10.
This is an art gallery right opposite the Lausanne railway station.
It consists of a series of contemporary buildings that hold a variety of exhibits.
The current theme was Surrealism.
The exhibition had art from the early days of the movement, in the 1920s’, to more contemporary works.
In the main gallery there were Surrealist paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, print making and film.
We then moved to Photo Ellis, a gallery devoted to photography.
The main feature there was an exhibition of the works of Man Ray (1890 – 1976).
Born Emmanuel Radnitzky, Man Ray was an American artist and a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements.
He spent most of his life in Paris and considered himself as primarily a painter, however his photo skills were also highly regarded.
Arnex’s Festival of the Quarter, Arnex-sur-Orbe CH
Saturday June 22, 2024.
Arnex-sur-Orbe, Switzerland.
Today was Arnex’s Festival of the Quarter.
At the start of Summer, each part of the town, have a neighbourhood get together.
Just two doors up from Denis and Martin’s place is a barn that has been converted into a reception venue and the owner opened it up for this gathering.
People bring a plate of food and the local wine makers provide the booze.
There is a small fee to pay but it’s very reasonable.
It’s a great opportunity for everyone in the area to congregate and catch up.
Of course we missed out on 98% of the conversations, as they were in French.
But there were a few people who had enough English to chat to.
It was a very interesting event and gave us a great opportunity to get involved in the lives of Swiss village people.
It wasn’t a great day, weather wise, so spending it indoors was a bonus.
Around Lac d’Annecy FR
Sunday June 23, 2024.
Arnex-sur-Orbe, Switzerland. to Annecy, France.
Heading to France today, as Denis and Martine had arranged a few days in the French town of Annecy.
To get there, Denis took us on a scenic route that passed Les Ponts de La Caille Charles Albert Bridge and the Les Usses Gorge.
Once we arrived in Annecy we had lunch at La Cuisine des Amis. This is a very traditional restaurant right on the main street of the old town.
In Annecy, we struck the tourists again. Which is not surprising, as this beautiful alpine town, in southeastern France, is where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River.
There was a bit of a muck up getting the keys to our Airbnb, as we couldn’t find the ‘Lock box’, that was strapped to a near by fence.
Once we found our Airbnb and settled in, we again concluded, that the their standards are far less than they were a few years ago.
Businesses have taken over their running and they are never tested to see if they work.
It was a Sunday when we arrived, so most places were shut.
We did find L’Authentic for dinner and then, much to my delight, Captain Pub, for a nightcap. This is a very funky venue in the old part of town.
Craft Beer is alive and thriving in Annecy and thanks to my daughter in law, Steph, I was alerted to it.
Cold bottled craft beer was available in small street stalls and many restaurants, while Caption Pub served a big range of excellent draught beers.
At Captain Pub I showed my interest in beer mats and came away with half a dozen of them.
The last part of the night was spent working, as I been sent an unexpected job late in the day that was urgent.
Monument national à la Résistance des Glières (Monument to the Resistance fighters) 1973, Plateau des Gilères FR
Monday June 24, 2024.
Annecy, France.
Breakfast was at the Airbnb as Denis and Martine had brought all we needed from home.
We then headed off to the Plateau des Glières.
During the Second World war this area was an important site for the French Resistance.
In 1944 the British dropped arms for the local fighters in the area. It was then used as a base of operations against the German rear guard, while awaiting the allied landing.
While we were at the Plateau des Glières we had coffee at Auberge des Glières with a wonderful view of the Alps, cows and fir trees.
The Olympic flame came through the area yesterday. It was on the way to Paris, in preparation for the forth coming Olympic Games
In the valley is a monument to the Resistance fighters.
One of the two leaders in this area was Tom Morel (1915 – 1944), possibly a relative of Martine’s family.
He was killed in action after a commando raid.
We had a picnic lunch lunch overlooking the Resistance Monument, which was very fitting.
Then it was back to Annecy and a pre dinner drink at Captain Pub.
Dinner was at Le Chalet, on the Le Thiou River and rather good it was as well
So far it’s been the trip of elevators. Our Airbnb had one and it was rather slow and very small.
We were on the sixth floor of the building and it seemed to take forever, when we needed to make an ascent or decent.
A boat tour of the ‘Savoie’ on Lake Annecy. Pity the commentry was just French. Annecy FR
Tuesday June 25, 2024.
Annecy, France.
After breakfast we went to visit the street market, that was very close to our Airbnb.
But before that we dropped in for a coffee at the aptly named ‘Coffee Shop’.
This was a skiing based establishment with seats made from skis and even a Tele Cabin was used as a coffee booth.
We were eating in tonight, so went shopping for dinner at the market
The next task was buying train tickets from Annecy to Geneva, which was part of our trip to Genova in Italy.
What a disaster.
At the railway station we waited 25 minutes in a queue to get to speak to a staff member.
There were six counters but only two were open.
Once we finally did speak to someone, we were told that you could only book your seat for the train three hours before departure.
But she couldn’t do it, as it had to be done via a machine in the foyer or online.
Thea practiced for another 25 minutes on the machine and got nowhere.
It was decided to try the online option.
That was done later in the evening and turned out to be just as much of a stuff up.
How anyone travels by train in France is a miracle.
Finally, with the help of Martine, Thea booked the tickets on Swiss Rail.
Trust the Swiss to get it right.
The weather was threatening for tomorrow, so we decided to do the lake cruise that afternoon, while it was still ok.
It was overcast but warm.
So warm in fact that I had to change into shorts, while we were back at the Airbnb for lunch.
This was the first time since we had left Granada.
When we arrived at the wharf, the one hour cruise was booked out, so we were forced to take the one that lasted one and a half hours.
The commentary was obviously informative and rather amusing, judging by the audience’s reaction and laughter.
Pity it was only in French.
The change in weather was evident by the growing cloud cover and it got darker and darker.
Which was not great for the snaps.
After the cruise Denis, Martine and Thea had an ice cream and then we returned to Captain Pub.
This is becoming a habit.
Again I had their draught, Brooklyn Pulp Art, IPA.
And again it didn’t disappoint.
Then the rain came down and the downpour drove everyone into the pub.
It was suddenly crowded.
Captain Pub is a traditional Irish pub, in the old part of Annecy, that’s been operation for over 15 years.
We were eating in the Airbnb tonight, as we had purchased everything at the market.
This gave us a real opportunity to test just how usable the apartment was.
It failed dismally.
No frying pan for our sausage, no lifters to handle them and very little implements to serve the meal.
I must admit, the idea of Airbnb was a good one when it started but now they are failing on all levels.
You used to hire a place that was lived in and therefore practical. Now they are run purely for profit and no one ever tests their usability.
Wandering around the canals of Annecy FR
Wednesday June 26, 2024.
Annecy, France.
It was our last day in Annecy with Denis and Martine.
After a coffee at Brasserie du Théâtre, which was the best so far, we went our own separate ways. We returned and spent time wandering around the old town area.
This was also our last photo opportunity, as we were off very early tomorrow, heading to Genova.
Lunch was back at our rooms, as there was food that needed to be finished before we left.
In the afternoon we visited Musée-Château d’Annecy. The Château was originally built in the 12th Century and then rebuilt in the 16th Century.
It was then bought by the town and turned into a museum in 1957.
Within it there is a mixture of exhibits, from the Middle Ages to Contemporary. There was also a temporary exhibition of ancient Peruvian artefacts.
The rain was threatening, so we returned to Captain Pub – again.
The midges were also there again, hovering just outside.
Dinner at Brasserie du Théâtre, where we had our morning coffee.
When we got home I had a bit more work to do but it didn’t keep me up that late. Which was good considering we had to be on a train at 6:45am the next morning.
Bus stop between Geneva CH and Milan IT
Thursday June 27, 2024.
Annecy, France to Genova, Italy via Geneva and Milan.
As planned we were up very early and on the train to Geneva at 6:45am.
At one and a half hours, it was the shortest trip of the day.
Our breakfast, at the station, cost Ch27 ($45) and a pee cost Ch1.50 ($2.50)
Switzerland is bloody expensive
Due to works on the Alpine tunnel we were forced to get a bus to Milan, not the train, which would have been easier and shorter.
On the bus we had our choice of seats. It was a big, double decker, bugger and relatively comfortable.
Which was good as we were here for about 6 hours.
It also had WiFi, which was good as I had a bit more work to do.
After the bus, we then had to get a train in Milan, which would be another 2 hours of sitting.
Our bus was late coming into Milan, due to a motorway accident, so we missed the connection for the train to Genova.
There was only a 30 minute changeover so missing it was very much on the cards.
We had to queue up at the Trenitalia counter and the line was out the door.
This is going to be a very long day.
Dinner was now at the railway station in Milan and not in the streets of Genova, as planned.
We finally checked into our hotel, The Best Western Metropoli, and went for a walk.
We were both buggered from the early start and sitting on our bums all day so we got an early night.
Luckily we were in Genova for three nights, so had some time to explore.
Palazzo Podestà (16th Century), Via Garibaldi (Via Strada Nuovo), Genova IT
Friday June 28, 2024.
Genova, Italy.
Genova is an important city from Thea’s past.
She worked here at Marconi in 1972, not long before she met Denis and me.
Just being in Genova again brought back so many memories for her.
This trip is certainly turning out to be an adventure into our past as well as the present day.
Our accommodation, the Best Western Hotel Metropoli, was very good. It was central to all things and well serviced.
There was even a good coffee shop and breakfast spot right under the hotel.
To get a great view of the city we took the Castelletto Levante. This lift, built in 1910, connects the town to the hills surrounding Genova.
Genova is a port city and capital of the Liguria region of Italy. Being a port city it has played an important role in maritime trade over the centuries.
It is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been inhabited since the fifth or fourth millennium BC.
Dogs are everywhere and many of them are larger than you would expect, considering that most of them live in the confined space of an apartments. And most of them are totally under control and well exercised. Plus, there is less poo on the streets than you might find back home.
Bravo Italy – woof.
The main form of transport around the city was by bus. However most of them were diesel, even thought there were cables for electric driven trolley busses everywhere.
I only saw one fully electric bus, that wasn’t a trolley but I didn’t see many of those either.
In the afternoon we took a Metro ride and then a walk to the Lanterna. This lighthouse was constructed in 1128 with the oil lamp first being lit in 1326.
It is the main light serving the Port of Genova.
The lighthouse tower is a landmark and can be seen from across the city.
I wondered why there was so much security in the area and then realised it was also a Marine Military base.
We had a Beer O’Clock drink at Barceló a bar in the colonnades overlooking Piazza De Ferrari.
While we’re having our drink, a street parade/demonstration passed thought the square.
It was in support of the fact that, on June 30, 1960, the people of Genova drove the neo-fascist Italian party out of the city.
The revolt was led by the unions and then joined by a range of local university students, teachers and city workers.
They all united to drive out the neo-fascist party.
Dinner was also in the square, at Cafè del Teatro and it was a disaster.
This was a great looking restaurant, right on Piazza De Ferrari, with a lot of outdoor seating.
That was the good part.
The waiters, when they turned up, were rude and the food and drinks took an eternity to arrive. At one point I had to go to the bar and ask where our food was.
That night I took great pleasure in writing a damming review and it was interesting to see that I wasn’t the only one.
MOG Mercato Orientale Genova (The market) IT
Saturday June 29, 2024.
Genova, Italy.
The day was expected to be warm, around 27°C.
It’s not a hot as Granada but Genova is a very enclosed city and the temperature is exacerbated by the narrow streets and tall stone buildings.
There is a street Via Venti Settembre XX (The Twentieth of September Street) that Thea wants to rediscover, so we will do that first.
We intended that the rest of the day will be spent exploring the local museums and palaces.
However that didn’t happen.
But first breakfast and a coffee.
We returned to Caffetetteria du Greta, the tiny café that’s under our hotel.
Today they still had some plain croissants left.
These were much better that the jam ones from yesterday.
What they also have is fresh orange juice and a good coffee.
The coffee was Tober, another Genovese special.
A longish walk up and down Via Venti Settembre XX and then a light lunch at Foocaccia.
It was intended to be a light lunch, as Thea and I decided to share a pizza.
It was so rich, that I think we need to walk a bit more afterwards to burn it off.
After a bit of a ’Nanna Nap’ we headed down into Via Garibaldi Gia Strada Nuovo.
The intention was to visit the grand houses, that line either side of this very well-to-do street.
We visited one and found it difficult to work out where to go to see the rest.
So we changed plans and went walking in the much cheaper side of town.
It was far more interesting.
This was the real Genova, with a very different ethnic mix to what was near our hotel.
We even discovered where the ‘Ladies of the Night’ hang out.
Well some of them at least.
We had done a fair bit of walking and the temperature was still in the high 20s, so we went for a pre dinner drink at Britannia Pub.
Yes, another English pub in Europe, this one established in 1974.
Why did the Brits ever leave the EU, the pub concept alone is their entry into a huge marketing opportunity.
At the pub, I naturally had an IPA, this one was from Vetra, an Italian brewery.
It was a very traditional brew, with a strong palate and without the fruitiness of the new world brews.
It was still very good.
Not wanting much for dinner, we went to the far side of Piazza De Ferrari.
There we found Caffè Balilla, established in 1934, it was perfect.
We both had a salad.
It still came with three proteins, cheese, eggs and tuna.
Well, this is Italy.
Our flight tomorrow wasn’t leaving until 14:40 hrs (2:40pm) so we still had time to see a bit more.
Luckily the hotel check out time wasn’t until midday, which kept everything rather relaxed.
Walk of Dolls (Another site dedicated to stopping violence against women), Piazza de Ferrari, Genova IT
Sunday June 30, 2024.
Genova, Italy to Barcelona, Spain.
On the move again today.
This time to Barcelona.
We have passed through Barcelona four times since our journeys started back in May.
This will be the first time that we actually leave the airport and visit the city.
A city that we are very fond of.
Our hotel is Genova has been great. Wonderful location, helpful staff and comfortable, if not a little cramped, room.
The only drawback is the street noise from the square, Piazza Fontane Marose, that’s right below us.
Buses, trucks, motorcycles, garbage collectors and emergency vehicles. They all made a contribution and so did the midnight to dawn revellers.
Lifts are another issue, but we have struck that everywhere on our travels. The one in this hotel was just slow and we seemed to wait an eternity for it to arrive.
We had breakfast at the same cafe, Caffetetteria du Greta, that we have visited over our stay in Genova.
And the same, heavily tattooed, guy was there with his three legged dog.
He has been there every morning, this time he was having a rather large glass of white wine.
It was a bit too early for us to join him.
After breakfast we went for a walk into a new area and found the park, Villetta Di Negro. This elevated green space gives you great views of the city and was just a short walk from our hotel.
It looked like a storm was on the way so we headed back to around the hotel.
It never eventuated.
We did a bit more walking, until it was time to checkout of the hotel and go to the airport.
After another relaxed Vueling flight to Barcelona we got a train into the city and then a taxi to our accommodation, the SERHS Carlit Boutique Hotel.
It was a little out of the centre but still easy to get around.
It had been a great few days in Genova.
Over the years we had tried to get there few times before, but failed.
I’m glad we made it this time, it sure brought back a lot of memories for Thea.
Plus it was an interesting journey through Renaissance Italy and the discovery of The New World by Christopher Columbus, who was originally from Genova.
We soon discovered after walking around the area near or hotel in Barcelona, that we were in the Asian district.
It was very Philippine.
After a bit of walking from our hotel we ended up very close to Arc de Triomf. There we discovered La Triunfal, which was, naturally staffed by people who originally would have come from the Philippines.
We decided on a meal of Tapas and found that we just kept on ordering more.
It was rather good if not a little expensive.
But they did give us a Lemoncello at the end, which was rather special.
El Gato in Ravel Rambler, Barcelona ES
Monday July 1, 2024.
Barcelona, Spain.
Rain was forecast for Barcelona and it didn’t disappoint.
It pelted down.
I had a bit of work, so we stayed inside until I’d finished and then we prepared to head out into the deluge, which was still making its presence felt.
Just next to our hotel was a small cafe, Viatger, and they had all that we needed to start the day.
Croissants, Orange Juice and Coffee.
Breakfast sorted and half the price it would have cost us in the hotel.
We then caught the Metro into the city.
The rain was still coming down and as we came out of the station we were surrounded by the local hawkers, trying to sell us umbrellas and plastic ponchos.
They are opportunists!
To escape the rain we visited the department store, El Corte Inglés and afterwards walked down La Rambla to the statue of Christopher Columbus and then back into the Raval area.
By this time the rain had stopped and it started to warm up again.
It was also now very humid.
Near Rambla Raval we found Café Moderno 1916 and had a lightish lunch.
We then headed off to rediscover the other side of La Rambla.
Here we did a bit of shopping.
A duck for Ronan, elephant for Thea’s collection, a turtle for Brianna plus two Tees, one for Ev and one for me.
I also bought a pair of shoes.
It was always my intention to buy a new pair as I had brought over an old pair and intended to throw those out, once I got the new ones.
Our final destination was Barcelona Cathedral.
Thea believed that we had never been inside, so €18 later, we had.
Once inside I felt sure that we had been there before.
It was now getting on towards 19:00hrs, so time to bring the walking to an end.
Well at least for the time being.
We then found Ølgot, a craft beer bar that we had visited a couple of times before.
Dinner was at Arume, another restaurant that we had also visited in the past.
This was Thea’s choice and a favourite of hers.
It’s a busy restaurant and very well run. We hadn’t booked, so had to sit at the bar and that was fun.
We almost became part of the place. We saw meals and drinks come and go and in the odd case rejected and then served again.
Anís del Mono factory, Badelona ES
Tuesday July 2, 2024.
Barcelona, Spain.
The rain has well and true stopped and the sky was blue.
A much better weather day in Barcelona.
We went next door to Viatger again for breakfast.
This was going to be yet another day of reliving old times, from back in 2012.
We were getting the train to Badalona and intended to walk the pedestrian street and then have lunch at one of the sea side restaurants.
However we walked a little further south than we intended and ended up at the pier. There we met up with the The d’Anís del Mono Monkey again.
La Guinqueta, which is on the Badalona Rambla, turned out to be the chosen place for lunch.
It wasn’t far from the railway line and we were constantly reminded of this by the passing trains.
Lunch was great and again I was surprised by how late the Spaniards eat. We didn’t leave until 16:00hrs and people were still coming in for lunch.
Then we stupidly decided to walk further north, to Montgat. This was our closest station in 2012.
That walk was another hour, but at least it helped to walk off some of our lunch.
The whole afternoon certainly brought back some wonderful old memories.
It was then back on the train to return to Barcelona.
After a bit of a break and a snooze for me, we headed out to find some dinner.
It had to be light after our ‘looooong’ lunch.
La Foga wasn’t far from the hotel and seemed to have a good menu.
However the food lacked flavour. I get the feeling that most of it was either frozen, old stock, or just not good quality.
However I did find another craft beer, a Complot IPA.
I have had this local beer before and it’s rather good.
La Pedrera – Casa Milà, Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona ES (Our only look at Antonio Gaudi on this trip)
Wednesday July 3, 2024.
Barcelona to Granada, Spain.
We returned to Viatger for breakfast.
The name means ‘Traveller’ in Catalan, which was rather apt considering where we had come from.
It’s been very handy to have a place right next door to our hotel. Everything has been good here, apart from the coffee.
That could do with some improvement.
It was then back to our room and we checked out and left our bags in reception.
We are returning to Granada this afternoon, so there still a bit of time left to do some more sightseeing.
So we walked down to Gracia, the area where Hayden once lived, in Carrer del Progrés.
The building was still there but huge changes had been made to the apartment area where he lived.
We then went to where he first lived, in Gracia in Carrer de Vic.
Nothing had changed there at all.
On our walk we came across La Pedrera – Casa Milà, by Antoni Gaudí.
This was our only contact, this trip, with the ‘Master Architect of Barcelona’.
A bit more walking around and back to the hotel and then off to the airport.
It had been a great couple of days in the city that holds so many fond memories for us and for the family.
As per usual the Vueling flight went without a hitch. It was a few minutes late but that wasn’t an issue.
We got a taxi at the airport and, in trepidation, I showed him H&A’s address.
“Ok” he said and we were on our way.
He barely looked at the map and got us there without a hitch.
What a turn around from the last bumbling idiot we had.
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Summer of 2024.Part 2: Spain, Switzerland, France and Italy.
Brianna’s concert at Paco Suca infant school, Granada ES
The Alhambra from Paseo de los Tristes (way of the lost), Granada ES
H&A’s from Thursday June 13 to Thursday June 20, 2024.
We will be spending the next few days with Hayden, Andrea and Brianna and playing them as they come.
Basically because we don’t have anything planned.
But first we had to organise some shopping which were mainly electrical goods.
I needed a new Power Bank, as my current one has all but died and badly overheats.
Not a good sign.
Thea needed a new USB, for storage and a Memory Card for her camera.
As Friday was cleaning day in the house, we had to be out by 11:00hrs.
Before shopping we had a walk around Granada.
Our first impressions of Granada, was how different it was, compared to Italy and Greece.
Especially when it came to the quality of life for it people.
Granada was clean, orderly and relaxed and the average person was better dressed.
There weren’t the uninhabited buildings, graffiti and abundance of street people that we saw in those two countries.
We had coffee at Kona, Hayden’s favourite. He not only has a coffee here but also buys his ground coffee from the same place.
We then headed to El Corte Inglés to look for what we needed.
The choice was limited and expensive so we contacted Hayden for some local advice.
We finished up at Wayland Computers.
Here we managed to get everything we needed and it was much, much cheaper than El Corte Inglés.
Out next trip is to Switzerland, on Thursday, to catch up with Denis and Martine.
So planning will be needed for that.
But before that we had to attend Brianna’s end of year concert at her school, Patosuca.
It was a bit like her judo night, a shambles but a lot of fun.
Brianna was suffering the ‘End of year blues’ and this was evident in her behaviour.
She realised that the school term was at an end and now she would be in a form of day care.
This was made harder for her by the fact that her normal teacher, a favourite, wasn’t going to be looking after her.
She would be on leave.
Now Brianna would have to get used to a new person.
Our last few days was spent getting ready for our next adventure.
We needed to consider what we packed, as we were heading to Switzerland tomorrow and the weather would be much cooler there.
Having recently walked into Granada and back, when the temperature was in the mid 30°Cs, we now decided to stay inside.
This was a silly idea, as the temperature had dropped to the mid 20°Cs.
Tomorrow would be an early start, as our plane was due to depart at 09:25 hrs.
Thursday June 20, 2024.
Granada, Spain, to Geneva, via Barcelona and then to Lausanne and finally Arnex-sur-Orbe, Switzerland.
We got to the airport earlier than expected, due to a very efficient taxi driver.
Thea went looking for a stamp, as she had a post card to send to Aida in Australia, this one was from Brianna.
I’m afraid the postal system is dead. Not just in Australia but around the world.
We couldn’t get a stamp, let alone find a Post Office in Greece now it’s the same in Spain.
The only country, we have visited on this trip, that seem to have solved the post card issue is Italy.
There postage for post cards is handled by a private company, who provide their own stamps and letter boxes.
We were on another Vueling flight to Barcelona and we had seats 4A and 4B, very close to the front.
This is good in one respect as you get to disembark quickly but it has its issues.
So many people, who are sitting in the rear of the plane, put their cabin luggage in the front.
This left no space for our luggage.
Vueling have done so well in organising the disembarkation, by only allowing five rows at a time to leave.
Now they need to address the way people stow their luggage.
On our previous flight I discovery that the Maps App works while you are airborne, so long as you are over land.
This is great to see your flight, especially considering that airlines like Vueling don’t have any onboard flight monitoring.
The next stage of our trip to see Denis and Martine was a flight from Barcelona to Geneva, then a train to Lausanne. Here we will meet Denis and then travel, again by train, to Arnex sur Orbe.
What a luxury to have a train station at an airport.
It’s a shame that successive governments, since the 1960’s, have failed to pull their fingers from their arses and make it happen in Melbourne.
The Morel home in Arnex-sur-Orbe CH with the Barclay’s
Friday June 21, 2024.
Arnex-sur-Orbe, with a side trip to Lusanne, Switzerland.
Having had a latish night chatting we had a late start to the day. Also the clouds were threatening rain.
Coffee was at the local corner store, that’s also a supermarket and Post Office.
Yes the Swiss still have a postal system.
Then we had a stroll around the village and past Marine’s old house. This is a beautiful old building that’s been home to the Morel’s since 1604.
As the weather had turned a bit nasty, it was decided to visit Platform 10.
This is an art gallery right opposite the Lausanne railway station.
It consists of a series of contemporary buildings that hold a variety of exhibits.
The current theme was Surrealism.
The exhibition had art from the early days of the movement, in the 1920s’, to more contemporary works.
In the main gallery there were Surrealist paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, print making and film.
We then moved to Photo Ellis, a gallery devoted to photography.
The main feature there was an exhibition of the works of Man Ray (1890 – 1976).
Born Emmanuel Radnitzky, Man Ray was an American artist and a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements.
He spent most of his life in Paris and considered himself as primarily a painter, however his photo skills were also highly regarded.
Arnex’s Festival of the Quarter, Arnex-sur-Orbe CH
Saturday June 22, 2024.
Arnex-sur-Orbe, Switzerland.
Today was Arnex’s Festival of the Quarter.
At the start of Summer, each part of the town, have a neighbourhood get together.
Just two doors up from Denis and Martin’s place is a barn that has been converted into a reception venue and the owner opened it up for this gathering.
People bring a plate of food and the local wine makers provide the booze.
There is a small fee to pay but it’s very reasonable.
It’s a great opportunity for everyone in the area to congregate and catch up.
Of course we missed out on 98% of the conversations, as they were in French.
But there were a few people who had enough English to chat to.
It was a very interesting event and gave us a great opportunity to get involved in the lives of Swiss village people.
It wasn’t a great day, weather wise, so spending it indoors was a bonus.
Around Lac d’Annecy FR
Sunday June 23, 2024.
Arnex-sur-Orbe, Switzerland. to Annecy, France.
Heading to France today, as Denis and Martine had arranged a few days in the French town of Annecy.
To get there, Denis took us on a scenic route that passed Les Ponts de La Caille Charles Albert Bridge and the Les Usses Gorge.
Once we arrived in Annecy we had lunch at La Cuisine des Amis. This is a very traditional restaurant right on the main street of the old town.
In Annecy, we struck the tourists again. Which is not surprising, as this beautiful alpine town, in southeastern France, is where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River.
There was a bit of a muck up getting the keys to our Airbnb, as we couldn’t find the ‘Lock box’, that was strapped to a near by fence.
Once we found our Airbnb and settled in, we again concluded, that the their standards are far less than they were a few years ago.
Businesses have taken over their running and they are never tested to see if they work.
It was a Sunday when we arrived, so most places were shut.
We did find L’Authentic for dinner and then, much to my delight, Captain Pub, for a nightcap. This is a very funky venue in the old part of town.
Craft Beer is alive and thriving in Annecy and thanks to my daughter in law, Steph, I was alerted to it.
Cold bottled craft beer was available in small street stalls and many restaurants, while Caption Pub served a big range of excellent draught beers.
At Captain Pub I showed my interest in beer mats and came away with half a dozen of them.
The last part of the night was spent working, as I been sent an unexpected job late in the day that was urgent.
Monument national à la Résistance des Glières (Monument to the Resistance fighters) 1973, Plateau des Gilères FR
Monday June 24, 2024.
Annecy, France.
Breakfast was at the Airbnb as Denis and Martine had brought all we needed from home.
We then headed off to the Plateau des Glières.
During the Second World war this area was an important site for the French Resistance.
In 1944 the British dropped arms for the local fighters in the area. It was then used as a base of operations against the German rear guard, while awaiting the allied landing.
While we were at the Plateau des Glières we had coffee at Auberge des Glières with a wonderful view of the Alps, cows and fir trees.
The Olympic flame came through the area yesterday. It was on the way to Paris, in preparation for the forth coming Olympic Games
In the valley is a monument to the Resistance fighters.
One of the two leaders in this area was Tom Morel (1915 – 1944), possibly a relative of Martine’s family.
He was killed in action after a commando raid.
We had a picnic lunch lunch overlooking the Resistance Monument, which was very fitting.
Then it was back to Annecy and a pre dinner drink at Captain Pub.
Dinner was at Le Chalet, on the Le Thiou River and rather good it was as well
So far it’s been the trip of elevators. Our Airbnb had one and it was rather slow and very small.
We were on the sixth floor of the building and it seemed to take forever, when we needed to make an ascent or decent.
A boat tour of the ‘Savoie’ on Lake Annecy. Pity the commentry was just French. Annecy FR
Tuesday June 25, 2024.
Annecy, France.
After breakfast we went to visit the street market, that was very close to our Airbnb.
But before that we dropped in for a coffee at the aptly named ‘Coffee Shop’.
This was a skiing based establishment with seats made from skis and even a Tele Cabin was used as a coffee booth.
We were eating in tonight, so went shopping for dinner at the market
The next task was buying train tickets from Annecy to Geneva, which was part of our trip to Genova in Italy.
What a disaster.
At the railway station we waited 25 minutes in a queue to get to speak to a staff member.
There were six counters but only two were open.
Once we finally did speak to someone, we were told that you could only book your seat for the train three hours before departure.
But she couldn’t do it, as it had to be done via a machine in the foyer or online.
Thea practiced for another 25 minutes on the machine and got nowhere.
It was decided to try the online option.
That was done later in the evening and turned out to be just as much of a stuff up.
How anyone travels by train in France is a miracle.
Finally, with the help of Martine, Thea booked the tickets on Swiss Rail.
Trust the Swiss to get it right.
The weather was threatening for tomorrow, so we decided to do the lake cruise that afternoon, while it was still ok.
It was overcast but warm.
So warm in fact that I had to change into shorts, while we were back at the Airbnb for lunch.
This was the first time since we had left Granada.
When we arrived at the wharf, the one hour cruise was booked out, so we were forced to take the one that lasted one and a half hours.
The commentary was obviously informative and rather amusing, judging by the audience’s reaction and laughter.
Pity it was only in French.
The change in weather was evident by the growing cloud cover and it got darker and darker.
Which was not great for the snaps.
After the cruise Denis, Martine and Thea had an ice cream and then we returned to Captain Pub.
This is becoming a habit.
Again I had their draught, Brooklyn Pulp Art, IPA.
And again it didn’t disappoint.
Then the rain came down and the downpour drove everyone into the pub.
It was suddenly crowded.
Captain Pub is a traditional Irish pub, in the old part of Annecy, that’s been operation for over 15 years.
We were eating in the Airbnb tonight, as we had purchased everything at the market.
This gave us a real opportunity to test just how usable the apartment was.
It failed dismally.
No frying pan for our sausage, no lifters to handle them and very little implements to serve the meal.
I must admit, the idea of Airbnb was a good one when it started but now they are failing on all levels.
You used to hire a place that was lived in and therefore practical. Now they are run purely for profit and no one ever tests their usability.
Wandering around the canals of Annecy FR
Wednesday June 26, 2024.
Annecy, France.
It was our last day in Annecy with Denis and Martine.
After a coffee at Brasserie du Théâtre, which was the best so far, we went our own separate ways. We returned and spent time wandering around the old town area.
This was also our last photo opportunity, as we were off very early tomorrow, heading to Genova.
Lunch was back at our rooms, as there was food that needed to be finished before we left.
In the afternoon we visited Musée-Château d’Annecy. The Château was originally built in the 12th Century and then rebuilt in the 16th Century.
It was then bought by the town and turned into a museum in 1957.
Within it there is a mixture of exhibits, from the Middle Ages to Contemporary. There was also a temporary exhibition of ancient Peruvian artefacts.
The rain was threatening, so we returned to Captain Pub – again.
The midges were also there again, hovering just outside.
Dinner at Brasserie du Théâtre, where we had our morning coffee.
When we got home I had a bit more work to do but it didn’t keep me up that late. Which was good considering we had to be on a train at 6:45am the next morning.
Bus stop between Geneva CH and Milan IT
Thursday June 27, 2024.
Annecy, France to Genova, Italy via Geneva and Milan.
As planned we were up very early and on the train to Geneva at 6:45am.
At one and a half hours, it was the shortest trip of the day.
Our breakfast, at the station, cost Ch27 ($45) and a pee cost Ch1.50 ($2.50)
Switzerland is bloody expensive
Due to works on the Alpine tunnel we were forced to get a bus to Milan, not the train, which would have been easier and shorter.
On the bus we had our choice of seats. It was a big, double decker, bugger and relatively comfortable.
Which was good as we were here for about 6 hours.
It also had WiFi, which was good as I had a bit more work to do.
After the bus, we then had to get a train in Milan, which would be another 2 hours of sitting.
Our bus was late coming into Milan, due to a motorway accident, so we missed the connection for the train to Genova.
There was only a 30 minute changeover so missing it was very much on the cards.
We had to queue up at the Trenitalia counter and the line was out the door.
This is going to be a very long day.
Dinner was now at the railway station in Milan and not in the streets of Genova, as planned.
We finally checked into our hotel, The Best Western Metropoli, and went for a walk.
We were both buggered from the early start and sitting on our bums all day so we got an early night.
Luckily we were in Genova for three nights, so had some time to explore.
Palazzo Podestà (16th Century), Via Garibaldi (Via Strada Nuovo), Genova IT
Friday June 28, 2024.
Genova, Italy.
Genova is an important city from Thea’s past.
She worked here at Marconi in 1972, not long before she met Denis and me.
Just being in Genova again brought back so many memories for her.
This trip is certainly turning out to be an adventure into our past as well as the present day.
Our accommodation, the Best Western Hotel Metropoli, was very good. It was central to all things and well serviced.
There was even a good coffee shop and breakfast spot right under the hotel.
To get a great view of the city we took the Castelletto Levante. This lift, built in 1910, connects the town to the hills surrounding Genova.
Genova is a port city and capital of the Liguria region of Italy. Being a port city it has played an important role in maritime trade over the centuries.
It is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been inhabited since the fifth or fourth millennium BC.
Dogs are everywhere and many of them are larger than you would expect, considering that most of them live in the confined space of an apartments. And most of them are totally under control and well exercised. Plus, there is less poo on the streets than you might find back home.
Bravo Italy – woof.
The main form of transport around the city was by bus. However most of them were diesel, even thought there were cables for electric driven trolley busses everywhere.
I only saw one fully electric bus, that wasn’t a trolley but I didn’t see many of those either.
In the afternoon we took a Metro ride and then a walk to the Lanterna. This lighthouse was constructed in 1128 with the oil lamp first being lit in 1326.
It is the main light serving the Port of Genova.
The lighthouse tower is a landmark and can be seen from across the city.
I wondered why there was so much security in the area and then realised it was also a Marine Military base.
We had a Beer O’Clock drink at Barceló a bar in the colonnades overlooking Piazza De Ferrari.
While we’re having our drink, a street parade/demonstration passed thought the square.
It was in support of the fact that, on June 30, 1960, the people of Genova drove the neo-fascist Italian party out of the city.
The revolt was led by the unions and then joined by a range of local university students, teachers and city workers.
They all united to drive out the neo-fascist party.
Dinner was also in the square, at Cafè del Teatro and it was a disaster.
This was a great looking restaurant, right on Piazza De Ferrari, with a lot of outdoor seating.
That was the good part.
The waiters, when they turned up, were rude and the food and drinks took an eternity to arrive. At one point I had to go to the bar and ask where our food was.
That night I took great pleasure in writing a damming review and it was interesting to see that I wasn’t the only one.
MOG Mercato Orientale Genova (The market) IT
Saturday June 29, 2024.
Genova, Italy.
The day was expected to be warm, around 27°C.
It’s not a hot as Granada but Genova is a very enclosed city and the temperature is exacerbated by the narrow streets and tall stone buildings.
There is a street Via Venti Settembre XX (The Twentieth of September Street) that Thea wants to rediscover, so we will do that first.
We intended that the rest of the day will be spent exploring the local museums and palaces.
However that didn’t happen.
But first breakfast and a coffee.
We returned to Caffetetteria du Greta, the tiny café that’s under our hotel.
Today they still had some plain croissants left.
These were much better that the jam ones from yesterday.
What they also have is fresh orange juice and a good coffee.
The coffee was Tober, another Genovese special.
A longish walk up and down Via Venti Settembre XX and then a light lunch at Foocaccia.
It was intended to be a light lunch, as Thea and I decided to share a pizza.
It was so rich, that I think we need to walk a bit more afterwards to burn it off.
After a bit of a ’Nanna Nap’ we headed down into Via Garibaldi Gia Strada Nuovo.
The intention was to visit the grand houses, that line either side of this very well-to-do street.
We visited one and found it difficult to work out where to go to see the rest.
So we changed plans and went walking in the much cheaper side of town.
It was far more interesting.
This was the real Genova, with a very different ethnic mix to what was near our hotel.
We even discovered where the ‘Ladies of the Night’ hang out.
Well some of them at least.
We had done a fair bit of walking and the temperature was still in the high 20s, so we went for a pre dinner drink at Britannia Pub.
Yes, another English pub in Europe, this one established in 1974.
Why did the Brits ever leave the EU, the pub concept alone is their entry into a huge marketing opportunity.
At the pub, I naturally had an IPA, this one was from Vetra, an Italian brewery.
It was a very traditional brew, with a strong palate and without the fruitiness of the new world brews.
It was still very good.
Not wanting much for dinner, we went to the far side of Piazza De Ferrari.
There we found Caffè Balilla, established in 1934, it was perfect.
We both had a salad.
It still came with three proteins, cheese, eggs and tuna.
Well, this is Italy.
Our flight tomorrow wasn’t leaving until 14:40 hrs (2:40pm) so we still had time to see a bit more.
Luckily the hotel check out time wasn’t until midday, which kept everything rather relaxed.
Walk of Dolls (Another site dedicated to stopping violence against women), Piazza de Ferrari, Genova IT
Sunday June 30, 2024.
Genova, Italy to Barcelona, Spain.
On the move again today.
This time to Barcelona.
We have passed through Barcelona four times since our journeys started back in May.
This will be the first time that we actually leave the airport and visit the city.
A city that we are very fond of.
Our hotel is Genova has been great. Wonderful location, helpful staff and comfortable, if not a little cramped, room.
The only drawback is the street noise from the square, Piazza Fontane Marose, that’s right below us.
Buses, trucks, motorcycles, garbage collectors and emergency vehicles. They all made a contribution and so did the midnight to dawn revellers.
Lifts are another issue, but we have struck that everywhere on our travels. The one in this hotel was just slow and we seemed to wait an eternity for it to arrive.
We had breakfast at the same cafe, Caffetetteria du Greta, that we have visited over our stay in Genova.
And the same, heavily tattooed, guy was there with his three legged dog.
He has been there every morning, this time he was having a rather large glass of white wine.
It was a bit too early for us to join him.
After breakfast we went for a walk into a new area and found the park, Villetta Di Negro. This elevated green space gives you great views of the city and was just a short walk from our hotel.
It looked like a storm was on the way so we headed back to around the hotel.
It never eventuated.
We did a bit more walking, until it was time to checkout of the hotel and go to the airport.
After another relaxed Vueling flight to Barcelona we got a train into the city and then a taxi to our accommodation, the SERHS Carlit Boutique Hotel.
It was a little out of the centre but still easy to get around.
It had been a great few days in Genova.
Over the years we had tried to get there few times before, but failed.
I’m glad we made it this time, it sure brought back a lot of memories for Thea.
Plus it was an interesting journey through Renaissance Italy and the discovery of The New World by Christopher Columbus, who was originally from Genova.
We soon discovered after walking around the area near or hotel in Barcelona, that we were in the Asian district.
It was very Philippine.
After a bit of walking from our hotel we ended up very close to Arc de Triomf. There we discovered La Triunfal, which was, naturally staffed by people who originally would have come from the Philippines.
We decided on a meal of Tapas and found that we just kept on ordering more.
It was rather good if not a little expensive.
But they did give us a Lemoncello at the end, which was rather special.
El Gato in Ravel Rambler, Barcelona ES
Monday July 1, 2024.
Barcelona, Spain.
Rain was forecast for Barcelona and it didn’t disappoint.
It pelted down.
I had a bit of work, so we stayed inside until I’d finished and then we prepared to head out into the deluge, which was still making its presence felt.
Just next to our hotel was a small cafe, Viatger, and they had all that we needed to start the day.
Croissants, Orange Juice and Coffee.
Breakfast sorted and half the price it would have cost us in the hotel.
We then caught the Metro into the city.
The rain was still coming down and as we came out of the station we were surrounded by the local hawkers, trying to sell us umbrellas and plastic ponchos.
They are opportunists!
To escape the rain we visited the department store, El Corte Inglés and afterwards walked down La Rambla to the statue of Christopher Columbus and then back into the Raval area.
By this time the rain had stopped and it started to warm up again.
It was also now very humid.
Near Rambla Raval we found Café Moderno 1916 and had a lightish lunch.
We then headed off to rediscover the other side of La Rambla.
Here we did a bit of shopping.
A duck for Ronan, elephant for Thea’s collection, a turtle for Brianna plus two Tees, one for Ev and one for me.
I also bought a pair of shoes.
It was always my intention to buy a new pair as I had brought over an old pair and intended to throw those out, once I got the new ones.
Our final destination was Barcelona Cathedral.
Thea believed that we had never been inside, so €18 later, we had.
Once inside I felt sure that we had been there before.
It was now getting on towards 19:00hrs, so time to bring the walking to an end.
Well at least for the time being.
We then found Ølgot, a craft beer bar that we had visited a couple of times before.
Dinner was at Arume, another restaurant that we had also visited in the past.
This was Thea’s choice and a favourite of hers.
It’s a busy restaurant and very well run. We hadn’t booked, so had to sit at the bar and that was fun.
We almost became part of the place. We saw meals and drinks come and go and in the odd case rejected and then served again.
Anís del Mono factory, Badelona ES
Tuesday July 2, 2024.
Barcelona, Spain.
The rain has well and true stopped and the sky was blue.
A much better weather day in Barcelona.
We went next door to Viatger again for breakfast.
This was going to be yet another day of reliving old times, from back in 2012.
We were getting the train to Badalona and intended to walk the pedestrian street and then have lunch at one of the sea side restaurants.
However we walked a little further south than we intended and ended up at the pier. There we met up with the The d’Anís del Mono Monkey again.
La Guinqueta, which is on the Badalona Rambla, turned out to be the chosen place for lunch.
It wasn’t far from the railway line and we were constantly reminded of this by the passing trains.
Lunch was great and again I was surprised by how late the Spaniards eat. We didn’t leave until 16:00hrs and people were still coming in for lunch.
Then we stupidly decided to walk further north, to Montgat. This was our closest station in 2012.
That walk was another hour, but at least it helped to walk off some of our lunch.
The whole afternoon certainly brought back some wonderful old memories.
It was then back on the train to return to Barcelona.
After a bit of a break and a snooze for me, we headed out to find some dinner.
It had to be light after our ‘looooong’ lunch.
La Foga wasn’t far from the hotel and seemed to have a good menu.
However the food lacked flavour. I get the feeling that most of it was either frozen, old stock, or just not good quality.
However I did find another craft beer, a Complot IPA.
I have had this local beer before and it’s rather good.
La Pedrera – Casa Milà, Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona ES (Our only look at Antonio Gaudi on this trip)
Wednesday July 3, 2024.
Barcelona to Granada, Spain.
We returned to Viatger for breakfast.
The name means ‘Traveller’ in Catalan, which was rather apt considering where we had come from.
It’s been very handy to have a place right next door to our hotel. Everything has been good here, apart from the coffee.
That could do with some improvement.
It was then back to our room and we checked out and left our bags in reception.
We are returning to Granada this afternoon, so there still a bit of time left to do some more sightseeing.
So we walked down to Gracia, the area where Hayden once lived, in Carrer del Progrés.
The building was still there but huge changes had been made to the apartment area where he lived.
We then went to where he first lived, in Gracia in Carrer de Vic.
Nothing had changed there at all.
On our walk we came across La Pedrera – Casa Milà, by Antoni Gaudí.
This was our only contact, this trip, with the ‘Master Architect of Barcelona’.
A bit more walking around and back to the hotel and then off to the airport.
It had been a great couple of days in the city that holds so many fond memories for us and for the family.
As per usual the Vueling flight went without a hitch. It was a few minutes late but that wasn’t an issue.
We got a taxi at the airport and, in trepidation, I showed him H&A’s address.
“Ok” he said and we were on our way.
He barely looked at the map and got us there without a hitch.
What a turn around from the last bumbling idiot we had.
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