Bronnie's Travels: August 2011

24th AUGUST HONFLEUR FRANCE TO PARIS AND HOME

Farewell all !!! I say my good byes to Charles Rhyukoo Manchui Joan and Jim Green my ship neighbours, Amercians, the best dressed couple Barry and Sue Pain from Manchester who had similar business to me! Gianni who had also sent me a dinner inviatation tonight!!

Tim took me off the ship and spoke to my driver who was lovely with little French.

He then drove me around the stunning village of Honfleu, would adore to stay there and see more of it

An easy drive to Paris, would have liked just a little time to shop!!!

In the Qantas lounge about to have a massage and facial before getting on the QF 10 9.30 to Melbourne!!!

Best Item I packed was my lightweight back pack!! It is filled but at least I can carry it on my back!!

Till next time!!!

23RD AUGUST 2011 BRUGGE BRUSSELS LAST DAY AND NIGHT

23^rd AUGUST 11 BRUGGE BRUSSELS

I woke to pouring raining , thick fog, lightening everywhere! It was quite earrie but not cold.

I was to meet Karen from the shop at 8.30 but a no show. I saw Jimmy and he said she was coming.

By 9.00 I decided to take off leaving a message with the sailor I had gone to Brugge on the train.

7.00 euro return and just across the road.

KAREN BROWN

Hopped on and arrived in 10mins. It is raining but really very pleasant and I made my way to the town. Again I was blown away by the brick buildings dating 16^th century and even some bridges 12 th century.

This is a wonderful end to my holiday. A town of such beauty, horse and carts clipping by !

I bought a couple of cards stood in the square and wrote them off to the post office and then heading to canal to do a canal trip.

I turned around as I thought I had gone the wrong way and there was Karen!!

She had had an emergency a purchase of 60,000.00 hadn't gone through and the passengers had the items. They had to make sure it was cleared before she got off.

We did the canal cruise which was divine, again these beautiful brick houses so old and elegent.

Then we had mussels for lunch and by now I was ready to go home.

I asked about Gianni’s health as he went awol a few days ago.Susie and I were worried about him as he puts in 150% and has a huge job. Anyway after the dinner I had with the difficult customers his blood pressure went up and he collapsed When I saw him yesterday at the terminal he said he was going to hospital for tests and later in the day he said he was ok. But a bit worrying. When you do 4 mths straight 7 days a week 24/7 no exercise you have to worry.Anyway lets hope the scare will make him slow down! Umm probably not!!

Karen walked me back to the station to kill time for her as she had to go on the bus thinking that was the way I had got to the town.

Glad I didn’t have to go as it didn’t leave till 3.45p.m. and I was home by 3.00p.m

Packing and shit its bloody tight!!!

I had a rest for the first time since Suzie and I were together! So good

I then met Manchui for our last dinner under the stars!! Deck 8 So good grilled snapper and prawns a few vegs, glass of wine!

WE had a great evening and I was sad t say good bye to my friend Manchui. Anyway we are going to keep in touch and maybe well see each other in New York, Japan, HK, Bali or Australia

An early night!!

MANCHUI AND I

THE A TEAM

Yippee!!

22ND AUGUST AMERSTERDAM 22 DEGREES SUNNY

22^nd AUGUST AMERSTERDAM 22DEGREES SUNNY

The sun was shining a gorgeous day and Im on a tour with just 12 people

WE walk down the pier and catch a beautiful old boat and cruise the canals passed Anna Franks place at 11.00am the queue was huge.Glad I did that years ago.

We got out of the boat and walked to Museum Van Loom.

A stunning old 16^th century home that the last owner has opened up with all the existing furniture. Mr Van Loom was the Dutch India merchant and extremely wealthy.

The garden at the back of the house leading to the old sables was a treat to see.

Another walk down the street alon g the canal to another gracious old merchant house, this time Geelvinck.

Again a charming home with the parterre garden and the old coach house, well in fact it was another house with again stunning antique furniture and paintings.

From here I left the group and di my own thing. I wandered past the floating flower market where hundreds of bulbs and flowers are sold.

Ducking down side streets and along the canals to the Dam, a square where here I sat having coffee in the sun and watching the world go by. I had forgotten how beautiful Amersterdam is.

The stone buildings along the canals, people riding bikes everywhere, there is no noise of traffic.

I cant wait to get the bike out on my return! Ive been inspired by all the countries I have visited with bikes everywhere. But they don’t have to wear helmuts and they certainly look more elegant, plus no one is fat!!

Emmy our guide was te lling us that it only costs 140 euro per annum to have a boat licence and everyone takes their little boats to visit friends and shop! Very civilized!

I then walked again back to the ship a good half hour walk. At least getting some exercise but the cobblestone pavments I wont miss , they not that comfortable to walk on.

Tonight I was having dinner with Tim the guests relations Manager.

We dined under the stars which I love, a blanket around my shoulders and simple plain food, steak and salad!

Then along came Manchui and Charles his Dad. We had lots of laughs and then Tim went and so did Charles. Not long after Manchui and I hit the sack!

Another late night!!