28.9.14 European Holiday with David Browne

European Holiday  Paris here we come!

24th September 2014

David and I leave on Etiad flight Ey461 at 22.40. I was tired and went straight to sleep without any pills. Had the best sleep ever on any plane I've been on. Row 12 H business class. Seats easy to get off to go to the loo even when you have a tray.
A stop in Abu Dabi in the most stunning new lounge after a shower and massage felt pretty good. No alcohol consumed by me,.

25th September
We land in Paris about 2.30pm and a pleasant drive to the hilton Opera Concorde. The hotel is being refurbished and the rooms are stunning. Parisian chic in grey art nouveau style. Marble bathroom not large but quite suitable. Fantastic soundproofing for great sleep.
Our first stop is Hermes, funny about that as I wanted to see if I could get my Birkin and Evelyn bag refurbished while in Europe. I was introduced to Carin who tried to see if this could be done, but no it would take 4 mths and problems with customs. We kept talking about bags etc and showed her my Louvre limited edition hermes scarf. She was pretty taken by it. I then asked her if by any chance there were any Birkin bags available, me assuming as it was fashion week they would be cleaned out . She asked me when I was getting back to Paris and I told her later in Oct.she smiled and said I think we may have something then! An appointment was made!
25th oct. Carin then asked if I would like to view the very exclusive jewellery exhibition they had on. They do it every 2 years. I collected David who was sitting down exhausted after our walk from the hotel and we both experienced this amazing viewing.Pieces worth 2 million euros! Oh we also saw a crocodile skin table and 6 chairs work half a million euros!
We were then shown around the store by Carin , my new very best friend!
By this time we are exhausted and after a vino head to bed no dinner as we had had a good meal on the plane!

26th September
Today we are wondering around the shops, Printemps first stop and a couple of lovely bright jumpers are bought .
Colour is so in here. Vibrant hot pink, orange, corn flower blue, lime.
Also sneakers for men and women. Everyone wearing sensible shoes for walking, yippee! We are wearing our Summer golf shoes which are so comfortable. We walk to rue saint Honore tuilles garden have lunch at a small cafe .
I just loved the sight of the haute couture Madame in her white coat tape measure around her neck having a quick espresso at the cafe bar! So French !
More walking then we sit for vino at a cute place called rue Honore and watch the world go by.
David gets tired so he goes back to the hotel and I'm on the search for repetto ballet shop which I'm sure isnt to too far from the hotel. Well I walk around the bloody opera for about an hour getting so cross with my self as I can't read the bloody map! Jet lag getting to me. I was determined I wouldn't  go back till I found it. I had asked at the opera shop for directions. Well at last I find it, now I can head home after a good hour and a half walk, but it was great exercise!

Tonight we ask the concierge where to go for dinner and he suggests across the road to Garnier. David had the best duck ever and I had grilled sea Perch on a bed of orange carrots! yum!


27thSeptember grand final day the Hawks v Swans

Breakfast and I contact Alex to hear that the Hawks are 10 goals ahead! An amazing win! Very  happy!
Off to the airport and here I purchase 2 pairs of repetto ballet shoes! Hot pink and orange!

On a Fin air flight to Helsinki and then onto Prague!






28th September Prague  

After our arrival last night we went for a walk and dinner in a restaurant close by the hotel. Hilton in the old quarter.

Today we did a 6 hour walking tour of Prague . Up to the castle and then walked  done to Charles bridge touched the statues for good luck more churches then a funny lunch of pork sauerkraut and Potato then passed the tower and back to the hotel. A big day!

Early start in the am as we drive to Budapest .

Prague is a very beautiful city of 1.5 million people, quite stunning.

29th September. Prague to Budapest Hungary

Our driver picks us up at 8.00 a,m and it takes 5 hrs to get to budapest . We get to the linchit 19 hotel which is pretty basic but costs 210 euros on the Budapest side of the river behind the caste  .

Went and had lunch then walked round the streets and between the two bridges. Walked for miles

30th September 22 degrees cabin 231 starboard Budapest Hungary 

First thing up the vehicular to the castle,  then on the hop on hop off bus which was fabulous. New York cafe the oldest here baroque renaissance  style opulent for lunch. Walking we Then went to  the museum of horrors The home of the SS killing people up to 1967. Extremely well done in this sS headquarters where people were tortured and murdered.

Boarded ship at 4.00 pm. New 2013 room very small with tiny balcony .but everything has a place. Comforty bed and locatane   products and lovely sheets. The staff are fabulous the decor very Nordic and stylish. The ship comprised  of manly american Canadians and few New Zealanders and us! Although programme director thought there were 6 Aussies on board.

Had drinks dinner on bow of ship  a light salad dinner as I had too many nibbles. After dinner we went to Jewish area where they converted old houses into bars it was eclectic and interesting David went under sufferance but enjoyed it!

1st October 20 degrees. Budapest 

We walked along the Danube to see the 60 pairs of shoes depicting the holocaust these people were shot into the Danube.

Then into the city to the covered market which was fantastic. Bought some paprika which Budapest is famous for.

Then wandered down the Vaci Utca to the famous Cafe Gerbeaund which opened in 1870. Again it is a grand building in the Rococo style and a favourite of The composer Franz Liszt. After lunch I went and had my hair done for 15 euros and she was so good. Couldn't speak English but just did it beautifully. Back to the ship and pre dinner cocktails. Had dinner in the dining room with Jack Lyne Honeymooners Shaun andCourtney. The food was stunning absolutely 5 star. I ordered nothing for dessert snd out came a plate with the words Nothing on it! Very funny. After dinner we got into the mood with me leading the dancing with some Americans! Very funny! A great night,.

The age is about our age to mid 70s and they are certainly a rather glam group. Can't fault anything at moment. The boat cruises with no noise and so smooth

.

2nd Oct cruising to Bratsaliva arrive 1.00 19 degrees.  Slovenia 

About 8.30 am we went through our first lock , the first of 68! A lazy morning with a talk on Mozart which was most interesting as we are going to a concert tomorrow evening.

Another fine weather day although a little cooler.

As soon as we had had lunch I hopped off and went for a brisk walk into the centre of the town and had a wander around . Nothing had changed since I was last here about 7 years ago, it just looks a little more prosperous!

Back to the ship for a tour in the bus then a walking tour. Our guide is very cute with a lovely sense of humour. We went to the castle passing the Beverly Hills of Bratisalvia and some amazing homes one with a glass garage car overlooking the most stunning vista!

The castle was boring but what the heck! Then a walking tour. But she did tell us they manufacture 1 million cars a year here including Porsche cayenne vws Kia . A population of 5 million so has the highest car manufactures in the world per head of population !

The town square is foot traffic only and gorgeous buildings baroque to Art Deco . The home of Liszt  one building we pasted. The home of the executioner with his logo on the wall, a red hood! Finally ending at the beautiful opera house which she said the people of Vienna drive too,  one hour to go there and  much cheaper and better than the opera theatre in Vienna.

Sitting on the bow deck with sunshine having a glass of wine ! Doesn't get much better than this!

Friday Oct 3 rd Vienna.  17 degrees Austria 

We did a walking tour leaving the boat and going on the metro. The guide was great pointing out all sorts of things I didn't know about Vienna. We went Down little lane ways passing the stables of the lipasenne   horses seeing them with their riders after training.

We had Vienna schnitzel in the oldest wine restaurant opened in 1905. Then the famous sacha torte with fresh whipped cream! A huge food day, the pants are getting tighter.

In the evening we went to a Mozart concert in the hors palace. Modern paintings  with gold gilt work didn't do it for me. The music was lovely.

Saturday 4 th oct  16 degrees

Melk Austria

sailing down Danube Wanchau  district , wine growing area passing the old caste where Richard the lion heart was held in town of durnstein

It is so relaxing watching the passing world go by. Vines creeping up hills passing derelict  castles and small villages. This area is very picturesque and wonderful to sit and pass us by.

David knee went on him this am which is a bloody pain as most of the sight seeing is walking!

We get to Melk and David stays on board . This is a 900 year old Abbey which is still, run by the monks, 30 I think. It is also a school. It is so opulent and huge as it also had guest quarters for the imperial family from Vienna hosburgs queen Elizabeth . Theses areas are stunning beautiful parquet floor painted ceilings and huge enamel heaters. Another unique area was the library . Here 10,00 books are held and where recovered in the later 1800s. Books up to the ceilings with ladders and secret doors so light could come in as it was not allied for candles or any form off heating or lighting in case of fire. We cannot photo this area. But there are 10 of these library's housing 100,000 books which is incredible. This is an amazing building and the chapel very impressive but as I don't have any religious bone in my body I feel it's all just so ............? As I've just lost mum 17 days ago I certainly can't feel any godliness . I miss her so much, more than she would expect as she told me I would but she would always say just think what she would do in this situation , well I don't know what to do as she didn't tell me how to cope without her . I go to phone and write a card everyday as I did and there's such a void.

Anyway after this tour we are left to wander back through the delightful village. There are plenty of stairs which David wouldn't cope with and a good walk back yo the ship about 3/4 hour. I did stop on the way and pick up some jeans and a top.

Back on board and a strudel demonstration a few wines  and bloody peanuts so I don't want a full on dinner so a la cas chicken Caesar no dressing just divine at the bow of the ship.

Sunday oct 5 th 16 degrees  Passau Germany 

Cruising along the Danube is so relaxing and scenery scattered with different coloured houses. Passau is famous for the st Stephens church with the boroc decoration and the largest organ in Europe . Not being too impressed with churches it was pretty beautiful and although ornate not gold. Stunning painted ceilings and I did light a candle for Mum and shed some tears hoping she was in heaven with all the angels painted on the ceilings not in hell where she thought it would be more interesting!

This little village has cobblestone windy narrow roads and around every corner another church! Think there were 10 in a very small area. We bought some Bavaria hats for David and one for Gaven and even me! A couple of  scarves for  David. Unfortunately most of the shops where closed which was a Buggar  as they had a really great Brax shop there! Oh well next port of call. The weather is cool overcast no wind so very pleasant. We bough some ginger bread from Simons a very old confectionary shop. Had lunch over looking the Danube at paulsembogen hotel restaurant and had calf liver with cabbage yummy!

A brisk walk home and a couple of souvenirs, Xmas decorations brisk walk and now sitting on bow of ship in a rocking chair glass of vino in hand heater on no wind going down the Danube, also so quiet. These boats are so so quiet and no movement st all , better than a car!

Monday 6th October 18 degrees Regensburg  Germany

Here 1000 bmws  are made a day. The city is 900 years old filled with old roman ruins. Every time they dig to make a new building they find some old relics.

The city again is winding cobblestone narrow roads filled with rather nice shops. The main feature is its a university town so lots of students Who ride bikes. 

The cathedral is gothic style and called St. Peter's. Again grand and the acoustics quite amazing. Went to light a candle for Mum but it wouldn't light which was funny and I couldn't stop laughing it just wouldn't light. Yesterday I shed a tear when I lit one for her! Obviously she just didn't want me to do this especially in a Catholic Church.

We had again a very good walking tour and guide. They certainly give you lots of information . Schindler from the movie  Schindler list  lived here and saw his home. 

There is only 3% unemployment so very affluent city. 150000 people live there

. 

Here I bought a cuckoo clock they are made in the Black Forest sending it home with bear for Sunday! Clock cost 142.00 euros.

Bought some lovely clothes about 500.00 dollars worth, all Italian designed and made.

Bought red hat for Gaven

7th October 19 degrees sailing to Nuremberg arrive 1.00. David's birthday

Had lecture this am on the EU which was interesting. Going through lots of locks and even an aqueduct we on of the road and cars under us

The ship.

my room is starboard room 231 so I'm facing starboard going the way we are travelling . Has a small balcony. Some rooms don't on level with reception .think this is good for future plans. Haven't used balcony, is it worth the extra expense.

68 locks to go through. On our 1800 km journey to Amsterdam.

We arrived Nurumburg  and off we went to do a tour of the city ending up at the medieval castle. We passed a beautiful cemetery where each family is responsible for the maintenance of the pots that are place on  top of the tomb. Passed the court where the trials take place with the gloomy prison behind the courts.

Also the nazi meeting forum building . Same as the colosseum in Rome but 1.5 times bigger. It was never used. The walls 30 feet deep and was to seat 50.000. It is empty.

The castle was designed by a roman architect in the Middle Ages .  A great guide told us how it was built and once it was built it was never required as the enemies where so frightened of it. During the war it was used and bombs couldn't destroy it so people hid there.

We then wandered down from the castle to the market square with the beautiful fountain.  And that's its name . Of course we pass another large church which is now Lutheran .

Here the market square sells the famous gingerbread biscuits which are soft and sweet with a marzipan flavour.

I wandered and found Hermes bought David a tie for his birthday and me a ring that matches my silver bracelet

As David didn't walk down the hill I couldn't find him. Love the shops filled with Xmas decorations and the red and white candy striped awnings over the stores on the cobblestone streets .   

8th Nov Wed 19degrees light rain for a few minutes

This am we have a lazy morning while travelling to Bamburg

Arrive at Bamburg about 10 15 min drive. Here we leave the ship who will meet us at 7.00pm in Haussau after going through many locks and tight bridges. They take the chairs  umbrellas and fences down and even the captains bridge goes down so the captain can just put his head through the hole and guide the ship. Sometimes there is only inches to spare and we have seen a photo, literally 3 inches.

The town of Bamburg is again an USECO city and 1000 years old. Main industry is car seat making exporting all over the world. Plus a university city. This town was exceptional with 2 rivers either side of an island. The bridge going over river also houses the mayor office. The building is magnificent with magnificent paintings.  1000 years old.  this bridge was used for the movie 3 musketeers with Orlando Bloom. 

Also Bamburg is famous for beer with the oldest brewing house in the country 1535. Renowned for iis dark beers with a smoky flavours and  tastes like smoked ham and rather nice! There are 300 beer breweries and 400 beer taverns in the town! Amazing. Again winding streets with wonderful medieval buildings. This town wasn't bombed as it had no industry here. So pretty well preserved, just a couple of buildings went down.

The wonderful Xmas shop was captivating and I bought some decorations and what they call smokys! Place a piece of incense in it and smoke comes out smelling of what ever I've bought which is Xmas, and gingerbread! Bought gingerbread lady for Warhursts as they love their gingerbread and a cute little snow man. These Xmas items are not cheap but beautifully handmade and so very unique.  

I had my hair done which cost 25.00 euro, not bad, Budapest 15.00 euro. Still both much cheaper than Melbourne.

We then left the market square in front of statue of Neptune for half an hour drive through pretty countryside to our ship. The staff greeting us with welcome back signs each holding an individual letter. Very cute. Hot towels in hand.

9th nov 23 degrees stunning

Today we berth at Wursburg but we are taking the romantic drive to Rothensburg another medieval city. The drive is spectacular little villages stunning 1000 year old homes in farming land of fields of corm canola and apples and pears that are used for the schnapps! Big here!

The drive is 1.5 hours and so pretty and you the villages don't look like they are in  habituated. No graffiti , so.neat and tidy and picturesque.they look like chocolate boxes.1000years old timber framed with the cattle living underground. Here we are in northern Bavaria called Franconia. Here the people are quite strange in their upbringing of where they come from? No  different from being a Tasmanian. To a Victorian although we come from Australia .

We  arrive at this walled town on a stunning day. Walk through the grassy lawn and garden through. Small entrance to the cobblestones of Rothensburg. Again it  just takes our  breathe away Every town  we have been too we think it's the best. This is stunning.. Of course a chapel leads us to the  end of the.street we walk to the . Square.the steepled church in the background .divine.the most important thing they are famous for  is the Christmas Shop Kathe Walthe, starting in 1964 when they fled from Russia . Here is the centre of Christmas open 365 days a year. It takes your breathe away. Every thing hand made and of course I bought plenty! . At least they ship home.

The town  square in all these amazing places, this divine place represents the centre of town and meeting place

Again this town is an Unesco preserved city.

Every time we go to one of these places I think they are the best! But this at this stage is! No Muslins,  no graffiti, a few Chinese . I might add this is every where I go. I feel like I'm back 30 years. I would love to live in  This wonderful environment . No fat people as they all walk or mainly ride . The only fat  people our us westerners.

After spending from 11.30 - 3.10here and I might add I could have walked  around the city which would have taken 1.5 hrs which is more my go but David is incapacitated and can't walk! .  We had lunch which consistences of Bavarian sausages and a piece of bread . After another walk around the city I had to have a coffee and taste the snow balls or German name I have photographed , not bad but again fattening. 

We wandered this delightful city and then had a drink with Phillip and his wife Andrea from Montreal Canada.

This gorgeous town is the Christmas town filled with Kathe Wohfahrt stores. I'm totally in love with these shops and have bought some stunning things.

We where then bused back to Wurzburg a larger city with the amazing Palace which we opted to not go through. I rather like the wander through the amazing small roads and amazing medieval buildings . Clock towers with all the clocks always on time, squares and as the day was so

beautiful, a summer day in Germany which took me back to  my time in Hamburg. Still ,no wind perfect temperature . The town centre filled with people drinking and around the town square.

Trams fabulous shops and the very old buildings surrounding us. Had we not been to The other town we would have loved this place , but our quaint Rothensburg northern Bavaria, Franconia was outstanding. But all these places get better and better.

This evening we had a  glass blowing exhibition with Karl 6th generation glass blowers from the next town  of Wertheim. Here they make a million pipettes for scientific use a day and also fibre optics in this village of 25,000 people. Just amazing all these places we go to have amazing business

 The shop is called Bon-apart.

I was called up to have a scull of jaggermister which I'm familiar with being a skier, it is a heavy duty schnapps.! Then I had to blow and I made a ball. Loved doing it!

Friday 10th October 17 degrees ! Very light rain for half an hour.

The ship moors right in the town so we head off ourselves and wander around of course looking for the glass gallery? We find it and of course I purchase a stunning plate in red and orange, 290.00 euros delivered. Stunning then after wandering around this quaint place not as good as Rothensburg I saw this amazing bird lamp in the window in orange. David negotiated a price of 400.00 euro and the deal done!

The boat leaves at 12.45 and before we head off I do a fast walk for 20 mins, as everything is getting tighter and tighter! Oh shit!

This afternoon is lazy aboard the ship. A coffee demonstration of Rudesheimer kaffee coffee brandy brown sugar whipped cream. Dark chocolate . I had it with no cream and delicious served in special cups. As we meander down the Main we pass a few castles and pretty villages.

We don't arrive in Koblenz till 2.30 pm tomorrow. markburg Castle is next stop! 

saturday 11th Oct 19degrees

As we had an early night we actually got up early fiver us. Well lying in bed at 7.00a, watching the world go by. The scenery beautiful vines divine houses autumn leaves turning red and all in silence. A track along the river provides locals with a beautiful place to walk run or ride or even take their dogs for a walk.

Leisurely breakfast and then we sit for a few hours watching the most amazing vistas. Castles villages with church's clocks chiming it's breathtaking.

Eventually we get to Koblenz at about 1.30 and here we are off to Marksburg Castle. We are dropped off and have to walk 200 metres up an incline, well David nearly karks it and can't go on when we get to the castle door so he goes no further. We walk over the rough and rugged path and  walk around the dry moat which has since been planted with a wonderful herb garden, oh some 10o years ago. This castle was creepy and dark and I certainly had no desire to live there! The kitchen housed by the maids also had the animals living with them and you could just about smell it? In winter they blocked the windows with mud and then timber to keep them warm, no light. Salt was so previous a lb of salt = lb of gold hence where we got the word salary from.

The knights who worn armour weighing up to 20 kegs when they went to jostle had to lift up their face masks with their right hand  that held their sword to  check that the person was who he was meant to be. His shield identified who he was.

A torture chamber. The ladies room sparse with a couple of large trunks a double bed where they would sleep sitting up . We climbed tight narrow stair cases with rope handles to the turret above and to get an amazing view of district. 

After this tour we went back to the town where David and I walked around looking at the shops town square, everyone eating ice cream on a gorgeous warm autumn day.

Tonight the ship had gone to a out of effort to present German night with the staff dressed up Milos arriving on a barrel,pretty cool the kitchen was  open and we had delicious German food. The kitchen was well set up and imaculent. Plus they had great windows for the staff at least to get a view of the outside world. Schnapps was flowing, pretzels sausages yum pork knuckle sauerkraut all delicious ! Our lovely Natasha and Peter the bar staff who are divine looked gorgeous as did Gary the programme manager in his ledenstans, well leather pants! 

We were then able to have a lovely German dinner even getting it from the kitchen a piano accordadist and German girl with a barrel, cute music.

Sunday 12th Cologne  20degrees

Today I thought I won't take a jumper omg how silly was I? It was freezing. Here we are back in the big smoke on a Sunday so no shopping! Frustrating as I look into a lovely Hermes shop near the cathedral . We go with the group to the church which took 750 years to build, think it was  finished in the 1800s.  

I just couldn't do another church, gothic, yes lovely and grand I appreciate it's beauty but I'm not that interested as they all look the same. David and I went in so to say we've done it. They were doing mass so we couldn't get too far in! Lucky us! Yes I lit another candle for Mum and this time she lit!

After this we had coffee to wait for the museum Lugwig to open. Here is the biggest collection of Picassos in  Europe we weren't let down! The building all white and so light it was breathtaking  here was housed a collection of contempary art Enrich Heckel Picasso micro wonderful black and white wall paper huge artwork by Louise Lawler from US. Kandinsky Paul Kee, David Hockney and Andy Warhol. This was a highlight of this trip plus there was no one there we had these master pieces to ourselves. We then headed along the river to have lunch which was ordinary and I sat there with a rug around me! We then went to the Roman museum which was also interesting. Boy the Romans where everywhere, what an empire they had. Every time they did here for a new home or building, road etc they find Roman ruins!

I then did a brisk walk back to the ship and a bit further, need the exercise as I've put on weight, this is the downside of a cruise!

Tonight it's Captains  cocktail party and dinner so need to dress up a little! Ugh! The staff are introduced the usual stuff and instructions for departure. We have dinner with Lynne and Jack who we had dinner on the first night just the four of us which was great. Afterwards David and I had a discussion , the usual re Michael  Blanche his lying and alcohol infused abuse. It just doesn't change and I know it won't. When Michaels not around we do have a lovely time and we get on so well. He's the  cause of all David's problems which David won't accept and he can't say no to him. A fucking shame.

Monday 13th October 16 degrees cruising the Rhine 

Last day on board the landscape has changed and have seen our first windmill . The houses different and feel we have come out of fairy land , no more half timber houses, back into the big smoke and another adventure awaits!

This afternoon we visit windmills and how they maintain the dykes!  

We visit the little place of 18 windmills Kinderijk. Flat as one would imagine the information on the levelling of the water is a little confusing other than the turbos transport I million litres per minute up!  The windmill housed a family of husband 12 kids ! Omg the tiny space  and all the different levels with steep stairs to each level. I imagine the accidents with all the kids

After the  tour I walked back quickly to the boat to get some exercise a drink then down to dinner the last night which we had by ourselves which wad nice. We were able to keep our distance on the ship which made it more pleasant for me. I don't want to get involved with people I'm never going to see again And enjoyed just being with David..

14th oct Amsterdam 16 degrees

We have an early start as we have to pack  and we have plenty! Of crap! We get up early and  pack then breakfast   off the ship in our hotel the Canal House by 9.30 am . This is a small  boutique  hotel on a Canal the Decor rather gorgeous. Black walls with only black mirrors of all different shapes and sizes on one wall. The entrance white walls and again. Lots of paintings all different shards and sizes.

We head off to Anne franks house which is only 5 Munda away and we wait 1.5 hrs to see inside, worth the wait and the inspiring thing is they are all young kids . After this we go to the most fab restaurant recommended by the hotel and then we wander and yes we seem to be smelling pot and See shops selling it and seeds, plus I now look up and we are seeing girls in windows , I think David's  is in heaven his eyes light up and I'm sure he'd love to experience it! They do their moves ll behind the glass. 

We shop we walk in a light drizzle but there's something special about this place the canals the bikes! Gorgeous houses and fit healthy people.

Back to the hotel via a little stop off for a drink back  to thehotel quick change a  fab dinner round the corner delicious 

15 th oct Dublin

Up early again to pack breakfast and then to post office to send stuff home ,  we are flying economy and can't buy extra luggage as they don't have business. This costs 65 euro for 6kgs ! Back to hotel and off to the airport . We are still over by another 7 kegs this time we are charged for75 euros. A flight toDublin check into The dawson Hotel old but quaint and we have a suite o level 3 , stairs. Great location. Do the bus tour then wander and go to called ...... wine bar meet Gerard who imports  wine so could be a good contact for Scotchmans.

16 th October cool and a light rain

A leisurely morning then we go to Trinity College to see The Book of Kells written in 900 ad. Beautiful . Then a. Spot of shopping off to fabulous lunch in Italian restaurant with just bookcases filled with wine labels small blackboard with name of wine and in between narrow glass shelving to the floor filled with corks.

Name is.                     And in the street with lots of coloured doors!

Wander around the shops then go to The Shelbourne for a drink then  Sheenans pub for Irish stew!

Yummy!

Home and early am

Friday 16 th October 15 degrees

Up early to go and get my pants shortened that I bought from Reiss. There at 8.30 a, around the corner from the Dawson? We do look out if the window and across the road is an elephant at the Mayors house, yesterday a big box with straw and today an elephant making lots of noises . After the pants are measured we go to cafe for breakfast and Halloween is every where! Pumpkins ghosts all divine are every where! I love it they really get into the spirit here! Off we  go to tourist centre for maps and info. Back to pick up the pants and next stop Waterford. I've always had a yearning to go here as I've always adored Waterford crystal and never been able to afford it. A wonderful exhibition of divine things . I purchase 8 champagne glasses for Alex and Kate, I'm sure Kate will love but not so sure about Alex! We ask Mary the way to go to Cork and she tells us but we take a left instead  of going right but we travel around the coast line in the pouring rain seeing the ruggedness of Ireland . We arrive in a Cork pouring rain at 5.00pm and the instruction by our tomtom we just don't get as we can't read the street signs and a verve we turn left! It took us hours well I guess a good hour to eventually get to Hayfield Manor. Arrive at last ! 

It's rather quaint 88 rooms, which are large . The dark timber and ambience and just bloody glad we are here! Dinner  very average 4 out of 10 great chile wine !

Saturday 17th October 18 degrees room 302 hayfield manor Cork raining

Decide to go to the farmers market down town which is a pleasant 25 minutes walk which is a great start to the day especially to David! We walk down and wander around have breakfast there and then neatly go on a Cork hop on hop off bus tour. Decide it's better to use the car so a good walk back and get the car . Off to the Blarney Castle and it's beautiful set in acres of garden. Hardly anyone there which is great. It's very bleak looking and foreboding as we climb towards it. Then 100 step which are very narrow with the rope handle just like the castle in Germany! We get to the top which I'm proud David did 80 metres high. The wind blowing. Here I have to sit down on my back and lean back while a man holds me while I kiss the stone! Yes it's a bit scary! Especially when you  lie  hold the rail look down the hole. Luckily you hang onto a rail to do it and there are rails across it so you don't fall! I can now cross this off my list of 99 things to do before you die!

David didn't do it but he did get to the top ! Photos taken and down we go!

We then go to the Blarney Woollen mills with the biggest store of Irish  stuff I've ever seen!

Get the aren jumper for 53.00 euros not bad in cream. Now we think well go to the Titanic exhibition so set the gps and off we go. It's further than we think so turn round and come home. Change a quick drink and off to  Paradiso a vegetarian restaurant that David had seen written up. We get gary the concierge to  book it and off we go! Only down the road. It is amazing the taste sensations divine! Buy two books by the owner. With the meals we have had tonight! Yummy!

Back to the hotel for some Local mead called Drom..... 22 percent alcohol! Yummy!