European Adventures - Day 13

Today we went on a tour of our own around the Caesar’s Roman Forum in the morning and also the wonderful Colosseum. Took lots of photos. While we were at the forum a storm rolled through and we got a little wet in the gardens... bright flashes and loud cracks of thunder.

Forum

Temple/Church

European Adventures - Day 12

Today we got up early as we wanted to make it to Pompei as early as possible. We then had dramas from a not being able to park outside the hotel to load up, then at tunnel was closed so we had to go around a major diversion adding lots of time. We still managed to get to Pompeii around 9.15am from our place near Sorrento.

Pompei was fantastic and the weather was great too. So awesome to learn about the history of the place. Unfortunately there were a few more diversion when walking around that made it difficult to navigate.. And the villa that Kate was looking forward to seeing was mostly closed. We spent about 4 hours here then when back at the car got some oranges from the trees nearby.

Pompeii

Statue in Pompeii

European Adventures - Day 11

We had a short sleep in this morning before taking the elevator up to the top. We tried to walk to bus stop to make our way to Amalfi but we couldn't find it… We bought some tickets ended up missing the bus then started to walk back to the hotel but we changed our minds… All a bit of a messy morning... The bus to Sorrento was then late. Then from Sorrento and it was a hour and a half trip to Amalfi ended up getting there at 2pm. Someone threw up on the bus too so it wasn't very pleasant..

Positano maybe?

Duomo in Amalfi

European Adventures - Day 10

Today we decided to do Capri. There was a deal on for a private charter. 75 Euro each to see the island for 4 hours and then take a boat ride around the island and see the different grottos. It was just us and 6 others on a luxury charter and what a great day. Weather was good, and Capri is such a nice island, lovely spots to stop and swim. 

Dad on the boat to Capri

European Adventures - Day 9

Breakfast at the hotel then made our way to Piano de Sorrento. The drive was easier than both dad and I thought it would be. We stopped off at a caffe for a snack and saw the angel on the cliff in Maratea and just around the bend were some stunning views of the sea. 

Views near Maratea

 The road took us through a national park with villages scatted around. After stopping for a short break outside the national park we arrived at the hotel and the road down was VERY steep.

Example of sweet bridges

European Adventures - Day 8

Today we had breakfast at a local caffe and went down in the cable car to the shoreline in Taomina. We made our way to the Greek theatre which was amazing and huge. Second biggest in Sicily.

Down on the beach in Taomina

Greek Theatre

European Adventures - Day 7

In the morning we had breakfast at the same place by the Duomo. Dad had an almond granite (a local breakfast ice cream type food) with brioche. We all had a try and decided it was nice but weird for breakfast…

Jim drove to base of Etna, I drove up to the top and I was glad it was a big tourist pull so the roads were nice and easy. Change of clothes half way us as it started to cool down. The road was near a previous lava flow and there were ruined houses around. At one stage we could see just the roof top of a house and nothing more. There was a small blast about 6 weeks ago; not sure what damage it did if any. We rode the cable car the rest of the way. Quite expensive at 30 Euro but I guess of the Etna blew they would need all that money to rebuild! The cable car lasted 10 minutes to the top, we then had a great look down over south eastern Sicily.

View from half way up Etna

Near the top of Etna

European Adventures - Day 6

Today was breakfast at a place near the Duomo. Nice pastries and cappuccino. We then visited the Duomo in all its glory. Nice paintings on the ceiling and old pillars holding the structure up.

The Duomo

Painting in the Duomo

European Adventures - Day 5

Today was a driving day from Agrigento to the villa Romana dei Casale near Piazza Armarina. The villa was amazing with mosaic floors over the whole mansion. There were three different pool rooms of different temperatures; a 1600 year old gym, whore house, gladiator ring and more. Some of the mosaics were the 60m long... the length of the corridor.

Hunting Mosaic

European Adventures - Day 4

Breaky at the hotel was lovely and fuelled up for a big day ahead. We avoided the hawds of tour bus guests (soon to be us). We explored the valley of the temples above Agrigento, and we could have spent longer. It’s an amazing network of temples built along an escarpment a few kilometres away from the coast where we are staying. The temples are the remaining elements of a Grecian come Roman town. All the temples and most of the artefacts are Grecian style from 500 bc-200 ad, some were converted and used as churches in 600ad. The tallest temple would have been 30 metres tall. The first picture below reminds me of a walker from star wars ha.

Ruin at the Valley of the Temples

Well preserved temple and Agrigento in the background

European Adventures - Day 3

Today we got up early for a nice buffet breakfast at the Joli hotel in Palermo. On offer was fresh croissants, meats, breads, cereals, yoghurt and all good stuff. Jim drove from the hotel to Mondello Beach (20 mins) for a strong coffee and a stroll on the beach to see the sights. 

Hotel Joli in Palermo

Mondello Beach

European Adventures - Day 2

Day 2 - Sunday

Today we had a big walk around Rome, after a nice breakfast at the hotel we stated quite early around 8.30 and headed to Trevi fountain stopping in on a random church on the way which was amazing, then on to the Spanish steps close by. Walking the streets early was nice and peaceful. 

Fountain Roundabout

Trevi Fountain

European Adventures - Day 1

Most of the way there, currently sitting in Dubai having a coffee date with the Fiance’. Cost up 44 AED…whatever that means but hey we needed the caffeine.

Kate has developed some cankles and requires a good stroll around the airport. There are so many duty free shops in the airport it's crazy; aisle upon aisle of luxury products. Incredible wealth. There was even a four storey water feature just at the entrance to the subway.

Auckland seems an age away but it was only 24 hours ago, or two dinners, a nap and some breakfast since we left the rain. When we landed in Dubai it was 30 degrees at 5am.

We have been extremely lucky with our seats, getting a row of just two, to ourselves. The food and service was amazing. Loving emirates. Our next leg is our final leg before we officially start our holiday with a night in Rome. Have spotted the plane and it is big, a two storey A380-800. Better hit the baby wipes shower and a change of clothes then. The 777 on the way here had stars on the roof at night time looked great.

Stars on the 777

Wedding Venue and Christchurch Visit

After a visit to see the venue I thought I would post some photos of the venue as the outside has now been stained and looks great.