Once upon a time, in lands far far away, travellers from Australia, New Zealand, UK, America, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia prepared for the Europe trip of a lifetime: 14 countries across 26 days – 2011 being the first year Expat Explore has offered such an itinerary, and our journey just the second on this route!
Reasonably timid at first, we politely greeted each other by the coach at Expat Explore’s Canada Water (London) meeting spot in early August. So much ahead − travel discoveries and many new friends who by now are comfortable around each other – dirty jokes, no make-up and singing presently part of our daily repertoire.
We’re back on the ferry that runs between Calais and Dover, where we met Sarah and Amy for the first time, strangers, but now we are friends.
Amanda and Phil, and Evan and Leann now cross back to the UK as engaged couples! Phil, Rose, Brad, Alex, Cassie and Ash head back to resume life as Aussie expats in the UK. Amy’s off to live in Paris for a year; sadly mother and daughter teams Lindsay and Shawna, and Grace and Caroline part ways again to live in separate countries. Davin will meet up again with his lovely sister, Sarah, who was on the first half of our trip, while Will and Ann continue through Europe for a little while longer before moving back to NZ. Hector may meet up with fellow Espanol-speaker Julio (who left alongside Sarah in Rome) for a drink in London. Tash and Frank will continue to travel for a while, like us. Sapna and her lovely family will get back to life and work in Johannesburg, and Isaac (our birthday boy yesterday) is heading up to Scotland for a week to party with some old friends.
It was extremely sad to say goodbye to our fellow travellers this morning who were staying in Paris for varying reasons, and especially to farewell Ali, our tour guide who has given us so much over the past 26-days – information, inspiration, friendship and leadership.
We’re all unsure about how to resume a normal routine after this, but as with everything in life, we’ll just get on with it. Thank God for Facebook and its ease of staying in touch!
Last night we each said goodbye to the experience in our own way: Tash, Frank, Evan and Leann among a few others spent some time down by the Eiffel Tower with wine, sparklers and cameras, of course. Will and Ann met up with some local mates, cruised around Paris and took a moment to pay tribute to Diana at the spot where she passed – would you believe yesterday evening marked the 14th year anniversary of her tragic death.
A crew of us went out in the Latin Quarter to indulge in ‘happy hour’ cocktails at the ‘sexy time’ Latin Quarter lounge bar and the fabulous pub/club/karaoke spot diagonally opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, Bar St Michel for singing and dancing.
Paris is divine and I’m glad to have had another chance to explore its beautiful boulevards and especially to have had another look at (and inside) one of my favourite buildings in the world, Notre Dame Cathedral. Of course everyone’s day included different sites, and much of the group explored as one during two walking tours of the city. A fitting final day and night on what has been a truly fabulous trip which we initially embarked upon for the sake of ‘travel’, but which I’d also recommend for the surprise element – the people, friends, that you meet and bond with along the way.
To Ali, Steve our lovely, professional coach driver, and all the group who I may or may not have mentioned in this particular post, it’s been brilliant, and just as each place we have visited has its own charm, you all have your own gorgeous personalities and have each contributed in your own way to make the experience extra special. We hope to see you all again online and in person soon.
Travel safe and thanks for the memories x
PS if you are in Paris and located near the Jaures metro stop (as we were), be sure to indulge in a meal at Les Delices d’Amour (3 Avenue Jen Jaures 75019). I told them I’d give them a ‘shout out’ (hi guys!), but I think the fact we ate there four times in 24 hours is testament to how good the food is (and inexpensive too). The line out the door at lunchtime somewhat resembles that of The Soup Nazi’s on Seinfeld so don’t miss out if you’re in the neighbourhood.
I had a sneaking suspicion that I’d like beautiful Barcelona. All of our friends in London have maintained for a while now that we’d like the place; additionally we’ve been attempting to learn Spanish on and off since late last year. I suppose Spain has always been of interest to me, so it’s been amazing to actually visit. Evidently we’re not alone in maintaining a fascination with the country – tourism is a critical industry and more tourists visit annually than the actual population of the nation!
While I’d love to explore the rest of Spain because I believe there are many more beautiful and exciting pockets to discover within the country itself, and despite us really only encountering an ‘overview’ of Barcelona, our general consensus is – we love it here! I’d love to return to Prague or Rome, but Barcelona is one of those places we could live in. It’s one of our new ‘cool’ cities, like New York, Tokyo, London or Vancouver. Barcelona has a nice energy – like London, but without the hectic pace. Our time here has been sunny, brimming with friendly people speaking in their seductive native tongue, delicious food, fabulous neighbourhoods with interesting architecture, sculpture and modern art, chic shopping, beautiful beaches lined with sexy bars and restaurants (like the Carpe Diem Lounge Bar, pictured below, where we enjoyed a cocktail last night with Leann and Evan), and even a fabulous dog park opposite our (very comfortable) Ibis hotel. It’s all here!
Two days in Barcelona hasn’t been long enough for Cooper and I, but we felt that we utilised our first free day (yesterday) pretty well by purchasing a hop-on-hop-off Barcelona Bus Turistic pass (buy online for a 10% discount) which cruises around the city on three separate routes and offers a value-for-money guided overview of each neighbourhood, history and attractions.
Temperatures have been a little down from Italy (thank God) so the open-top view from the bus was enjoyable as we snapped photos of the city under the sun. There are more attractions here than I can even begin to name in this post (and unfortunately many more than we could actually visit in two days) but at least we managed to learn about and see many of the city’s gorgeous medieval cathedrals, Olympic stadium and arenas from 1992’s set-up (an image at end of post), Barcelona football club’s headquarters (and thousands of fans gearing up for the game that was being played last night), precincts down by the marina, and of course many enthralling sculptures and architectural wonders that Barcelona is renowned for.
In particular, the works of Antoni Gaudi dominate the city which, whilst being both modern and cosmopolitan in nature, boasts a rich history in architecture and the arts. In spite of fascinating Romanesque and Renaissance period buildings, it is Gaudi’s ‘Modernisme’ and structures like the stunning (yet unfinished) ‘Sagrada Familia‘ (pictured above) which attracts millions of visitors to Barcelona each year and is of interest to even the likes of me (and I know nothing about design or architecture, although I can appreciate that which is innovative and pleasing to the eye).
There’s an aquarium and a zoo here, famous shopping and people-watching mall La Rambla, and as mentioned, a simply divine strip of clubs and restaurants (including a popular ‘Ice Bar’ (even the cups and candle-holders are made of ice, as Leann and Evan discovered, pictured below)) by the beach and casino (off Ciutadella Vila Olimpica train stop). The transport network here is efficient and inexpensive, at just €11 for a two-day pass, or about €8 for a multi-trip pass.
There is something for everyone in this loveable Spanish city – art, design, beaches, shopping, music, food (glorious food – our fabulous ‘lunch’ image above – a €9 authentic buffet in the Gothic Quarter, but we’ve also indulged in tapas and paella of which you can find many restaurants, particularly along La Rambla), history (modern and ancient) and of course, sport.
For anyone landing here during a football (soccer) game, try your luck at the ground’s box-office for tickets – do not buy from sellers in the street as your tickets are likely to be fake.
Travel tip:
On the note of ‘warnings’ – Barcelona is renowned for pick-pockets and thieves. While we didn’t encounter any problems, some travellers we know did. Keep belongings with you/in sight at ALL times (on the town, in hotel reception, at train stations etc.); and also when you are leaving your bus/hotel/belongings always ensure you are carrying a credit card and cash as well as phone and/or contact numbers for emergencies in the event you are separated from friends/tours/in the face of any kind of trouble or unforseen situation.
A phrase book can come in handy in Barcelona, although mostly we got by with a few key words/sentences and some enthusiastic acting.
Leave time for exploring this city, and it’s probably a good idea to research what you would like to see before you get here, and/or enlist the services of a tour such as the Bus Turistic option so that you have the opportunity to become acquainted with where everything is located and how it all fits into the grand scheme of things: circle points on your map, then follow the train loops and live it up with the gorgeous locals.
Explorer travel tip:
I’ve just discovered that Susan on our Expat Explore bus found an amazing €15 sailing deal – one and a half glorious hours out on the ocean off Barcelona, with live music included! Definitely one to look out for next time around.
If you’re a fellow Expat Explorer or fan of this city and want to list your fabulous Barcelona finds/tips for other travellers, simply ‘comment’ below.
I never imagined I’d be beside the sea in the south of France, but here I am! Excitement mounted as we glimpsed our first stretch of coastline on our way through from our stop in Pisa yesterday.
On the left hand side was a great expanse of ocean sparkling in the sun; to the right, homes and even castles scattered across the mountains, becoming dense closer to the more populated areas.
The views speckles in and out as we cruised through one tunnel after another. I’m enchanted by the huge structures perched on mountains in Italy and into France’s border. It amazes me that the people chose to build their homes high on hills – the landscapes differ from what I’m used to in Australia, and although I’m sure it must be challenging to get in and out of some of these high-set homes and communities, they do look quite beautiful as we pass by.
The clear blue ocean of the Mediterranean lay in wait for us us across The French Riviera – land of sun, olive oil and red wine. Apparently doctors in the UK used to send people with tuberculosis to stay in the region because of the healthy, happy lifestyle – over 300 days of sun each year!
Coming across from Italy and towards the ocean we drove down the biggest mountain range I’ve ever been on. I thought the road from Cairns to Kuranda (Queensland, Australia) was high, but this is about five times that. I’m not partial to heights, but the view down to the coast and across the hills is mesmerising, and as we came closer to the ground we were surrounded by more green mountains, mansions balancing on hill-tops, pretty ocean housing yachts, cruise ships, marinas and thousands of people playing in the lapping waves.
Our Etap hotel was located across a road from such a picturesque scene, in the cute little seaside village of Menton – an ideal location for exploring surrounding favourites like Cannes, Nice and Monaco. Also a great place for a few impromptu Expat Explore Friday evening drinks down by the marina opposite the hotel.
Travel tip:
This region can be quite pricey, so shout yourself a nice dinner along the waterfront, but buy your own alcohol to take-away and enjoy elsewhere if you are on a budget like us.
From Menton it is simple to explore the Riviera precincts. Purchase a €12 day pass and train it to Cannes, about an hour away, famous for its film festival, Nice, about a half hour away, and Monaco, approx 15 minutes from Menton. Apparently this is the most densely populated country in world yet arguably the smallest, and hosts the most number of police-per-person in world.
While some of our group made it to Cannes we were a little delayed at the train station so decided to start our free day’s adventure in Nice, a gorgeous beach-side city. It’s surrounded be cliff tops, glittering ocean and people enjoying all kinds of water based activities. There is a handy tourist information centre next to the train station where maps and inspiration are available. We made our way towards the beach where the group parted – some headed straight for the clear blue, the rest kept wandering through the streets to explore the palace, opera house, Saturday markets and other unique photo opportunities.
Our particular team, Cooper, Devin, Amy and I went in search of an old picturesque graveyard to photograph. It all looked simple enough on the map, until we realised we were trekking up a rather vast hill (in 40-degree-heat and Amy wearing flip flops). Sweating and thirsty, we found the old graveyard but it turned out to be closed to the public! Being that we had come so far though, we hiked a little further up to an amazing lookout and a waterfall that we had seen in the distance way back on the beach. On return to the base we lucked out catching a tram back to train station which would have been a 40-minute walk otherwise – which might just have killed us 😊
Ironically the crew we left at the beach – Hector, Alex, Brad, Cassie and Ash – were also waiting for the same train that we were, so we all travelled into Monaco together. It is flashy, like the Gold Coast on steroids! At the train station there are maps and travel details but essentially once outside, walk down and towards the ocean – then left 10-minutes towards the casino, or right towards the ‘old town’. I like the Princess Grace references on buildings and street signs, and the new Buddha Bar located in the thick of the action.
Expensive cars are parked outside Monte Carlo’s famous casino and tourists flash their cameras like paparazzi at a celeb appearance. Lavish, ritzy and very overpriced for the average citizen, but intriguing all the same. Some of the yachts to me though represent more money than sense.
Back in Menton we went for a final walk in search of dinner but incidentally happened across some bustling markets and shops in the area’s ‘Old Town’, as well as a vibrant VW car festival down by the water. Menton itself is quite charming and a fantastic place to chill out by the ocean and under the sun. The markets smell like soap and perfume (a major industry of France, and we were also lucky enough to swing by the Fragonard factory demonstrating as such on the way into town on Friday); the atmosphere is relaxed, almost like north Queensland, but European. We discovered several gorgeous restaurants and bars positioned along both the street opposite the water in Menton as well as down on the sand near the ocean – some of these places offer use of their private beaches too.
Most of the group enjoyed varying experiences here, and there really is something for everyone to fall in love with on the French Riviera regardless of budget (although that said, obviously some more money is better than none – but I suppose you could always try to win a little cash). Pick up some maps, jump on a train and explore – or slip into your swimmers and laze the day away. Speaking of sun and sand… Barcelona coming up.
We departed Rome early yesterday morning, headed in the direction of Florence. Fittingly, we watched Gladiator on the way, which was cool because it is now much more relatable after seeing Rome’s living history first-hand. Sadly though, we left a few of our troupes behind – Sarah, Julio, Martin, Gayle – who are heading back to their respective homes and work; but not before many hugs from all of us, because we have in the past two weeks become friends. We’re happy to welcome some new faces though – Salli (currently lives in Yorkshire), Grace and Caroline (Colombian mother and daughter team), Rosa and Phil (Aussies in London), Isaac (yet another Aussie) and Mike.
The teen in me who used to love an obscure Sandra Bullock RomCom, While You Were Sleeping, was excited to finally visit Florence (fellow school-friends will understand the reference). I didn’t really have much of an idea of what to expect, although I figured it must be relatively charming and quaint, as I’ve found most of Italy to be.
Despite an equally charming 43-degree-heat day to contend with, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this gorgeous town which, did you know, was actually the capital of Italy for a small period between 1865-1871? Florence is associated with the likes of the Medici family, Michelangelo, art and the Renaissance in general; leather, and a fabulous strip of jewellery shops located along the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (one of the very biggest cathedrals in Europe) is magnificent – it now rivals Notre Dame in Paris as my favourite religious house in Europe). Unlike most I’ve seen on the continent, it is quite colourful, rather than the usual’grey/black’ stone.
The city of Florence lies on the River Arno and is renowned for history, its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance. Florence is pretty, and a fantastic spot to explore for art, architecture and its rich cultural heritage. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of its time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is also often referred to as the Athens of the Middle Ages. Shopping is a prevalent pastime for any visitor, and if you’re keen, why not do as many of our group did and take a tour of one of the famous local leather factories.
We stayed at a campsite that was a little out of the city, nestled in the enchanting Tuscan Hills. Our campsite was well equipped with an array of facilities and we even happened across a free local wine-tasting! If you’re seeking a little bit of luxury closer to town though, the Hotel degli Orafi was pointed out to me as potentially being an indulgent and convenient option.
This morning we departed for the famous Italian town of Pisa so we could all snap some images with its most poplar building. I didn’t know that the Leaning Tower is one of several beautiful structures in the area, which the locals had built during a ‘boom time’ long ago. The Tower of Pisa leans sideways because it was built (from around 1173) on unstable soil, and it was only in the 1990s that modern technology allowed for the structure to be reliably stabilised again so that visitors may continue to flock to its site.
The stop is necessary but it’s unlikely you’ll want to spend days in the town. Aside from some sensational photo opportunities, it’s also a nice place to buy some last-minute souvenirs like shirts, bags, leather goods and our old favourite, magnets. Many counterfeit goods line these streets, which is fine if you’re so inclined; but be aware of buying from street salesmen who loiter around the tour buses – in this area the buyer can be fined for purchasing from them. Stick to the ‘official’ stalls in town because it is fine to buy from them. I did pick up a cheap bag, but the strap broke an hour later. That is all.
Travel tip: In these towns (and any in Europe, I’d suggest) be sure to buy gifts, souvenirs, coffees and food away from the centre of the action. We’ve ‘tried and tested’ the theory over and over and prices are literally halved if you can find streets even just a few minutes walk from key landmarks.
Half way through the tour now, and the south of France is next on the agenda. Everything has been quite fabulous so far. Some tour advice I suppose I should impart is on ‘food choices’. Generally meal options on the Expat Explore stops consist of meat and fries/potatoes, or vegetarian options have been salads, risotto and pizza once, so choose according to your preferences (you have to make one choice, pre-departure, which you stick with for the trip).
On that note (and with Italian food always on my mind) I realise that unfortunately this is all our time in Italy for the this year. I’m quite sad to not see more but I’ve added further adventures in this country to my future list of ‘to dos’. I’ve found the culture and countryside completely wonderful, and I particularly liked trying to speak a few of their beautiful words here and there. Ciao for now.
It’s late afternoon, I’m happily fed (thanks to Ali, our fabulous Expat Explore tour guide who made a delicious pot of pasta for anyone who happened to wander by her chalet); champagne is chilling in the freezer and it’s time now to reflect on our wonderful experience in Rome.
We’ve spent three nights and two days in this incredible city and it’s definitely a place I’d like to come back to because there are just so many areas to be explored. Yesterday I did in fact throw my coin into the Trevi Fountain (or ‘The Fontana di Trevi’), right hand over left shoulder – because as legend has it, this means I will return to Rome one day.
Travel through Rome with Expat Explore
We’ve been staying at a terrific little place called Camping Village Roma which offers tent and caravan facilities, as well as cabins and chalets which made up our Expat Explore accommodation. The complex features a restaurant, bar and pool area as well as laundry facilities and supermarkets, but the best part about it is that the chalets are positioned in such a way that we’re essentially ‘neighbours’ with our coach-mates. Consequently, afternoons and evenings are spent together by the pool and on our front decks enjoying dinner, drinks and laughs. Some, of course, enjoy later nights than others, but what happens on tour stays on tour, you know…
As with all of our stops on this Expat Explore adventure, we were introduced to the city via a walking tour which took us by famous landmarks including The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia as well as the grand Il Vittoriano building which dominates its precinct; plus the awe inspiring ‘symbol of Rome’, the Colosseum, originally nicknamed as such because of its ‘colossal size’.
We learned that during World War II the Pope ‘struck a deal’ with ‘both sides’ which meant that the city of Rome was left out of any major battles, and so the ancient centre remained undisturbed throughout this turbulent time. I’ve also discovered that the construction of new train lines takes years to complete because of artifacts which are continuously unearthed! The buildings and ruins in Rome must be seen to be believed. Evidently this society was industrious, intelligent and ambitious and the remains of its fascinating civilisation leave so many interesting clues as to how our predecessors lived here.
Today we had several options: a trip back in time to Pompeii, a guided tour to a whole other country within the walls of Rome – The Vatican City; or the option we pursued, which was further ‘free time’ to explore the city.
I’d read about a popular meeting place called Piazzo Novano which is accessible via a ‘number 40 express’ bus from Termini train station. We found the stop without too much hassle, but actually had no idea where to get off. After about 15-minutes drive in a very hot, sweaty and crowded bus, we decided to jump off at a point where it looked like something exciting was going on. Turned out we were right near the enchanting Castel Sant Angelo on the banks of the river Tiber.
We explored this area for a while and followed our city map across the delightful Ponte Sant Angelo Bridge a few minutes up the road (and through some very romantic, and importantly, uncrowded Roman streets) to discover Piazzo Navona! On a sightseeing roll, we strolled through back streets towards the Pantheon, where we stopped at a quaint local restaurant, Pantharei, tucked subtly down a side street away from all the crowds. Here, for just €7 each, we enjoyed a buffet of local Italian vegetarian dishes which proved to be substantial, delicious and healthy.
We meandered towards the imposing Il Vittoriano which today we entered and discovered it’s fantastic for a brilliant view of the city. There’s also a free, interesting cultural and military ‘museum’ to browse. Before home we popped back over to the ever-impressive Colosseum. On the way ‘home’ to our campsite we also alighted at Ottaviana and walked around the outskirts of The Vatican City. The line to get in was looooong but it was nice to be able to see the elegant architecture and art, and there is nice shopping in the area too.
The city is contemporary and engaging; easy to navigate by foot and public transport (which is actually quite inexpensive, in my opinion), although the tiring August heat has hindered our adventures in a small way. If you’re visiting, keep a map handy at all times and just see where you end up! Also be wary of entertainers on trains and anyone dressed up in Gladiator attire – while they are amusing, they are most definitely after some of your purse change, so don’t assume anything is for free.
I must comment on the spectacular trip into Rome, which is such a worthwhile experience by road. We cruised through gorgeous green Italian countryside, over mountainous ranges, by grape vines and sunflowers, in and out of tunnels, and past little towns dotted in the valleys below, cliff-side castles and houses of orange shades perched on the hills above. Can’t wait to see what Florence offers next!
Travel tip (thanks Frank from Cairns): Trying to cool alcohol quickly in the freezer? Wrap bottles in a wet towel before freezing – they’ll chill faster!
Expat Explorers: Basically everyone did something different but fun today – add your comments, suggestions and tips for other travellers to enjoy.
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