Why do I read?
As a child I did not read much. I do not think it was encouraged, but then again I do not think it was discouraged either. Reading just did not seem important at home when compared to the other things in our lives such as playing sport. I regret that now.
Through school and University it was a chore. The fact I was a slow reader was a factor, more likely an excuse on reflection.
For most of my working life I have Continue reading
Off the train and straight into early evening Paris traffic as we arrived at our last destination and headed to our last hotel of the trip – Jules and Jim in the Marais. The hotel was highly recommended, something I questioned as we turned into a very dodgy looking street. The hotel has a narrow entrance opening into a courtyard and bar not at all evident from the street.
Imagine our joy as we found the lift not working and our room on the sixth floor! The staff were so apologetic and helpful in minimizing the disruption. I felt sorry for the young porter who had to lug everyone’s luggage up and down the narrow staircase.
We arrived to a sharp downpour and a warm night. Very pleasant for a stroll in what is a magical city.
Our last full day. We decided to take it easy and stay around the Marais.
As we were leaving Edinburgh I started to think about my Top 5s
My Favourites
Edinburgh– all of it was fabulous. Architecture and soft colors even made my awful photography look good. We went to our daughter’s favourite bar, The Dome and weren’t disappointed. The Castle was all it is cracked up to be and the views from Arthur’s Seat glorious.
The weather was fantastic with blue skies and warm days- isn’t that how Scotland is for everyone?
Edinburgh Castle
Heising Restaurant, Berlin – a true experience. Don’t know quite what I expected, but it wasn’t devoted service from the husband and wife owners in a 1920s themed French restaurant. This is one not to be missed. Ranked number one on Trip Advisor in Berlin and I couldn’t disagree.
Heising Restaurant – Berlin
The British Museum – my favourite attraction in London. This was our second visit and still we have barely scraped the surface. It’s free and the best museum I have been to apart from the Smithsonian in Washington.
Entrance to London’s best sight
Changing the Guard not in London but Prague! A made up ceremony with made up uniforms! Such a laugh. Definitely one not to miss.
Changing the Guard – Prague
Hollmann Beletage, Vienna we stayed at some lovely hotels but this was my pick. Funky rooms, lovely garden to have an afternoon snack and quite stunning breakfasts. Kathy would disagree having Das Stue as her favourite. Both were Tablet Hotels and great choices.
Afternoon Snack – Vienna – my favourite hotel
Ok there are 6
Aperol Spritz – this quickly became our drink of choice. Cold and refreshing, the perfect drink on a hot afternoon of which there were many. Favourites were at Das Stue sitting in their outside bar overlooking Berlin Zoo and The Dome Edinburgh. This was a signature for our trip.
Our signature drink
It was so pleasing that the Prince and Duchess waited until we arrived in London for the Royal Birth. Normal big news like the fact that it may also be the warmest night on record seemed pretty minor on our arrival given the news of the birth.
That said it was hot even by Australian standards.
With the papers and TV full of coverage of the new Prince’s birth we thought we should visit Buckingham Palace. We were not the only people who had that thought! As well as the thousands of people there was a real media scrum!
The Post Office Tower proclaimed the birth quite simply with – “It’s a boy”.
After three relaxing train trips through Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic our next travel day involved flying from Berlin to Edinburgh via London. Passport control and security checks leaving Berlin were fairly straight forward, however it is a major process at Heathrow including being photographed on entry and exit to the transit area.
Our stopover at Heathrow was short, just long enough to check the scores for the Lords Test – wish I hadn’t!
We had eyed The Balmoral off as the place to stay but it was booked out, as was most accommodation that we had considered.