As-Salamu Alaykum, as they say in Morocco. (Wikipedia tells me that means "peace be upon you") We touched down a few hours ago and grabbed a quick bite to eat in the Djemaan el Fna, the biggest square in the African continent - thanks again Wikipedia. We didn't get to see too much, but we'll explore it more tomorrow.
So what is Marrakech like? So far, I've gathered that there are no road rules, helmets are non-existent, motorbikes are the most popular form of transport that can fit up to 4 people and their horn sounds like a gigantic duck quacking.
Well that's it for now. Just wanted to let you know we made it here safely and we'll be in touch.
Love from Africa.
The Travels of Cass and Santos
Sweden. Germany. Czech Republic. Italy. France. Portugal. Spain. Morrocco. England.
Monday 5 December 2011
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Venezia
Our journey to Venice was not very
glorious. In order to get to
Venice from Prague, we had to first train to Vienna Miedling, catch the metro
to Vienna West and then a night train to Venice. In addition to this roundabout route, when we reserved our
seats for the overnight train, we were informed that not only were there no
couchettes or beds available, but there weren’t even two seats left together. To cut a long story short, that
particular train trip was not so great.
However, we made it to Venice in one piece, which really is the main
thing.
Santos and I had decided to stay on
the mainland Venice rather than the better known island(s) of Venice for a
number of reasons. It was MUCH
cheaper, we couldn’t find any non-phenomenally expensive accommodation on the
island(s) and it was super easy to get from the mainland into Venice
proper. Plus, it would have been
horrible trying to navigate the winding streets and narrow bridges with our
luggage.
We tried to squeeze as much as
possible into our short stay in Venice, while still absorbing the magic of the
city. And it is undeniable – Venice
is captivating. I would have much preferred
fewer tourists, but meh. What can
you do.
Love from Cass and Santos
xoxo
Cass and Santos Czech Out Prague!
I told Cass I would write the blog post
for Prague. In Prague, I was struck down with the flu, and because the universe
apparently enjoys symmetry, as I write this post about Prague, Cass is now
sick.
Firstly, Cass is fine. She has a bit
of a leaky nose and a sore throat, but as I’m sure John and Charmaine know, she
takes being sick in her stride and barely lets it show. As for me, as my family knows, I’m not
so great at handling the flu. I’m constantly on the verge of death, weakly
calling out for help and lamenting my torturous existence while wrapped tightly
in a blanket.
I got sick on the first night and
spent the next 3 days pretty much entirely in our room. Cass looked after me
and on the fourth finally we ventured out on a tour of Prague. The tour guide
was so-so, but we saw some nice things and we got to see Prague from a
riverboat, which was cool. We
walked from the city center to the astronomical clock, around the Jewish Quarter
and across the Charles Bridge to the old town. The next day we explored ourselves, which I think was better.
We visited the castle, saw Europe’s largest Baroque cathedral and walked across
the Charles Bridge a few times. We
ended up in front of the astronomical clock just in time to watch it chime for
the hour.
The stay was kind of marred by
lingering spectre of the flu, but the last 2 days were nice. But things picked
up at our next stop: Venice.
Love from Santos and Cass
xoxo
Saturday 19 November 2011
Dresden
Back in Australia, before we began
our journey, Santos and I decided to add Dresden to our list of
destinations. I had spent an
afternoon there when I was on my Europe Ramble during my year as an exchange
student, and remembered it as a beautiful and intriguing city.
We stayed at a small bed and
breakfast type hostel called Weldt Café (World Café) that had only four rooms,
a café and a small international food store. Located in Neustadt (New Town), Weldt Café is one of the
nicest places we have stayed in so far.
Our double room was large and pretty, especially after the austerity of
Amstel House in Berlin. Although
we had to use a shared bathroom, it too was large and clean and looked more a
bathroom from someone’s home. In
fact, that aptly describes all of Weldt Café – more like someone’s home than a
hostel. Breakfast was served down
in the café section and consisted of mostly organic and free-range items –
breads, cheeses, yoghurts, fruits, cereals and more. If you ever find yourself in Dresden, I can definitely
recommend Weldt Café.
During our one full day in Dresden,
we headed off bright and early to the Auldstadt (Old Town). If anything, the
buildings are even more beautiful than I remember. It is sad to wonder at what Dresden would be like if it had
not been so heavily bombed. We
strolled along the bridge, looking down at the Elbe, took in the Zwinger fortress,
the old university, the Procession of Princes, the cathedral, the Frauenkirche
and the many restaurants. We ended
the day by looking at the Old Masters Art Gallery, where we able to see
Raphael’s Sistine Madonna. After we came out outside, we discovered that
several of the buildings were lit up after dark, making Dresden even more
beautiful and intriguing than before.
Love from Cass and Santos
xoxo
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Santos's Scraps: Brokeback Bordeaux
Nothing of interest to report, unless you consider riding through the French countryside on horseback amongst 17th century Châteaux and acres of vineyards interesting.
Cass's horse had decided that it would move only at the most leisurely of paces. Despite Cass's heels and the guides encouragements, it said nay.
I promise that's the only horse pun in this post.
The riding was great, but tough. I scoffed as Cass said that her legs were sore, then got off my horse and almost crumpled to the ground. Legs weak and sore: check; back and butt: just as sore.
Well, that's about it. Oh, and after the horse riding, we visited a Château, talked to the owner, toured the cellar and tasted some wine.
Friday 11 November 2011
Photo updates
Updates
Hello everyone! Yet again just quickly checking to assure you all we are alive and well.
**For dad: (so that you know I am not under duress) 111 ... 333**
Anyway, we are now in beautiful Paris, the city of lights! Our hotel doesn't have Internet, so I am quickly writing this as we hang out in a cafe in Montmartre. Opposite the Moulin Rouge! We leave for Bordeaux on Saturday, so will hopefully have Internet access there. If so, rest assured the blog will be updated! We are still having a fantastic time and loving every second of our Europe adventure.
Miss you all!
••edited to add••: we ran out of Internet time before I could publish. We are now sitting in a cafe having breakfast, next to the Louvre. All ready for a day of art and culture! This arvo we will head to the Eiffel Tower and tomorrow we move on to Bordeaux. Hope all is well in Australia!
Love Cass and Santos
xoxo
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
**For dad: (so that you know I am not under duress) 111 ... 333**
Anyway, we are now in beautiful Paris, the city of lights! Our hotel doesn't have Internet, so I am quickly writing this as we hang out in a cafe in Montmartre. Opposite the Moulin Rouge! We leave for Bordeaux on Saturday, so will hopefully have Internet access there. If so, rest assured the blog will be updated! We are still having a fantastic time and loving every second of our Europe adventure.
Miss you all!
••edited to add••: we ran out of Internet time before I could publish. We are now sitting in a cafe having breakfast, next to the Louvre. All ready for a day of art and culture! This arvo we will head to the Eiffel Tower and tomorrow we move on to Bordeaux. Hope all is well in Australia!
Love Cass and Santos
xoxo
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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