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

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

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.  

Photo updates

Just a few iPhone photos from the trip:


























Love from Cass and Santos

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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

Berlin Part IV: Wanderings

On our last day in Berlin, Santos and I decided to retrace our steps and revisit all the places that we had wanted to get a closer look at/take more photos of.  We started off at the Brandenburg Gate, then followed the same route that we took with our tour guide.  I think this is a really good way to get to know a city in a short time period and on a bidget - do a free walking tour one, then revisit on your time so that you are able to wander and drink in the sites.

 All the round holes are filled in bullet holes

 

 The Reichstag

Wandering through Tiergarten

Stopped in a cafe at the Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz for free wifi and apple strudel

Randomly bumped in Alana at Pariser Platz!!

We ended the day by heading out to the East Side Gallery, a massive stretch of the Berlin Wall which has been divided into sections.  Each section has been painted by an international or local artist, at the invitation of the government.  Here are a few of our favourites:

Love from Cass and Santos