Today we decided to head to take it a bit easier we visited the Pantheon and the St Peters square at the Vatican along with a wander along one of the shopping streets. Even so it took us most of the day to accomplish this and we settled on a late lunch early dinner of pizza before returning to hotel about 5pm .
Saturday 5th April – Rome Day 1
Started the day off on the Hop on Hop off tour which circled the city and took in all the sights. This took about two hours and we stayed on until we the bus was back around to Colosseum before we alighted for a walk around this massive structure. After a walk around we caught the next bus to the capital area and we tackled all the steps to get to the top. I lost count but I know there were a lot. Great views of the city from here and I was able to get some good photos. Of course what goes up must come down so down we came slowly, of course had to keep stopping to check out the vistas ( that was my excuse anyway). We boarded the bus again to head around to the S
panish Steps (Jen I found the gloves shop) and Trevi Fountain and then we walked all the way home….With many stops for me to read the map and make sure we were headed homeward. We were all whacked when we eventually staggered back in to our hotel. We did manage to struggle up the street to a small family run Italian restaurant for dinner , home at 8 and all asleep by 20 past 8.
Friday 4th April – Rome here we come
Up early to return the car and catch the avis shuttle to Terminal 2 (not 5 that’s where we land on 18th……hope our luggage lands as well). Breakfast at the airport and more shopping for Grandma. I caught up on some email etc and Sharpie rested in an uncomfortable lounge chair. I swear people who design airport furniture have never had to lay over or fly on a delayed flight. A good flight with Air Atalia and although we left Heathrow late it didn’t impact on us arriving in Rome too much. Great taxi driver to hotel. Ian would have paid him double ( if he’d wanted it) just for the experience of sitting up front and marvelling at his skill at negotiating the traffic , all at break neck speeds. The Windrose hotel is fantastic and we are looking forward to our four night here (and in one place). Dinner at restaurant across the road from the hotel…perfect end to a long day.
Thursday 3rd April Salisbury and Stonehenge
Today we retraced our steps just a short way to visit Salisbury and Stonehenge. This was well worthwhile with the Cathedral at Salisbury and Stonehenge were both impressive structures. The Cathedral is currently under going major restoration work but it was very interesting to wander around. The Cathedral is also home to a copy of the Magna Carta and the guide on hand was able to provide many interesting facts associated with this document. Of course I could tell you one of them now but they sure were interesting at the time. I do remember the restoration of the bell tower took 10 years to complete and another copy of the Magna Carta makes it home in Canberra. After a wander around the shops we headed for Stonehenge. I don’t know wether I was more impressed with the structures or the number of people that paid to walk around a few very large stones in the middle of a sheep paddock. The pastie I had was well worth the trip and seriously I did enjoy the story of how Stonehenge was suppose to have been erected. After and hour so of wandering around and the purchase of a couple of mementos it was off the St Giles hotel at Heathrow. This was our accommodation prior to return of hire car and flight to Rome.
We certainly covered a lot of country in the trusty little car. Ian calculated we had driven almost 3000 miles or 4800 kms in 14 days……not a bad effort.
Heathrow waiting for flight to Rome
I will upload more comments and pics from Rome. Thanks to everyone for their comments and interest. We will respond to all email and comments from Rome. Weather terrific about 16 today in a tee shirt ..the english still all rugged up in coats.
Arrived Padstow ..Ian drove through the night
Arrived Padstow ..Ian drove through the night
Day 17 1st April 2008
After a good crossing on the ferry we headed for Padstow at 1am in the morning.
We arrived in Padstow at 8am after a couple of stops along the way for a doze and coffee. It was a good road and although it rained most of the way the drive was not too bad.
We thought we would stay in Padstow but accommodation was scare so we decided to have the day there and head back along the road towards South Hampton. At 2pm we decided to book in somewhere for the to have the afternoon off and an early night to make up for missing the previous night.
While in Padstow we had the opportunity for a good look around and we all thought it was a great place. It was humming with activity and there were a lot of holiday makers wandering through the streets and along the waterfront.
I purchased some really lovely things in a small little store in one of the side streets. After brunch in a small café we set off back down the road towards South Hampton. All asleep by 3pm .
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| Not a bad effort from 7am Dublin to 3pm following day (a couple hours sleep on Ferry and some roadside naps) |
We certainly covered some country since leaving Dublin the night before last.
Dublin to Waterford…Ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard
Dublin to Waterford…Ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard
Day 16 31st March 2008
Up early to call home via skype managed to speak with Charlie, Sarah and Mark.
Unable to get Chris but sent him a text and will try him again tomorrow. Though he was the one that called me in the middle of the night (our time) for a chat . When I said it was 1 am he said ‘Oh that’s right forgot you were away” good to know I am missed at home. I bet Maxie misses me.
Though even he is probably quite content with Charlie cooking enough food for both of them, so
much for the rations I left.
We set off for Waterford after a very comfortable night (Clarion outside Dublin I highly recommend it) and did I mention they have the best seafood chowder I have ever eaten.
The drive to Waterford was good and the roads were not too busy.
We arrived at Waterford in time for lunch and a look around the town centre before heading to the Waterford Crystal factory. The tour was interesting and we saw some lovely crystal.
I was surprised to learn that all sporting trophies they make ie Wimbledon they actually make three of the same for each event. One is catalogued and added to the Waterford Collection as a record and the other two are sent to the event for presentation.
One for the eventual winner and the other in case disaster strikes.
The unused trophy is returned to Waterford for display. An engraver from the factory fly’s first class to the event and is ready to finalise the trophy as soon as the event is won. A different engraver is selected to attend each time. The craft takes a long time to master whether it be a glass blower (8 yrs), a cutter (8 Yrs)or an engraver (10 Yrs).
After the tour we had a coffee before setting off to Rosslare to board the ferry. We decided to catch the ferry across at night as it takes 4 hours.
We boarded at 8.15 pm for a 9.15pm departure. The lounge is very comfortable and I have ordered beef pie for dinner .
We should disembark at 1am in Fishguard if all goes to plan we will drive through to Padstow by morning.
The irony is that we will have been to Wales and not seen any of it.
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| This all we have seen of Wales despite driving across it |
Kildare (Irish National Stud) on to Dublin
Kildare (Irish National Stud) on to Dublin
Day 15 30th March 2008
After another enormous breakfast with the lot and a couple of hours in the car we arrived at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens as it opened for business. T
his was fantastic the Japanese Garden were awesome ( a week or two later and all the flowers would have been out)
The gardens were very tranquil and well laid out. We left the gardens and headed the horse museum not all that much on display but interesting just the same. Couldn’t work out for awhile why they would have 1993 Melbourne cup race book on display but the remembered who won the cup that year – Vintage Crop (Irish Horse).
We then took a walk pass the stallions 9 in all and with one of them worth over 70 million euros, there certainly was some money tied up in that little complex.
We then walked through another garden which was very pleasant with all the daffodils out and the swans swimming along in the creek. Up at the top of the stud were the mares and foals paddocks. All the babies were enjoying a frolic in the sunshine and all were very well handled and quiet.
Most came over for a pat and have their ears rubbed. After some shopping in the gift shop (yes I actually bought something first purchase for the trip) and a coffee in the restaurant we head towards Dublin for the night.
We eventually booked into the Clarion after missing it a couple of times on the freeway. We could see it just couldn’t get to it. Well worth the effort.
Best seafood chowder I have ever eaten.
Ring of Kerry and headed towards Kildare
Ring of Kerry and headed towards Kildare
Day 14 29th March 2008
Today we set out to drive around the ring of Kerry which was a spectacular drive and would have been better if the sun was shining all day.
The 112 miles was very slow driving and took most of the day with a couple of stops for photo ops.
We stopped of to see ruined fort which meant a 6 mile drive along a one lane road and yes it was a pile of stones stacked on one another to form a circle and sheep grazing around the outside (highlight of Ian’s trip so far).
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| Yep that’s the fort |
We rejoined the main road to continue our journey. “The seas were angry that day my friends“. Seriously the it was amazing to see the sea crash into the cliffs so hard and the spray was going for miles.
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| Mum and Ian looking as cold as it was |
Back on the road to cork we set off for a far as we could towards Kildare via the Blarney Castle.
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| The didn’t seem to mind the cold wind |
Blarney Castle
We spent ages here just walking around the gardens and through the castle.
No one interested in kissing the the blarney stone.
This was a good stopover, unfortunately Blarney house and garden only opens in the summer. We ended up staying in a very nice Inn called the Corbett Court just past Fermoy.
Excellent room (big enough for a whole family to live in) great meals once again but it is hard to keep up with the eating I am down to soup and roll for dinner and only breakfast in the mornings, nothing else during the day.
Limerick to Killarney via Cliffs of Mohor
Limerick to Killarney via Cliffs of Mohor
Day 15 28th March 2008
We set off in the pouring rain to find the Cliffs of Mohor. After about an hour and half drive on very windy narrow roads, we arrived.
The rain stopped but the wind was blowing very hard. After to parking we braved the weather to walk to the top and it was worth the walk.
The views were spectacular and we managed to escape back to the restaurant just before the rain came down again and the Americans arrived on the buses.
After coffee and a sandwich we set off in search of the ferry across the Shannon. After more narrow roads we found the crossing and paid our €17 and had a very pleasant ride across the mighty Shannon (about 20mins on board) stayed in the car too cold and wet.
We head back to Adare where there were thatched cottages, very busy little place didn’t stop just took pictures and headed south to Killarney. This was a much better road which the driver appreciated. Arrived in Killarney at 4pm booked into Foleys Lodge in the centre of town after a few minor electrical problems in first room, we were settled into a very comfortable room and set out for a walk before dinner.
Shops were open until 9pm but we didn’t stay out long, caught in a small hail shower that appeared from nowhere. We decided to head back for an early dinner.
Our Adventures - Near and Far 
