Heading North. Island hopping.

August 20, 2023August 20, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

Breakfast was held in the old world dining room and served by a friendly local girl. They are having a wedding at the hotel today so it as all busy busy!

We headed north to get the first ferry to Yell. A great name for an island. First stop was a teeny tiny Old Haa Museum. Its in a house belonging to one of the islands great characters I’d say. He was a crofter, fisherman , raconteur and part time dentist. There was a tray of teeth he had pulled over the years & there was a old recording of his voice ‘telling ‘ stories.

And right on time as predicted, the rain started. We drive the length of Yell island. It’s very barren. Hardly a tree to be seen.

Lots of hardy looking sheep grazing along the narrow roads with hardier looking people out on their properties mustering the sheep.

We got to the second ferry crossing. From Yell across to Unst. This is really getting northerly. It is the most northerly part of the United Kingdom. It has around 700 residents and is rugged , remote, open, wild and beautiful.

Each of the islands has a distinct personality. Unst is more settled and we spent more time on this island.

Unst is believed to be the first landing point of the Vikings in the North Atlantic. There are the remains of at least 60 longhouses, and the highest density of rural Viking sites anywhere, including Scandinavia.

We visited the small but informative Unst Heritage Centre. This is an ideal first stop for anyone visiting the island. Visitors can explore the unique history of Unst through a display of artefacts donated by residents both past and present. The exhibitions depict geology, archeology, crofting and there are unique examples of lacework & knitting.

The displays depict life for a Crofter – farmer.

Sleeping arrangements in the crofters house. Note the expandable cot.

The most exquisite lace work. Done by lamplight.

For a small centre it is well worth the trip. We were there with a group of knitters & weavers from Scandinavia. They were in raptures.

We moved onto the Unst boat haven also in Haroldswick. And a haven it was. A well curated shed of boats outlining herring fishing from its earliest days until the present. Robert the guide on duty was keen to help and walked with us through the centre talking about the boats and the history of the area. He loved Steve’s enthusiasm for boats, so was a great companion.

We heard about herring fishing from its earliest days until the present.

I was fascinated by the section on the Herring industry. The women played a big part in keeping this going. In the 1800’s there were 3,000 people living in Unst and 28 registered boats. The fishermen were also crofters to supplement their poorly paid jobs. The landowners and boat owners made most of the money .

By the 1970’s the government banned herring fishing as the giant trawlers had depleted stocks so much. Now the main industry is drawn from its 1700 miles of coastline. The seafood industry and oil from the North Sea.

We took refuge from the drizzly rain in Victoria’s tea room in front of Boat Haven. It’s a gift farm shop and cake heaven. People were tucking into soup and sandwiches but as we’d had a big breakfast we enjoyed coffee and a slice of cake. Coffee walnut for Steve and lemon drizzle for me.

https://www.victoriasvintagetearooms.co.uk

We had read about the Norse people arriving in this not too dissimilar country and building longhouses and longboats.

The Scottish humour shines through the drizzle.

We stopped at the Shetlands Gallery. there is quite an arts crafts trail here in the Shetlands and this gallery was airy, calm with beautiful light filled spaces. It is owned by artist Shona Skinner a woman who taught art in London for many years before she and her husband moved here to her homeland and set up a gallery and studio. Shona had her own workroom attached to the gallery which is open and shows her beautiful work with textiles as well as painting.

Don’t miss the red shed. Shetland gallery halfway up Yell island

Shona Skinner’s workshop walk. Paintings , sketches and sewn

I loved Shona’s work. Such beautiful colour combinations that reflect the colours of the island.

We met a young woman from New Zealand at the gallery. She’s a young doctor doing 6 months work at the hospital. She was telling us how much she was enjoying living in Lerwick. That it is a vibrant friendly place. After 6 months spent just out of London she is enjoying this so much more. I think Ísland life gets under the skin.

We now drive through quite heavy rain to catch the larger ferry back to the main island. We queued up in the unbooked lane and very nearly missed out. So my advice is get online and book your ferry crossings. It can be very busy and you might miss out.

We drove down to Lerwick and in light rain drove around the town.

My first impression is of an interesting town set by the sea ( always a winner for me). Lots of boats to look at. Recently they had the Festival of tall ships. It would have been so colourful to be here then.

We found our little apartment in the attic section of a three story house. Yes a few stairs but so worth it. The apartment is terrific. Clean, well organised and just so comfortable.

We ventured out for food to find the wind and rain had cleared to a beautiful night.

Planning tomorrow’s activities kept us busy over dinner and then we watched a little tv !

Shetland Islands. looking for ponies , otters, puffins and maybe Jimmy Perez

August 19, 2023August 19, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

Our plane was an hour late arriving which put us behind. We hired a car from the airport and were sent to the car park to play ’ find the car’. Such a relaxed island way of hiring a car. Steve walked around clucking the car opener until we heard a beep.

We headed straight up the hill to Sumburgh lighthouse. It was super windy and the views were an indication of what as to follow as we explored this most northerly part of Great Britain.

The lighthouse museum explains the history of lighthouses. The hardship the early keepers endured and life for the families of the keeper. I loved the profile of a Lighthouse Keeper.

View from the lighthouse. Very windy but not that cold!

It had an excellent marine section showing the birds found here. The puffins are a favour and everywhere you go there are pictures and little stuffed toys depicting the puffin. I got to hear the noises of the birds and the little puffin has a growling type call.

We continued up the main road north and called into Sandwick with the idea of catching the little ferry across to Mousa a small island off the mainland. It is a bird life haven. Unfortunately we were running late because our plane was an hr behind and we missed the last ferry of the day. we’ll try again in Sunday.

We called into a jewellery shop on the arts and crafts trail. Karlin Anderson was born in the Shetlands but had spent a lot of her adult life in London. She does beautiful work which reflects life on the islands. Her lace work jewellery is exquisite.

If you can read this it tells the story behind her collection.

I might have ordered something from her!

We had a bowl of soup at the Hoswick craft cafe and chatted to the lady in the shop They are such warm friendly people so open to questions about their life on the island.

Excited to see some Shetland ponies on our way to the sunny west coast of the island.

Horses came over with the Norse settlers. They would have been bigger then but evolved with the conditions to be shorter study horses to cope with the conditions and the work load.

We detoured to visit St Ninians. It’s a spectacular beach which stretches from the mainland to a small island. The weather was perfect. Warm & sunny there were even people paddling in the crystal clear water.

Steve walked over to the island and I walked around the cove to explore the rocks. There are so few people around it makes it very special.

The road north is much better than I anticipated and there was little traffic so it was an easy drive

We passed through Brae and decided as the weather was so good to head out the peninsula to the cliffs of Eshaness. The drive gave us the most spectacular scenery possible. We got to the lighthouse and looked North. The afternoon light bathed the coast in sunlight. Truly beautiful.

Heading back to our accommodation we drive down to a little boat ramp used by local fishermen.

Arriving at Busta House was like stepping back in time. It’s old, steeped in history and had rooms refurbished. However, it has stayed. Big stone stairs down to an entrance then up two old staircases to our room named Papa Stour , one of the little islands nearby.

The room was comfortable, had a view out to a bay named Busta Voe. The new bathroom was tiny and definitely wasn’t for the feint hearted. The bath was so high it was like doing gymnastics to get get in! I counted at least 5 people staying at the house who used walking sticks so I don’t know how they managed. So it missed a 🛌🛌🛌 rating. Only a 🛌🛌. But a fairly high 2!

We had drinks in the sitting room before dinner. There were around 125 Gin and nearly 300 whiskey varieties to choose from. Dinner was nice fresh homely food- lamb for Steve , salmon for me with lovely fresh veggies.

A quiet 💤 night.

The Maitlands visit Thirlstane Castle : home of the Maitland and the Earl of Lauderdale.

August 15, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

This castle is in the Borders area of Scotland ( meaning it borders England. But just in Scotland !) we were excited to visit as there is a connection with the Maitland family.

No we’re not directly related. Though Steve’s Uncle, Major General Gordon Maitland headed up Clan Maitland in Australia. He was so enthusiastic that many Maitlands joined and made quite a club.

He had been to Lauderdale and I think met the Earl.

Just some of the Earls of Lauderdale. I think they are up to 15.

The castle was built in 1587. And has been added to over the years.

The original castle was this centre piece. Then the two extra turrets were added.

We spent 90 minutes with Gordon & Trish our guides as they took us through room by room. they had many stories about the family , the Earls and the castle itself.

Personal photos of the present Earl and his family.

Gold leaf edged doors. Replaced a few years ago after a fire.

Chairs are draped with the Maitland tartan – rugs, throws. Etc. our little team of people on the tour were very quiet and didn’t ask much so our guide ploughed on with information about the house and the family. He knows his facts!

We climbed up and down stairs and saw the wing that had been turned into accommodation. We thought about staying here but at £1500 a night we decided t to stay at the Black Bull pub in the town of Lauder 5 mins away.

These little Scottish border towns are just lovely, each is distinctive with its castle or abbey or just a very grand house.

Selkirk is home to Walter Scott the novelist & poet.

A pub at Melrose Steve’s sister Marg worked in Melrose when a young nurse.

Street in Coldstream home to the Coldstream Guards.

Road tripping around Scotland is fun. Lots to see and not far between little towns.

And the people. So friendly. We are staying at The Black Bull in Lauder tonight. The owner and Steve hit it off immediately as Steve admired a small stool in the reception area. Turns out he does woodwork on a serious level. He’s a building and loves wood. He made all the tables in the restaurant and the bathroom cabinetry is his work.

Notice the tables. All made by the owner.

They chatted for ages about woodwork!

Then we had a great dinner. And retired to a very comfortable room. Not the Maitland suite at the Castle and I’m not sorry at all!

Our day on Hadrians Wall

August 15, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

I decided to let the photos do the talking.

Hadrians Wall is a masterpiece of Roman design and execution. Who knew so many Romans made the trip to Britain to build walls & forts.

This timeline explains when and how the Roman occupation of Britain began and ended.

Steve’s walk along the wall.

A very straight section of the wall. Steve clambered into it for this photo.

The tree seen from another point on this looped part of the wall.

Where Steve started and finished his loop of 4 hr walking. The last hour in the rain!

The thistle growing along side the wall.

Along the wall there were sections built as lookouts.

Some sheep keeping a check on the walkers.

I got talking to these two men who are volunteers for the National Trust. They inspect small sections of the wall on a weekly basis.

Vindlanda is another museum and the place where the Romans lived while building sections of the wall. It was a small city with barracks, baths, latrines, kitchens. It was discovered and has like so many ancient sites been dug carefully and exposed.

It’s fascinating how much they uncovered. How it tells about the times they lived there.

Our night at Twice Brewed was great. Just made top score of 3 bed 🛌 🛌 🛌 Location excellent particularly for walkers. Restaurant on site. Dinner great. A fun bar. Breakfast included and was terrific. Our room was small ( that’s what I picked) but so well organised. A drying room for wet clothes. All in all 🛌🛌🛌

Today ended up being wet ! Rain ☔️ do we drive into Newcastle. For those who watch Vera on ABC this is the area she is from! When she’s not in the countryside solving murders.

Our hotel The Vermont is in a great spot. But too wet for us to go out. It has big rooms , a terrific bar with cocktails two for 1 price and a nice little restaurant. Steve is too tired to go out so we’ll stay in tonight.

Good decision!

And breakfast was terrific.

Last Day in Iceland : Blue Lagoon

August 10, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

I’m a little sad we are leaving tomorrow. When planning this holiday we had so many things we wanted to do and we thought 6 days here would give us a good taste. Now I would love to do more. To go north. A little more exploring. But I still consider myself lucky to spend 6 beautiful days here in the land of Fire & Ice.

We set off in brilliant sunshine though as always there were amazing clouds. Streaky ones, fluffy white ones & grey snowy ones. The sky is interesting here. I think coming from Queensland where we have such bright blue skies ( unless it’s stormy) this is a contrast.

We searched for the basalt stones. This series of columns Kirkjugolf. ( the Church Floor) is a series of eroded and shaped columnar outcrops where only the top of these basalt columns can be seen.

The columns were formed by lava flow and the way it cooled then eroded smooth by the weather. There is no evidence a church stood here but perhaps was an area occupied by Irish hermits in the years before Iceland was settled !

Sellfoss is one of the larger centres in Iceland. it was very small but has grown to over 4,000 residents. And lots of tourists

We went volcano hunting by choosing the coast road toward the Blue Lagoon. We saw the turns offs to car parks with walks into view the volcano. But I could spot it from the car park. Big black and imposing. But no firey lava.

We were early for our 5 pm Blue Lagoon booking but the lady took pity on my crutch and let us in.

It’s a very well organised operation. It’s expensive – there are two packages you can take. The Comfort: includes entry, a towel , 1 drink and a silica mud mask and well equipped bathrooms with good shampoos , conditioners and body creams.

Or you can take the Premium: entry, towel, a robe, 2 drinks 2 masks. We thought the Comfort package was fine so that’s what we did.

I was excited ! we scanned our wristbands and in we went. You use the band to scan any extra drinks , masks, food or products you buy.

The shower area is well set up with lockers you scan to access. You change , shower ( I thought it was in the nude like other spas but this one allows you to dress in swimwear first )

They encourage you to put conditioner in your hair as the water can make hair dry and brittle. I lathered it on

Then out to the pool I was pleasantly surprise it wasn’t as crowded as I thought it might be. We slipped in. Delightfully warm

Pictures don’t do the colour justice. Ut was a milky blue.

After a good soak I move over to the mud house. You are given s big scoop and you apply it all over your face. It was strange seeing lots of people with white or mud faces.

Its supposed to give you beautiful soft skin!

We got our free drinks. Water and a rather good carrot apple ginger juice. No beer for us! So healthy!

After about 2 hours of being constantly in the warm water where my knee felt wonderfully light and not sore we dragged ourselves out.

Unfortunately back on hard floors it was indeed still sore! I had a long warm shower using lots of the included shampoos etc. the shower room has individual shower stalls. Unlike l when we went to the spas in Budapest where it’s all communal.

We drove to a little apartment I had found in Keflavik because we have to return the car and get to the airport early tomorrow. It’s only about 10 mins from the airport.

What a nice surprise. It was such a comfortable place. The bonus was the great view over the water and the beautiful shower and bed. Luckily we had brought dinner with us so enjoyed staying in.

It was lovely place to stay so a 🛌🛌🛌. 3 bed rating. SOL Apartment. it’s on booking.com

Iceland : Glacial World

August 9, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

After a good night in out little cabin we were ready for some ice.

I have noticed lots of cabins and hotel seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It’s because they are away from lights because when the northern lights arrive you don’t want any light around.

Driving to our first stop I can’t stop looking at the landscape. the contrast between lava fields, glacial tracts the cloud formations. Like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else.

View from my car seat of not only of Steve but …. A glacier.

You can see when an attraction is coming up because of the cluster of cars parked and a small sign. Not big signs here. No billboards. ( they’d probably blow over). But very little visual pollution to compete with the landscape.

There is a 4 km round trip to view this waterfall so Steve headed off on his own and I sat quietly observing people and writing a postcard to my grandsons. Who writes postcards any more. Not usually me but I think the boys will enjoys getting them.

Back to the people. All nationalities, all types of gear, all sizes and definitely all levels of fitness. Steve said a few struggled with the sometimes steep path.

Not Steve. He had taken over bring the walker in our family.

Back on the road towards the Glacial Lagoon. Here they offer boat trips up the lagoon to the wall of the glacier. We nearly missed out on a seat as they book out so quickly.

As you cross the bridge you can see large icebergs all around. the landcover is barren and brown which contrasts with the pearling white water and the icebergs.

We checked in at the truck for Jokulsarlon Ice Tours truck and told to come back in 30 minutes to ‘suit up’ This gave us time for a quick bite from one of the food trucks offering fish ‘n chips , lobster soup or lobster rolls , hot dogs or pancakes. All pretty good and all expensive. I have to stop thinking $$

Our group arrived for suiting up and Adam our Swedish guide helped fit us out. Shoes off , suits on , shoes on, cameras in pockets. Life jacket on then onto the bus for a 5 min ride to where the boats come and go on the hour.

It was quite cool but we were lucky as the sun was out most of the time. The suits keep you pretty warm and a hat helps for when the boat picks up speed for the 7 km ride through big and little chucks of ice broken off from the main glacier.

The glacier lagoon opens to the sea so seals and fish can enter the lagoon.

The ice chunks are like sculptures & look amazing.

Our guide Paulina was a great source of information and kept us entertained and informed us about glaciers. And how we need another ice age as the glaciers are melting and receding at an alarming rate.

We saw some Arctic tern birds who journey each season from the Antarctic to here each season. Quite a journey.

I couldn’t resist selecting an ice cube for my scotch tonight!

We were out in the lagoon for about 1 hour 30 and it was breathtaking.

The colours changed. The blue , the grey , the ash embedded in the ice giving it a striped appearance.

Finally time to return. And I thought how lucky we were to experience this one such a beautiful day.

Back in the car Steve , my Australian driver husband said ‘let’s continue on to Hofn’. This is a little fishing town about another hour up the road.

It was a pretty little harbour town

The thing about these towns is that they appear so quiet. Everything is designed for cold weather. Freezing weather so the buildings are block like. No verandahs, no decks, no outdoor living. Not much in the way of gardens. Few trees , stark buildings.

We found a lovely looking restaurant. Went in. Sat down. Checked the menu. Got up with an apologetic voice said we actually wanted some lobster. They only had a bisque. Steve wanted some lobster. Went to Ossin down the road and had a lovely meal before our nearly 3 hour drive back to our cabin.

But it’s no problem here. It stays light until around 10pm.

Our special day was complete.

Rainy Iceland

August 7, 2023August 7, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

Despite the cool rainy morning we got going early. Lots to see before heading out of Reykjavik. People say not to spend much if any time here so we decided to check it out.

Breakfast at nearby Kactus. I was only going to have coffee but decided I’d try their marriage cake! It’s rough and knobbly outside and all sweet inside. A bit like a marriage really. It’s a well know Icelandic traditional cake. In fact I think it was mentioned in Hannah Kent’s Buriel Rites book.

Next it was up the hill to the big imposing church. Hallgrímskirkja. Started being built in 1842 it took until 1986 to complete.

The church is stunning in its size simplicity especially compared to the ornate but beautiful cathedral in Strasbourg. It reflects the personality of Iceland. Clean simple lines, stunning to look at.

The bell tower has gorgeous views across the city.

We were to have a short organ recital. Not the grand organ. The smaller one.

We walked slowly down the street from Leif Ericsson statue. Lovely quirky shops and lots of ceramic. Then a beautiful coloured rainbow finishing to the end of the street.

Looking back up to the Cathedral. It’s THE land mark spotted from around the city.

By now having walked awhile in rain with lots more to see we decided to do the hop on hop off bus. It was great. Just an hour.

The Perlan Museum was good. We went into an ice cave and the Planetarium for a show on the Northern nights . We’re not going to see that display in August . The best months for the Northern lights are late Sept Oct and early November.

We were on the road for Geysir after a delicious lunch at the old bus terminal – now home to a variety of mini restaurants. We had some fish and prawns

It doesn’t take long to leave Reykjavík and get out into the landscape. The first part of today we passed large areas of flat green field. No real evidence of crops or animals.

On the road to Thingvellir National Park

Our first stop was Thingvellir. It’s a National Park. – we’ll it seems all of Iceland could be considered a NP. Here there is evidence of the tectonic plates. And a waterfall. One of many in this country of high mountains lots of snow and volcanoes.

The Icelandic names are so hard to say …. And spell

We walked a kilometre to the waterfall but we’re a little underwhelmed. I know tomorrow we’ll see some big waterfalls.

We called into Fontana Spa. I had high hopes for a thermal plunge. A wallow……Only problem was there were too many people wallowing already.

There are several pools but 5pm is probably a busy time as hikers have finished their walks and are ready to soak in one of the hot tubs.

So we moved onto Geyser. Walking from the car we could see the stream rising from the Geysirs. There are a few but Stokker is the most active and spurts the highest. Every 8-10 minutes. We waited patiently finger hovering on the camera button. Looking …..looking at the water until …. Bubble bubble up he went.

I got the beginning of a very high spurt.

With satisfaction we headed for our room for the night. A yurt. A Mongolian yurt. The owner thought the design would work here so painstakingly had 10 yurts built. I thought it would be a novel bed for the night.

It was. Very comfy with a toilet and lovely basin. The shower however was in an adjacent small building. Fine. As it’s summer and the top of 15 is balmy. But I wouldn’t want to be shuffling to the shower in rain snow or high winds!

Our view from the yurt towards the snowy fields

It was fun unpacking into the yurt. Lots of room! Dinner was a short walk down hill to Skoll tavern which had a camp ground. Most people had vans but a few hardy souls were pitching tents. Brrrr.

Further along the road was a horse farm. You could stay there and go riding for a day overnight or a week trail ride.

The yurt had a heated floor so was cosy and with the rain putter patter on the canvas roof was the only sound we heard as we drifted off into a sound sleep.

https://www.natturayurtel.com

I ❤️ Paris

August 5, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 7 Comments

What makes a great hotel? I’m going to be an expert by the end of this holiday. We’ll be staying in 32 different hotel beds over this holiday.

I’m going to be rating them as I go. I’ll keep a list and publish at the end. I’ll keep the rating simple 3 🛌🛌🛌 ( very good would highly recommend) 2 🛌🛌 ( not bad would stay again) 1 🛌. ( didn’t like it. Wouldn’t stay or recommend )

Remember these are not 5 star hotels. I’ve chosen mostly on location & value for money, but the rating includes room comfort, the way it’s planned , things working! Bed comfort , access ( lift).

Last night Boma Hotel If you’re visiting Strasbourg I’d recommend it. Modern but so well planned. 3🛌🛌🛌

https://www.boma-hotel.com/?utm_source=googlemybusiness

Tonight a new one in Paris. We were to stay with friends but they are away on holiday so we changed to one near the station. We arrived today by train from Strasbourg.

Tonight it is Este Hotel. One month old it also looks good. https://www.hotelesteparis.com/en/

Strasbourg this morning was fine then once again raining by lunch time. Steve went on a boat cruise on the river that circles the town of Strasbourg. I did this last time I was here so opted to move around town and observe people.

We had a salad lunch before heading to the station for the 2hr trip to Paris. If you haven’t been to Strasbourg I’d recommend it. It’s in a great part of France. The Alsace region. Lots of lovely villages around to investigate.

Even arriving at a train station can’t dampen the Paris effect. There’s just something about the trees. And the light. We’re about to head out for a drink and dinner by the Canal St-Martin. It’s a lovely afternoon so I’ll finish later …….

Walking down towards the Canal we passed many of the cafes so famous here.

Glimpsed the station another very elegant building.

And saw some wall art ( and a shop that sold all the spray cans needed to create the art)

There was cool breeze coming from the canal where people sat on the steps chatting, smoking, listening to loud music 🤫 or smooching. It is Friday night.

I avoided taking pictures with people. But the canal is a peaceful strip within a busy city

We sat at L’Atmosphere, selecting a table just inside the door. Amazing how many people still smoke here. It’s banned inside but the footpaths tables are all awash with smoke.

View from our table across to it’s extra outside seating and the canal.

The waiters here must easily get their 10.000 steps in. They were running all evening.

Shops and apartments across from the canal. Very colourful for Paris.

I had sea bass and ratatouille which was good and Steve had pepper steak and green beans. Of course with a glass of wine!

We walked back through the little park and saw a park guard on his bike stop a lady who was walking her dog off lease. He directed her sternly to leave the park. The French are strict in so many ways ( take the citizens vote to ban the lime scooters) but they challenge everything as well.

And so to bed in our little Parisian hotel.

Barely any floor space for bags and Steve’s morning exercises, but beautifully planned.

Strasbourg: two points of view

August 3, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 7 Comments

A lazy start. After our epic 3.5 hr film last night. (I still can’t believe we did that!) we loved our room. Quiet, great bed, no noisy neighbours.

Steve headed off for his solo exploration. He’d made a plan which included a few things I’d love to do and one I wouldn’t really care about. I’ll leave you to guess what that is as I describe his day as related to me over afternoon drinks.

He left around 9 and walked the winding streets to the cathedral and had no trouble getting in – no tourists around at this early hour.

One of the many little streets approaching the cathedral.

Making his way to the little sightseeing boat, he stopped off for breakfast. He could easily be French. Loves his pastries.

Not finding any boat or ticket office (which we have since found out the office for tickets is near the cathedral or online) he walked to the Petite France area. it’s a beautiful area established in the 16th Century for the fishermen , millers & tanners.

Then he took the tram to the place he was to get the bus. Only Steve could encounter a surly ticket inspector. He had failed to validate his ticket and nearly copped a fine! Luckily an older guard took pity and jumped off and validated the ticket, much to the displeasure of the young gun guard. A benefit of him having grey hair?

Then he boarded the bus to La Wantzenau. It’s about a 30 min ride. “What’s there?” I hear you ask

He arrived at the exciting La Wantzenau. Naturally he didn’t know where to get off, so at the end of the line the lovely lady driver took him to where he wanted to be. What a lady!

He was visiting one of the largest private museums devoted to WW2.

Rooms & rooms of vehicles, guns, uniforms.

He was there 3 hrs. Recommended for military buffs!.

Then the bus back. Another long story and a big walk back to our hotel where I was laying in wait for an afternoon glass of wine.

And what, I hear you ask, did I do?

I had a very leisurely start. Then brunch in a lovely cafe. A slice of quiche and a coffee. Feeling rested I decided to walk for awhile. I zigzagged through streets towards the Cathedral. Oh, how I love this charming city.

Loads of food shops.

I made it to the Cathedral. It brought back many happy memories. Today was a little windy and cool so I sheltered in a little cafe enjoying mint tea and writing yesterday’s blog.

I walked back and choose a restaurant for tonight. Everything seems to get booked.

I’ve chosen Mamama. It looks cosy and the menu reads well.

Back to the hotel for a rest, a read and with the windows open I could listen to the sounds of the street below. Happy voices, children playing , wheelie bags being pulled over cobbles (did you know some villages in Italy have banned wheelie bags as they are destroying their ancient cobbles?)

Steve arrived back and we went to the bar down stairs in our cool hotel! And so we sat over a glass of wine and compared days. He loved his day and I’m happy with mine. He walked 13,000+ steps. I walked 3,100.

Tonight dinner and perhaps the light show on the cathedral if the rain holds off.

From Singapore to Frankfurt: a Day of Travel

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

After a huge first day in Singapore ( who said I’d take it slowly) we had a 12 hr flight to Frankfurt.

I love watching people in airports. The wanderers: those who are jet lagged and just walk in a trance and get in the way ( of wheelchairs like I was travelling in )

The device addicted : walk and look exclusively at their phone and similar to above – get in the way !

The shoppers: stop at every counter squirting perfume.

The eaters: crowd out the cafes to get the comfortable seats – or perhaps to avoid airline food.

The children : they’re not sure why they are here but go with the flow and have mum chasing them constantly.

Oh yes I had time to observe.

Arrival in Frankfurt was great. Wheelchair at the plane door with a very officious German man ordering me around. Wheeled me to a transit lounge to avoid going down stairs to the arrivals hall. Said he’d be back to go a short cut . Didn’t come back. Steve & I sat patiently. Steve would have wheeled me but he’d taken the chair. We asked the security lady who said he’d be back. Meanwhile where’s our luggage we wondered !

50 mins later they had to phone and get someone else to get us. Andreas was lovely. Found our luggage discarded by the carousel. Wheeled me through a myriad of corridors and voila we arrived at the train station.

We still had an hour before our train to Strasburg, so I was parked in a coffee shop nearest to our platform. A Starbucks. Not my favourite.

But humour remained as I people watched again & Steve wandered off to explore the station.

The train arrived. We made it into our seats. Steve thought there would be a restaurant bar on board. Perhaps if it were the Orient Express. 1st class just got us a numbered seat. Unfortunately for me we had to change trains. Then change platforms. Up and down – what a rush.

Second train got us into Strasburg at 12 and we walked slowly to our hotel.

The Boma Hotel is on Rue November an east 10 mins walk which for able bodies is a breeze. For me. Not so much.

Our room over looks the street. Has an opening window and is very good. Newly renovated it’s cool! Modern furnishings. A bar downstairs. And a helpful manager who booked me a massage.

I arrived by taxi to meet Isabelle, a charming , slim ( aren’t all French women ) and helpful. She tried hard but said in a sad voice. There’s something wrong inside. Ligament or cartilage damage. Luckily for Isabelle I’d had a quick shower after 16 hr travel from Singapore.

Back to the hotel for a rest, a little washing and a short walk out for dinner at Leo’s wine bar. ( its name made me miss our grandchildren) .

We had a beautiful lobster roll and a tomato burrata salad and ham with Parmesan. We shared.

Walking back to the hotel around 8.30, we couldn’t walk further, had eaten enough and as we walked past an art bourse cinema Steve suddenly suggested we see Oppenheimer. Amazing he never suggests a movie but he’d read about it & as it was early thought Why Not!

Staying awake for 3.5 hrs was a struggle after a very long day but we did it and fell into a super comfy bed.

Tomorrow. A Rest day for me and sightseeing for Steve. So luckily I’ve been here before. After a swim trek back in 2015 I had 5 days here by myself. I loved it then so happy to watch the world go by as Steve explores.

Read my blog from back then https://franstraveltales.com/2015/08/23/paris-to-strasbourg/

frans travel tales

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