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Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts

22 October 2004

Trip to Bains (France)

Ally and I have just returned from a lovely trip to Bains in France, nestled by a lake in the Alps. I went for business (to present at a used construction equipment conference) and Ally came for pleasure. It was lovely having her along. Here we are at Geneva Airport. We landed there and then got an hour long taxi to the venue.



The hotel was set on a huge lake. While I attended the presentation, Ally had a much needed break - and managed to fit in a massage, swims in the pool, walks along the lake and some great drawings, having just taken up still life drawing as a hobby. She's practicing with fruit and veg at the moment!





I recently read that one of the top three hates of London drivers is mums taking their kids to school in their big 4X4's through the narrow streets. I had a chuckle to myself at the thought of me driving one of these things (an Artic Hauler that was an exhibition piece at Graeme's conference) to drop off the kiddies. It can take 40 tonnes worth of weight - that's quite a few kids and their packed lunches!!



On Wednesday night, we had entertainment put on for us. We went on a boat trip on the lake, then onto a casino for dinner and a bit of a gamble. We were each given 10 Euros to play with. I made 40 Euros and then lost the lot. A colleague put his token on red 3 in roulette and won Euro 360 in one throw. And immediately cashed the lot. Wise fellow! I must say gambling is not my forte. The only way I'd leave from a casino with a small fortune is to take a large one.



13 October 1996

Continental Europe and London

Places visited




Continental Europe with Trafalgar Tours (1 - 12 Oct)

  • 1 Oct: A short journey to Dover and we cross the channel to Calais in France. Then to Brussels where we see the Grand Place.
  • 2 Oct: We drive into Switzerland. Spend the night in Lucerne. Fat fish thriving in the river.
  • 3 Oct: To the summit of a nearby mountain in a cable car, I see snow for the first time. Then a drive into Italy to Venice.
  • 4 Oct: A full day in Venice - the Bridge of Sighs, St Marks Basilica, Doges Palace etc. We have lunch on the Island of Burrano, with beautiful canals and multi-coloured houses.
  • We have made friends with a wonderful Indian couple from Culcutta. He made his money from air conditioing and has massive moustache. "I am a Military Man" - he explodes in fit of non understanding. Wife very sweet.
  • 5 Oct: We drive to Rome. Spend the evening sightseeing by ourselves, including the Trevi Fountain.
  • 6 Oct: We spend the day touring Rome - including the Catacombs (20 miles of underground tombs of early Christians - arched for Martyrs), Colosseum, and the Forum. American girl on tour (Natalie) is sexually harassing Australian guy on tour (Dannie).
  • 7 Oct: Off to the Vatican - where we see the Sistine Chapel and its stunning ceiling. To see the genius of Michelangelo, compare ceiling with walls. Smallest handwritten bible in world - half size of cigarette box. St Peter's foot rubbed away by a million kisses. Then to Naples where we visit Pompeii's ancient ruins. Erotic paintings on walls for newly weds.
  • 8 Oct: Spend a lovely morning on the Island of Capri. Exciting bus ride up impossible roads with awesome drops to a breath taking view. Drive to Florence.
  • 9 Oct: A morning of walking in Florence visiting Palaces and Cathedrals. Brass door that started the Renaissance.
  • Then to Pisa, where we see the Leaning Tower. We spend the night in Genoa.
  • 10 Oct: To  up a mountain by cable car to enjoy a Fondu meal. Lots of wine - our strict Dutch tour guide gets very mellow. Swervy bus ride down - our driver also tipsy.
  • 11 Oct: A drive to Paris. A spectacular sightseeing tour of Paris by night - including a view by Eiffel Tower.
  • 12 Oct: More Paris - including Notre Dame. Then back to London.


London (13 - 19 Oct)


A week of enjoying some of London's experiences. Activities included:
  • Theatre:  Oliver Twist and Sunset Boulevard
  • Madam Tussssauds
  • Big Ben
  • Harrods with mum and Ally
  • Westminster Cathedral
  • A wonderful tour of the London Tower by a "Beef Eater" including a view of the Crown Jewels
  • London Bridge
  • St Paul's Cathedral
  • South Africa House
  • Movies (Trainspotting, Dragon Heart and Emma) 


Switzerland - our first view of snow







Venice










Florence









Rome



Pisa




Naples (Pompeii)


  

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