We had a fabulous time in Ireland, really enjoyed exploring the area where my brother lives. The most picturesque country side and so peaceful. The kids loved playing with the very playful Bronte and the 10 very funny hens. They loved collecting the eggs each morning and would race outside to greet them in their pjs and jackets. I grew very fond of the chickens and I would go out in my pjs each morning as well.
We also spent some time in the Lismire area where my father was born and raised. I love visiting his family home which is still owned and run by the Kellys. My cousin who runs the farm gave us a fabulous talk about our family history which was fascinating. I must say we have some wonderful characters in our ancestors, I look forward to researching them when I arrive home one such fellow is Edmund Burke who was the first Irishman to be appointed as a statesman in the English parliament during the 1700's.
The kids ran around the farm having a wonderful time they loved the grand tour of the farm. Seeing the horses, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, cows etc. They enjoyed watching the round up of cows and the milking.
I felt a real connection with my Grandmother on this visit especially at her grave, even hubby felt it so I know I was not dreaming.
The kids loved horse riding around my grandmothers birth place on Gooseberry Hill the farm she grew up on is still run by family.
We have seen so much in Ireland it has been a wonderful experience.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Nice/Paris/Cork
The past two weeks has been extremely busy, we have explored the island of St Marguerite just off the coast of Cannes it was lovely and hot. We explored the Fort and walked part of the island. After lunch we headed to the beach which was much calmer than Nice it was a lovely day.
Our last day in Nice was spent relaxing on the Sun beds at Castels.
We arrived in Paris on the 7th July that night we all dressed up and headed to the Eiffel tower for dinner at restaurant 58. If you are ever in Paris this is a must do we found it a wonderful experience and the waiter was fantastic with the kids. Over the next few days we explored the Paris must do's
- Eiffel tower
- The Louvre
- Jardin DES Plantes
- Hotel de Ville
- Arc de Triumph
- Grand Palais
- St Louis island shops and of course lots of berthillon ice-cream
Saturday we caught a train to the town of Rouen where Hubbys Great Uncle Laurence Daniel Found was laid to rest after he died from gunshot wounds received on 12th October 1917 in World War 1, the same day as his brother Neal Found was also shot. Neal died in the field in Belgium his grave unknown. Laurence survived until 23rd October 1917 before passing away. He is buried in the St Severs cemetery along with many other soldiers from WW1. To stand amongst the white tombstones was a very humbling and emotional experience, to know both Laurence and Neal were loved by their Mother, Father, brother, sisters and Neals wife and two infant children was comforting. On leaving the cemetery to see the French people go about their business was really a wonderful thing, life could have been very different for all of us had it not been for these men. Just before we left Melbourne we met with a decendant of Neal's his great great granddaughter Tracey and her daughter Lauren. Visiting Tracey really helped us to understand these two very brave men and also gave us an insight into Russell's Great Grandmother and Laurence and Neal's beautiful Mother Jane who was heartbroken over the loss of her two sons. Tracey we thank you for the information you shared with us before we left and we look forward to getting to know you more in the future.
RIP Laurence and Neal!
Sunday was a completely different day we went to Disneyland Paris. We survived a 17 hour day of laughs and fun. The kids had so much fun on all the rides at the parades and fireworks. The day was even more exciting when Daughter no. 2 bumped into her good friend and our neighbors from home. It was fun to spend a few hours with them running around Disneyland.
Monday was spent finishing off our site seeing we climbed the 300 stairs to the top of the Sacre Couer dome then it was a mad dash back to the Eiffel tower to go to the top floor unfortunately 2 of the lifts were broken so we could only manage to get to the second floor. Which is still a great view. Hubby and daughter no. 1 then went to the Arc de Triumph and walked the Champs-Elyees. Myself and daughter no. 2 and son went back to the apartment to rest. Dinner was with hubby's friend from work. Really exhausted!
Tuesday I was up early as I wanted to get to the Notre Dame before the crowds we had been 3 times but the lines were far too long. At 8am no one is around and I was even able to sit in on Mass being held, it was beautiful sitting quietly listening taking in the beauty of the Cathedral. Russ and the kids went when I arrived back at the apartment it gave me an hour to pack and clean up before heading to Ireland on our 3.15 flight. We nearly didn't get to the airport as we caught the wrong train, thankfully the French people on the train were wonderful and put us on the right path.
Talking about the French people they have been just wonderful to us, when ever we have been lost and that was basically everyday they helped us. They were very patient and always had a great smile for us. Our day in Rouen saw us very lost and about to walk 5k to the cemetery until the lady in the bakery left her shop to help us she introduced us to another lady wHo drew a map and took us to the right bus stop. Those two ladies were sent to us by a greater force as if they did not cross our path I don't think we would have found the cemetery. To the beaUtiful French people we say a big thank you....we love your hospitality and country.
IRELAND
On arriving at my brothers and sister-in-laws farm house our children were delighted! They have taken on the responsibility of looking after the dog, cat, fish and the 10 chickens with passion. We took Wednesday very slowly as we are exhausted we explored the farm and hung out with the animals and in the veggie patch. We went to Baltimore Thursday for lunch looking out over the harbour.
Friday we drove to a place called Glandore we visited a Bronze age stone circle which was fascinating you could even see where they lived and the holes lined with stone they had created to boil water in 18 minutes by pushing hot rocks into the water which would stay hot for 3 hours! Perfect for boiling meat.
Today we travelled about an hour and a half to Blarney we climbed the castle in rain and wind and we all kissed the blarney stone we can now go forth with the gift of Eloquence! We then climbed all the way down, daughter no. 1 threw up outside the Blarney House sorry Sir Charles St. John Colthurst of Ardrum for the chunky bits of food in your nice manicured lawn. After a quick tour of the house by Daughter no. 2 and I we had to go home as daughter no 1 was going down hill fast. Bugger we can not have sick kids on holiday.
Best wishes to everyone, if it makes you all feel better those of you in cold old Melbourne it is freezing in Ireland.
Our last day in Nice was spent relaxing on the Sun beds at Castels.
We arrived in Paris on the 7th July that night we all dressed up and headed to the Eiffel tower for dinner at restaurant 58. If you are ever in Paris this is a must do we found it a wonderful experience and the waiter was fantastic with the kids. Over the next few days we explored the Paris must do's
- Eiffel tower
- The Louvre
- Jardin DES Plantes
- Hotel de Ville
- Arc de Triumph
- Grand Palais
- St Louis island shops and of course lots of berthillon ice-cream
Saturday we caught a train to the town of Rouen where Hubbys Great Uncle Laurence Daniel Found was laid to rest after he died from gunshot wounds received on 12th October 1917 in World War 1, the same day as his brother Neal Found was also shot. Neal died in the field in Belgium his grave unknown. Laurence survived until 23rd October 1917 before passing away. He is buried in the St Severs cemetery along with many other soldiers from WW1. To stand amongst the white tombstones was a very humbling and emotional experience, to know both Laurence and Neal were loved by their Mother, Father, brother, sisters and Neals wife and two infant children was comforting. On leaving the cemetery to see the French people go about their business was really a wonderful thing, life could have been very different for all of us had it not been for these men. Just before we left Melbourne we met with a decendant of Neal's his great great granddaughter Tracey and her daughter Lauren. Visiting Tracey really helped us to understand these two very brave men and also gave us an insight into Russell's Great Grandmother and Laurence and Neal's beautiful Mother Jane who was heartbroken over the loss of her two sons. Tracey we thank you for the information you shared with us before we left and we look forward to getting to know you more in the future.
RIP Laurence and Neal!
Sunday was a completely different day we went to Disneyland Paris. We survived a 17 hour day of laughs and fun. The kids had so much fun on all the rides at the parades and fireworks. The day was even more exciting when Daughter no. 2 bumped into her good friend and our neighbors from home. It was fun to spend a few hours with them running around Disneyland.
Monday was spent finishing off our site seeing we climbed the 300 stairs to the top of the Sacre Couer dome then it was a mad dash back to the Eiffel tower to go to the top floor unfortunately 2 of the lifts were broken so we could only manage to get to the second floor. Which is still a great view. Hubby and daughter no. 1 then went to the Arc de Triumph and walked the Champs-Elyees. Myself and daughter no. 2 and son went back to the apartment to rest. Dinner was with hubby's friend from work. Really exhausted!
Tuesday I was up early as I wanted to get to the Notre Dame before the crowds we had been 3 times but the lines were far too long. At 8am no one is around and I was even able to sit in on Mass being held, it was beautiful sitting quietly listening taking in the beauty of the Cathedral. Russ and the kids went when I arrived back at the apartment it gave me an hour to pack and clean up before heading to Ireland on our 3.15 flight. We nearly didn't get to the airport as we caught the wrong train, thankfully the French people on the train were wonderful and put us on the right path.
Talking about the French people they have been just wonderful to us, when ever we have been lost and that was basically everyday they helped us. They were very patient and always had a great smile for us. Our day in Rouen saw us very lost and about to walk 5k to the cemetery until the lady in the bakery left her shop to help us she introduced us to another lady wHo drew a map and took us to the right bus stop. Those two ladies were sent to us by a greater force as if they did not cross our path I don't think we would have found the cemetery. To the beaUtiful French people we say a big thank you....we love your hospitality and country.
IRELAND
On arriving at my brothers and sister-in-laws farm house our children were delighted! They have taken on the responsibility of looking after the dog, cat, fish and the 10 chickens with passion. We took Wednesday very slowly as we are exhausted we explored the farm and hung out with the animals and in the veggie patch. We went to Baltimore Thursday for lunch looking out over the harbour.
Friday we drove to a place called Glandore we visited a Bronze age stone circle which was fascinating you could even see where they lived and the holes lined with stone they had created to boil water in 18 minutes by pushing hot rocks into the water which would stay hot for 3 hours! Perfect for boiling meat.
Today we travelled about an hour and a half to Blarney we climbed the castle in rain and wind and we all kissed the blarney stone we can now go forth with the gift of Eloquence! We then climbed all the way down, daughter no. 1 threw up outside the Blarney House sorry Sir Charles St. John Colthurst of Ardrum for the chunky bits of food in your nice manicured lawn. After a quick tour of the house by Daughter no. 2 and I we had to go home as daughter no 1 was going down hill fast. Bugger we can not have sick kids on holiday.
Best wishes to everyone, if it makes you all feel better those of you in cold old Melbourne it is freezing in Ireland.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Italy - San Remo
It's Saturday and we woke up early to make our way to the train station for our trip to Italy. Our destination was San Remo. The city of San Remo is home to just under 60'000 people a little bigger than our San Remo near Phillip island in Victoria.
We arrived at the station early to catch the 8.23am train, all going to plan until Hubby said "did you bring the passports?". Mmmm "no was i meant too?"! So we missed the train while he headed back to the apartment to collect them. He was back in time for us to catch the next train half an hour later. We probably did not need them but we were to afraid we would arrive and they would send us back to France...I think I have watched too many Airport shows!
Anyway the train trip was great it was really easy to buy tickets and find our way around the different train stations. The scenery was fantastic, the train snakes it's way along the coast through tunnels dug out of the mountains, rail tracks that are virtually just above the lapping ocean and through various French and Italian towns.
We arrived in San Remo - Italy and at once could see and sense a cultural difference to Nice/Canne/Monaco. We headed straight for the local Saturday market, which I had read on a website was worth visiting. I had not told Hubby my research for Sam Remo was based on some guy who had posted a comment on his experience from Nice to San Remo for a day on the site trip advisor.
As we realized we could not speak a word of Italian asking for directions was not easy but we did manage to get directions with lots of hand pointing and smiles. Great we found it! Hubby just looked at me and said why are we here and whats so good about this market....my reply "I don't know we need to experience it". Well it ended up being like a smaller version of Vic market which was not to hubbys taste. We then found the food hall which was air-conditioned and very clean now were talking! The fresh produce was amazing they of course had all their pastas, olive oils, sauces, lemon cello etc etc they also had delis, butchers and the fish market. We enjoyed wandering around in here watching the locals purchase their produce.
Lunch was also based on the strangers advice he suggested after the market have lunch at Il Profumo del Mosto in the Piazza the spaghetti carbonara is like no other, it was at this stage I did have to confess to hubby about where I sourced my info. I don't think he had much faith! We ended up having a beautiful lunch of entree and two mains. Entree was a plate of different hams with ricotta cheese which was amazing and two small wedges of tomato pizza. The main was the spaghetti carbonara and then a plate of scolloped chicken in a white wine sauce. It was all lovely and a risk well worth taking.
We then headed off for a walk around town, before we went to lunch we did notice we arrived on what was like mid year sales in Melbourne. Shops were full of people in queues waiting to purchase with massive discounts. After our lunch we headed back along the Mall by 2pm a lot of the shops had closed it was like years ago when on Saturday afternoon everything was shut. Some shops remained open and Daughter no 1 was lucky enough to find a pair of designer shorts and track pants.
We made our way towards the ocean where we ended up on a not so nice beach we continued our walk around to the Marina which housed the San Remo yacht club and lots of restaurants buzzing with people eating and talking.
We found a lovely beach with sand, sun lounges and a lovely restaurant over looking the ocean, we could have spent a happy day of beach bumming it on that there beach.
We then had one last thing to do.... the gelati bar also recommend by the stranger and well worth it the lovely man serving made Daughter no 2 and I a flower out of gelati sitting atop a cone. We were impressed and the gelati was yummy. The others had cups so no flower for them.
It was then time to return to France so we departed San Remo after a great day of experiencing the Italian culture.
We arrived at the station early to catch the 8.23am train, all going to plan until Hubby said "did you bring the passports?". Mmmm "no was i meant too?"! So we missed the train while he headed back to the apartment to collect them. He was back in time for us to catch the next train half an hour later. We probably did not need them but we were to afraid we would arrive and they would send us back to France...I think I have watched too many Airport shows!
Anyway the train trip was great it was really easy to buy tickets and find our way around the different train stations. The scenery was fantastic, the train snakes it's way along the coast through tunnels dug out of the mountains, rail tracks that are virtually just above the lapping ocean and through various French and Italian towns.
We arrived in San Remo - Italy and at once could see and sense a cultural difference to Nice/Canne/Monaco. We headed straight for the local Saturday market, which I had read on a website was worth visiting. I had not told Hubby my research for Sam Remo was based on some guy who had posted a comment on his experience from Nice to San Remo for a day on the site trip advisor.
As we realized we could not speak a word of Italian asking for directions was not easy but we did manage to get directions with lots of hand pointing and smiles. Great we found it! Hubby just looked at me and said why are we here and whats so good about this market....my reply "I don't know we need to experience it". Well it ended up being like a smaller version of Vic market which was not to hubbys taste. We then found the food hall which was air-conditioned and very clean now were talking! The fresh produce was amazing they of course had all their pastas, olive oils, sauces, lemon cello etc etc they also had delis, butchers and the fish market. We enjoyed wandering around in here watching the locals purchase their produce.
Lunch was also based on the strangers advice he suggested after the market have lunch at Il Profumo del Mosto in the Piazza the spaghetti carbonara is like no other, it was at this stage I did have to confess to hubby about where I sourced my info. I don't think he had much faith! We ended up having a beautiful lunch of entree and two mains. Entree was a plate of different hams with ricotta cheese which was amazing and two small wedges of tomato pizza. The main was the spaghetti carbonara and then a plate of scolloped chicken in a white wine sauce. It was all lovely and a risk well worth taking.
We then headed off for a walk around town, before we went to lunch we did notice we arrived on what was like mid year sales in Melbourne. Shops were full of people in queues waiting to purchase with massive discounts. After our lunch we headed back along the Mall by 2pm a lot of the shops had closed it was like years ago when on Saturday afternoon everything was shut. Some shops remained open and Daughter no 1 was lucky enough to find a pair of designer shorts and track pants.
We made our way towards the ocean where we ended up on a not so nice beach we continued our walk around to the Marina which housed the San Remo yacht club and lots of restaurants buzzing with people eating and talking.
We found a lovely beach with sand, sun lounges and a lovely restaurant over looking the ocean, we could have spent a happy day of beach bumming it on that there beach.
We then had one last thing to do.... the gelati bar also recommend by the stranger and well worth it the lovely man serving made Daughter no 2 and I a flower out of gelati sitting atop a cone. We were impressed and the gelati was yummy. The others had cups so no flower for them.
It was then time to return to France so we departed San Remo after a great day of experiencing the Italian culture.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Monaco
On Thursday we caught the ferry to Monaco its a 45 min trip, very pleasant with a sea breeze and great views of the coast. We could also appreciate Eze from the water that is one massive cliff it sits on.
On arriving in Monaco we purchased on off tickets to the bus tour which allows you to jump on and off as you please we have found this to be useful with the kids as they don't have to walk as far everyday. Grumpy kids on holiday is not so much fun.
We first stopped at the Japanese garden which was peaceful in an otherwise very high rise area busy area. We then stopped at the casino Russ related it all back to the James bond movie and was in love with the cars driving past us never seen so many ferraris in one day...what colour would you like? We ventured into the shopping centre and well I felt uncomfortable in my sun dress being all sweaty etc the elegance in the shopping center was beautiful. Monaco has some seriously rich people.
We found some lunch just baguettes and pastries and thought we could go to the park for a picnic to our amazement one was not allowed to sit on the grass...how bizarre I didn't like this rule. All the seats were taken in the shade so we had to sit on the stone border around the edge of the grass see photo. Anyway not the most comfortable of picnics...dont think people in Monaco do picnics.
Back on the bus we headed for the palace, old town, the cathedral and the justice building. First the palace which was being prepared for Prince Alberts marriage to Charlene Wittstock from south Africa. Every shop in Monaco had a photo of the couple in the window and many of the highrise apartments had the white and red flag displayed. The couple were married last night in a civil ceremony and will marry tonight in a religious ceremony.
We then ventured through old town which was quaint I didnt think it was as nice as Nices old town it was very touristy. We ventured to the justice building which was decorated beautifully for the wedding. Then to the cathedral which was very large and beautiful paid our respects to Princess Grace and Prince Rainer III and their forebares.
Then onto the oceanographic museum the kids enjoyed the aquarium and Russ and I enjoyed the air conditioning worth the 55 euros to get in just to walk in the cool air. After a cool drink or ice cream in the cafe up stairs we went to catch the bus it did not arrive so we walked thankfully just making it in time for the boat to depart back to Nice.
Overall a very enjoyable day although exhausting, the heat is really knocking us around. Takeaway pizza for dinner from the coin which was really good.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Eze
Today we went to Eze an amazing hilltop village located between Nice and Monaco. The site has been occupied since the bronze age although settlement records only date back to the 11th century. There is one building in Eze that dates back to 1306 it is the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix to think it has stood there for 700 years is amazing!
The bus dropped us at the Eze village, we started the climb the kids are so over stairs and tend to whinge and become grumpy....who brought them along may have to post kids back to Oz any takers to look after them let me know! It was rather hot I will give them that and it was about 2 hours after we should of climbed up the hilltop thanks to the bus not turning up sitting waiting for a bus for 2 hours was not fun.
Anyway we climbed to the top paid the 10 euros to access the garden at the top worth every cent the view was amazing. It was rather hot up there in the cactus garden thankfully there was some shade. We then had lunch at the highest resturant on the hill. M is so adventurous with her food and will try anything today it was escargot (snails), she did give me one to try which I did...thank goodness for garlic and parsley! I thought it was a bit crunchy for my liking.
It was time to explore the labyrinth of tiny passages ways with cobbled alleys that were filled with little shops containing crafts, paintings, clothing and cafes. There is even 2 hotels, I think it would be very special to stay up there.
On the way down to the Eze village we stopped at two perfumeries Fragonard and Galimard. Galimard is the oldest perfumery in France and makes its perfumes in Grasse were the micro-climate is perfect for perfume production. We were lucky enough to be invited along on a tour to explain how they produce perfume...it was fascinating. To become a nose (the people who create the perfume) you basically have to study for 6-7 years, not allowed to swim in salt water or chlorine, not allowed rich foods with spices and they work little hours for big money. There are only 200 noses in the world 40 in France.
We purchased some perfume for hubby and I and then caught the bus home exhausted.
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The bus dropped us at the Eze village, we started the climb the kids are so over stairs and tend to whinge and become grumpy....who brought them along may have to post kids back to Oz any takers to look after them let me know! It was rather hot I will give them that and it was about 2 hours after we should of climbed up the hilltop thanks to the bus not turning up sitting waiting for a bus for 2 hours was not fun.
Anyway we climbed to the top paid the 10 euros to access the garden at the top worth every cent the view was amazing. It was rather hot up there in the cactus garden thankfully there was some shade. We then had lunch at the highest resturant on the hill. M is so adventurous with her food and will try anything today it was escargot (snails), she did give me one to try which I did...thank goodness for garlic and parsley! I thought it was a bit crunchy for my liking.
It was time to explore the labyrinth of tiny passages ways with cobbled alleys that were filled with little shops containing crafts, paintings, clothing and cafes. There is even 2 hotels, I think it would be very special to stay up there.
On the way down to the Eze village we stopped at two perfumeries Fragonard and Galimard. Galimard is the oldest perfumery in France and makes its perfumes in Grasse were the micro-climate is perfect for perfume production. We were lucky enough to be invited along on a tour to explain how they produce perfume...it was fascinating. To become a nose (the people who create the perfume) you basically have to study for 6-7 years, not allowed to swim in salt water or chlorine, not allowed rich foods with spices and they work little hours for big money. There are only 200 noses in the world 40 in France.
We purchased some perfume for hubby and I and then caught the bus home exhausted.
Festival of Saint Pierre -25th June 2011
We started our Saturday night by walking the dreaded Castle Hill where we stumbled upon another festival of some sort, not sure what type of festival as it was all in French. Hubby thought it may have to do with politics but he was not to sure. All we could see were lots of food and drink stalls no food regulations were in place as they were smoking as they served and one could see no gloves or hand washing...we had already eaten thankfully! Basically everyone was getting plastered and having a great time. This festival went all weekend as when I ran the hill and yes I said RAN from top to bottom with out stopping (Mark & Chris did you here what i just said) on Monday morning the site at the top was one of complete mess and I think they did have a good time going by the amount of empty condom packets I saw...so glad I left Russ with the kids at home.
Anyway back to St Pierre we then ventured down the other side of the hill to the St Pierre festival, at the Gesu Church the mass was in French but I was able to get the gist of things. The church was beautiful inside and I really enjoyed sitting listening even though I couldn't understand. At the conclusion of the mass they carried a statue of St Pierre out of the church through a guard of honour. The guard of honour comprised of sailors dressed in blue and white striped tops and white pants holding red oars. The statue was carried down to the waters edge at the Le Port where it was placed on a boat and was taken out to sea (we are not sure what happened to the statue once out of the Port) although it was escorted by little sailing boats which had large bouquets of flowers on their decks. While waiting for the boats to return there was music and dancing. Daughter no. 2 was lucky to receive a flower from one of the sailors....her sister was so not happy! Once the sailing boats had returned the priest came down to the water and stood next to the wooden boat they were about to set fire to, he said a prayer and the boat was lit. It burned rapidly and was a great delight to all watching.
We then made our way home walking along The Promenade des Anglais which was alive with people walking and there were hundreds on the beach having picnics and enjoying the evening.
Warmly,
The Harpers :)
Ps photos to follow later don't have access to down load any at the moment
Friday, June 24, 2011
Its all about the food!
Well I thought I would start the blog off with one of my favourite topics....FOOD!
Having been in Nice now for 7 days we have been enjoying the wonderful scenery up at the Chataeu (more of that another time), we walk to the top each day and then down to the market to buy our food.
Surprisingly its very multicultural in Old Nice. We have enjoyed so far lots of french bread with various toppings in Cannes I had cooked tuna with mayo, lettuce and cheese followed by a delicious macaroon! I love macaroons and french ones are tasty! We have eaten Japanese, Lebanese, Irish and have found an Italian restaurant that caters for us all. M loves the mussels provencale and has eaten them twice so far. Hubby enjoyed a dish that was well he said "unreal" not sure what it was called it had lots of different things on the plate like stuff zucchini etc! B and J were happy with the Margarita Pizza and I loved the fish soup, a main of squid and creme caramel for dessert.
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In old Nice the little lanes are full of restaurants, produce stores, gift shops and boutiques. We are slowly getting used to buying our food from different stores and of course the market.
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Yesterday we had lunch in an olive grove in front of the Musee Matisse, I think this has been one of my favourite things we have done, the olive grove was amazing. The Matisse museum was pretty good too.
Each night someone close to the apartment we are staying in plays the accordian with all those French tunes...not sure what they are called but I just pinch myself and can not believe we are here in Nice.
Warmly,
The Harpers
Having been in Nice now for 7 days we have been enjoying the wonderful scenery up at the Chataeu (more of that another time), we walk to the top each day and then down to the market to buy our food.
Surprisingly its very multicultural in Old Nice. We have enjoyed so far lots of french bread with various toppings in Cannes I had cooked tuna with mayo, lettuce and cheese followed by a delicious macaroon! I love macaroons and french ones are tasty! We have eaten Japanese, Lebanese, Irish and have found an Italian restaurant that caters for us all. M loves the mussels provencale and has eaten them twice so far. Hubby enjoyed a dish that was well he said "unreal" not sure what it was called it had lots of different things on the plate like stuff zucchini etc! B and J were happy with the Margarita Pizza and I loved the fish soup, a main of squid and creme caramel for dessert.
The Cours Salaya market is fabulous we stroll the aisles and choose fruit and veg for the day.
So far the pizza bread (not sure of its thats its real name but thats what we are calling it) is delish. The strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries are also out of this world. Its so nice to be eating Summer fruits again.
So far the pizza bread (not sure of its thats its real name but thats what we are calling it) is delish. The strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries are also out of this world. Its so nice to be eating Summer fruits again.
In old Nice the little lanes are full of restaurants, produce stores, gift shops and boutiques. We are slowly getting used to buying our food from different stores and of course the market.
Each night someone close to the apartment we are staying in plays the accordian with all those French tunes...not sure what they are called but I just pinch myself and can not believe we are here in Nice.
Warmly,
The Harpers
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Arriving in Nice!
Bonjour, We have arrived in Nice! Its absolutely beautiful, I have fallen in love with all the beautiful little boutiques, fresh produce shops etc in old Nice can not wait to go explore each of them. We arrived yesterday afternoon to a warm 23 degrees it feels a lot warmer than our 23 degrees in MElbourne but I suppose that is the mediterranean climate....love it! The jet lag is awful poor Bella has been hit the worse even vomiting outside the supermarket...thank goodness Russ took her outside just before. She is however coping very well today. This morning we walked to the Chateau Nice climbing just over 200 steps to the top to see the amazing views. We then made our way down to the beach and the kids threw the rocks into the water...no golden sand here just big rocks to sit on. We then ventured to the market we fell in love with the beautiful fresh produce. we purchased some bread well we called it pizza but it was delicious Bread with cheese, tomato and mushrooms cooked onto the top and I think there was ham we ate it so quick we had to go back and buy more. The strawberries and cherries were also out of this world! We are just about to head to the beach for the afternoon. Au revoir!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Two sleeps to go.....
Its all starting to get very exciting, still lots of packing to do and a list the length of my arm to get through before Thursday. We depart at 9:30pm on Thursday 16th June, 2011.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hello and welcome to our travel blog!
The count down has begun we have 20 sleeps before we embark on a very long awaited travel adventure. If you are interested in what we the Harper Family are up to on our European Holiday then please feel free to come along on the adventure with us.
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