These gumboots were made for walking

We arrived at My Explorers Hotel, Chessy, ignoring the pouring rain and ready for some fun. Our hotel room is once again 'comfortable'; we all have our own beds (that we do not necessarily stay in until morning), toilet, bathroom, but no bar fridge (have found this common so far in most of our hotels).



















We caught the bus from the hotel to Eurodisney, it leaves every 15 minutes and is more convenient than driving, (I know this because we tried to drive but could not find the car park, so we returned to the hotel and caught the bus). Day one is pouring with rain, and by the afternoon Walt provides even more (for Disney effect I'm sure) just to contribute to our soaked sock situation. As frostbite kicks in, hubby and I realise that daughter and every other patron have come well prepared with gumboots. After 4 hours of fun in the rain we decide to head for the local shopping centre to source gumboots. Two hours later we find some pretty pink gumboots a few sizes too small in a sports store. Apparently these are the only gumboots left in the entire shopping centre due to the day's weather!




Day two and an early start to find gumboots 'out of town'. 20 minute drive to success. We choose knee high rubber boots, then ditch them for hiking boots, then ditch them for waterproof sneakers, then ditch them for fishing boots, then ditch them for horse riding boots, then ditch them for black gumboots, (found eventually at the very back of the store). There is a nappy explosion change and a toddler toilet trip thrown in the agenda just for added excitement. Step outside, oh look, lovely sunshine! We opt to keep the boots for a rainy day and brave our semi damp shoes from the day prior. Happy to get our princess to Fantasyland for a princess fix; oh look, pouring rain! Guess should have worn boots? Wet, tired, but fun filled, we head back to the hotel after 5 for daughter to try the swimming pool and water slides.



Day 3 it is cloudy and grey so surely we have it right this time, "We must all wear gumboots!" Our longest day, we were in the park by 10 o'clock and did not leave until after 6. We managed over 8 rides with both the kids, they napped in the pram while we had lunch and we did a lot of walking. We head back to the hotel so children could play in the ball pit, and so mummy and daddy could have a bottle of Ròse. Oh look, prune feet due to wearing hot and sweaty gumboots on a stinking hot cloudless day!




Day 4 sandals and sunshine. I have spent the entire day looking at everyones feet trying to spot someone to mock, would you believe that not one person is wearing a gumboot in such beautiful weather?



Our hotel was a great choice and really catered to the needs and entertainment of the children. There was a large covered swimming pool, Pirate Ship, Play Areas, Internet Access (convenient for our last minute hotel bookings), Disney Boutique (not so convenient as daughter's latest 'thing' is touching every piece of merchandise in any shop, this makes for a long grocery shop when just going for milk), Video Games Arcades, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, 1 Brioche Dorée Snack-Bar and a great buffet breakfast that provided us with our days snacks.


We would recommend this hotel to anyone travelling with children; young up to teenage years. Our only regret, (apart from the gumboots, but I guess that is not the hotels fault), would be not booking another night as we felt a bit rushed trying to fit in the activities at the hotel as well as the fun park.

Where is the mustard?

We had a pleasant hotel stay and breakfast in our Geneve hotel. Take your pick how you say it, Geneve, Geneva, Genf, Ginerva all seem to be acceptable. We were going to hit the town but miserable weather and children due for a nap had us tour the 2nd largest city in Switzerland by car, (in twenty minutes). It was 9 o'clock on a Sunday, so everything was closed, and we know it was 9 o'clock as every second shop displayed either a swiss watch or a cuckoo clock. After taking a few photos we decided to drive towards Troyes and to make some random stops of discovery along the way. When it rains, it pours, and we had wishfull thoughts that the clouds were emptying now to give us beautiful weather for our Eurodisney adventure tomorrow. Soul mate said he cursed us with his "We have had great luck with the weather" comment yesterday. Does saying "touch wood" and tapping your head really help un-jinx yourself?



We found a little place called Beaune on our way to Dijon. This is a sleepy old town in city walls, all cobblestone streets and limited driving. Filled with patisseries and restaurants, this would be a great little weekend destination and is the wine capital of Burgandy, so also a great place to taste some delicious wines. Do not think that Beaune is steered towards tourists but would be a great place for tourists to stop. (Our little secret, do not want the tour busses ruining its beauty.)




We requested that the GPS avoid toll roads for a while and then found ourselves in some lovely little towns. This is something that we should of done sooner and that I would recommend; of course depending on time limitations and how well young children travel in the car between A and B.


Just because a town has a big dot on the map, does not necessarily mean it will be a place worth visiting. I wanted to pass thru Dijon (yes, home of the mustard) for lunch, but everything was mostly closed and we did not feel the appeal necessary to stop. Most of the city appeared to be under restoration, both roads and buildings. We did however see a Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut (first seen in Europe), but not really a consolation for no Dijon mustard.


Next onto Troyes. Very cute little town with half timbered houses and dark alleyed streets. Troyes was chosen as it is situated only 2 hours out of Paris and would help to cut down our travel time the next day. Sporting raincoats and umbrella's we headed into town for a meal to discover a labyrinth of creperies, pizzerias and a-la-carte restaurants. Choosing a busy restaurant (food poisoning less likely with higher food turn over?) we dined on snails, duck and fish. Princess did not want to try snail; hesitation was not an issue for prince; after all he does eat dirt. Our hotel was comfortable, (polite way of saying their were holes in the walls, but nice staff and no sign of rats), and Mia and Leon slept in until 8 o'clock, (always the way when you want an early start). The restaurant fed us well with crossaints, bagettes, meat, cheeses and coffee, which appears to be the extent of every hotel breakfast at this stage. Not letting the pouring rain dampen our spirits, we packed up the car, and head off for our Eurodisney adventure. I think hubby and I were more excited than the children. Daughter was just excited to get back in the car so she could watch her DVD player.

I can not do 2 things at once!

Packing bags for 24 hours, numerous checklists, 3 trips to the car, we can just see out of the back windsreen, are we are ready to begin our road trip north to the French Alps? Have a funny feeling we have forgotten something; double check on children, passports and husband so think we are ready for our adventure. Heading for Chamonix, we go into an 11km tunnel in Italy and come out in France. We are charged 43.70€ for the toll (return), which I later discover is only the beginning of our toll expense. (We estimated spending over 200€ in toll roads over the week! Wasted 35€ due to paying twice at one stage; our bad. We did not really budget for the toll roads, actually, come to think of it, we did not really budget for the holiday. "We will worry about it later/ You only live once/ Butter and bread for dinner this week/ Blah blah blah!")




It started to rain heavily while I was driving, so with clenched jaw and white knuckles from strangling the steering wheel, I adopted tunnel vision and missed half the drive to Mount Blanc. Although I did have commentry. "Wow look at that castle! Can you see the river! Look over there! How about that!" Taking the manly excuse of "I can not do two things at once, can you take a photo!" Hubby took my hint, and reeled in his excitement to satisfy my nerves of driving in the rain. Once the rain eased off a little, I was presented with mountains that disappear into the clouds; they seemed two dimensional and never ending. French Alps. We were speechless and reverted back to cave man talk. "Wow. Big hill. Nice set."





Chamonix, Mount Blanc, reminded me of a lego town I used to make with my brother and sister on the loungeroom floor over the Christmas holidays. (We are talking in the 80's not recently, although must admit can not wait until daughter shows interest. In lego town, not the 80's.) The villas all look picture perfect, in neat little rows, with pretty flowers in planter boxes and very neat and tidy.





We wanted to go on the cable cart ride to Plan de l'Alguille, 2308m up Mount Blanc, it was 14€ return and departed every 15 minutes. Unfortunately, we were told that children under 3 years should not go up as it was too dangerous on their ears and their hearts, it was our decision and responsibity if we chose to partake, "Take them at your own risk". Deciding that the heart is pretty important for bodily function, we opted for the towns tourist train ride instead. Similar to the size of the trains you see carting children around the larger shopping centres, not really the open bus tour we had become accustomed to, but fun none the less.

We stopped for a lunch of crepes and omelette, then walked the main street, salivating over the chocolate shops and patisseries. Sometimes you can not capture beauty, no matter how hard you try. (I tell myself this everymorning I am putting make up on in the mirror.) Numerous photos were taken of the Mer de Glace (sea of ice) Glacier that kept popping out from behind the buildings and mountains. The glacier is the second largest in the Alps and had a magnetic affect, 14km long, it kept playing peek-a-boo with me all day, and I kept finding it in the corner of my eye. A beautiful backdrop. Seeing snow topped mountains and glaciers in the middle of summer - craziness! We even thought it was snowing at one stage but then realised it was just wind blowing flower particles, (ok, so we are new to this)!

After a necessary chocolate purchase from a chocolatier, it started to rain, so we headed back to the car. We had an hours drive until we reached Geneve, Switzerland, our destination for the night. Three countries in one day, but no jet lag! (Or stamp in my passport so you will have to take my word for it.) It amazes me that within 3 1/2 hours of driving, we travel thru 3 countries, where more than 3 languages are spoken. Do people literally speak a different dilect as soon as you cross that invisible border? We were unsure about Switzerland and were to find out that they speak Swiss German, some French and some Italian. What clever people.

QUOTE OF THE DAY; "I am yelling at you because I love you!"

Daughter tried to open the car door while we were in motion. I found the above words spilling out of my mouth. Soul mate now thinks he has found a great line to re-use in a disagreement with me!

Rub a breast for luck

Every time I visit somewhere new, I feel as though when I leave I always say "This place is worth another visit", guess what... "This place is worth another visit". Verona is 90 minute drive east from Milano (another 90 minutes and we would be swimming in the Veniziano canals). Known as piccola Roma, (little Rome), for its importance to the imperial days. I think it is little Roma due to the alley wayed cobblestone streets, ancient buildings and ruins and the mass of pizzerias and gelati hole in walls.





I shall refer to Verona as the 'city of love', it has an ambiance of enchantment. Maybe it was my good mood, maybe the lovely weather, maybe the delicious coconut gelati? Perhaps the history as Verona is known mainly as the setting for Shakespeares fictional Romeo and Juliet, which was based on real savage family feuding and rivalry in the 13th and 14th centuries. I made my eternal mark of love (along with 100 000 others) on a graffiti wall on the entrance to the courtyard of Juliets balcony. My eternal mark was made with a borrowed biro running out of ink from a German tourist ("Danke") and poetically pronounced "Jav luv's Cath 4 eva 2010". What am I? 12? I promised hubby I would return at a later date with a thick black marker to write a sonnet of my admiration for him.




Under Juliets balcony, men stared up adoringly as their girlfriends waved and giggled from above. I lined up with several others to rub the right breast of the bronzed Juliet statue, it was said to bring you good luck. Soul mate, too embarrassed of public displays of affection, declined the offer for a free feel. Thank goodness, because I later read that rub a breast for luck, was really, rub a breast for luck with a new lover. Opps, sorry honey.












At the Arco della Costa there is a whales rib suspended, (we are far from an ocean, and I will not even go into animal rights, but each city to their own), and legend has it that the whale rib will fall on the first "just" person to walk underneath it. Not much of a consolation prize!! It has not fallen in several centuries, not even swayed in the breeze when several popes have taken the path underneath. Hubby and I walked under a few times (secretly having that feeling like when you buy a lottery ticket, "This could be my lucky day, I could be a millionaire", or "This could be my lucky day, I could be 'just' and get knocked unconscious with a whale rib!") It did not move. Two attempts and it 'just' would not fall...





Daughter wanted to save the princess; "the princess will be up the stairs in the highest room in the tallest tower". Do you think someone has been watching too much Shrek? So we paid our €4.50 admission and were happy to be greeted by a glass elevator to take us swiftly past the stairs we did not have to climb. (Do not think elevator was here when construction for Torre dei Lamberti started in the 12th century.) After cheating exercise 3/4 of the way, we strapped on a weight (child) each and escorted the mini Gonzo's to the top. A lovely 360 degree view, no princess, but a big bell, and plenty of churches, castles and terracotta roof tops to see.

Verona has a Roman Arena that still hosts opera, various piazza hosting markets and restaurants for people watching, and we spotted a few farrari's so it may be a place 'for show'. This destination would be well worth an overnight stay, especially of the romantic setting. There was an abundance of family tourists, but I am sure this would be an extra special destination at night time...

"Thank you Officer / Grazie Officer"

Hubby has two weeks off work but back on shift on the home front and we are all determined to make the most of this opportunity to travel, (especially before the cold weather freezes my travel bug). A day trip to Torino (Turin for those not desperately trying to fit into Italian culture), which is 90 minute drive west of Milano, takes us to the 4th largest city in Italy; beaten by Roma, Milano and Napoli. Said to be one of the prettiest cities in Italy, the streets in the centre are mainly cobblestone, (great for pushing the pram, son's cheeks wobbled like a skydiver), balcony's spilled red and white flowers and buildings were rustic, filled with history and incredibly unique. Unfortunately we had a double fault; not only were the majority of shops and restaurants closed for summer break, but it was also Monday morning. Italians enjoy extended weekends and trading generally does not start until after lunch on Mondays.

So with no real intent we wandered the streets until we stumbled upon Duomo Di San Giovanni. This is where we would be able to see the famous Sindone, the Holy Shroud, Shroud of Turin (it has many names) said to be the burial cloth which Jesus body was wrapped . We collected a shawl on entry for daughter as she was wearing only a singlet, and a skirt too of course, and covered her shoulders. According to the pictures with big red crosses through them on entry, bare shoulders, short skirts and men wearing hot pants were not permitted. So princess flew off with her new cape feeling like a superhero and hubby followed closely behind whispering loudly "stop" worried she was going to blow out the prayer candles, (which on closer inspection were really mini lightbulbs), "I wasn't worried she was going to blow them out, I was worried her hair would catch alight" soul mate defended himself when I commented, (did I mention they were mini light bulbs?) Prince decides now shall be the perfect time to sing for his super and my mantra to the family "Shhh, let's pretend we are in a library" does not seem to help the Gonzalez volume.

The church was beautiful and stomping like quiet elephants we head towards the Shroud of Turin on display, a bell rings, the curtain closes across the display, of course it is time for the holy shroud to take a 3 hour lunch break. We were disappointed momentarily until we realised that the display was only a copy and we agreed that it would be magical to visit again when the original one is on display, scheduled in 2025, if we are not too busy that year.

A lovely lunch of Bruschetta foccacia and tomato and buffalo pizza at Piazza Carignano (listening to a man that played the trumpet with loud enthusiasm) before heading back to the car for our drive home. Torino was lovely and definitely worth a look, especially if trading is open, and we plan to return as it is a day trip for us. After all, Fiat cars, solid chocolate, Lavazza coffee, Nutella, the Martini and Tic Tacs all originated in this region; how could you disregard a place like that?

Not wanting our day trip to end we decided to head home via Asti, home of the famous Asti Spumante - sweet gold pale wine. But, we did not quite make it there. Hubby spotted police with a radar gun, after police with a radar gun spotted hubby. So the officer stepped onto the road with his red and green table tennis paddle and waved us down. We were asked to produce our papers, consisting of international license, national license and the cars papers. Unsure what this all meant, soul mate handed over every piece of paper from the glove box and his licenses. On heavy inspection of licenses, the officer walked away confused, stood at the back of his car confused, returned looking confused. We were told the international license was no good in Italy, he wished us a nice day and sent us on our way. "Grazie officer", we drove away in silence. "Do you think he forgot to give us a speeding ticket" was asked, "I think the paper work was too confusing" was the reply. In panic and relief we missed the Asti turn off but did not want to pass the officers again and tempt fate.

We headed further on to Alessandria, a lovely little town, beautiful buildings, old, neat, tidy, with markets (I am a sucker for the markets). Our only stop was to buy more batteries for the camera. This was a place worthy of photos, but not perhaps worthy of waking the sleeping children.

"It's free if you give me a little something"

An hour and 40 minute drive west of Milan takes us through a hilly terrain that opens up to the Ligurian Sea to find the pretty Genoa.

Before I begin, in a quest to make Italy feel like home, soul mate and I have decided we should refer to towns as the Italians do. It is confusing to me why the world is so comfortable renaming places from their original name; for example Milan instead of Milano, Venice instead of Venezia, Florence instead of Firenze, Naples instead of Napoli and Genoa instead of Genova. So to show respect to the Italians we will try to speak as the Italians do where possible. As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do", (which should really be "When in Roma"). Check out a world map, you will be surprised.

In most populated areas in Italy, you will find yourself being propositioned to donate towards the upkeep of lifestyle that the swindling conman has become accustomed - mainly via sale of a knitted wristband or fake goods. We are mainly targeted for wristbands because we have children, they smile and approach and before you know it your child's wrist has been double knotted with a piece of fancy cotton (swift; sort of like a reverse watch steal). "A free gift for you, you just give me a little something." Not quite sure how that makes it a free gift, I suppose this guilt of accepting a gift without payment works for some? Daughter is still wearing her 'rainbow bracelet' from her first wrist attack in Milan over a month ago. It is remaining to deter from further guilt attacks.

Anyway, back to Genova. After wading our way through the school of hawkers selling fake Prada and Gucci, bags and sunglasses, we finally make our way to our destination of Acquario Village. Our family fun day (hour and a half) will take place at the largest aquarium in Italy and second largest in Europe. We all enjoyed our underwater adventure, but as with most activities now days, the children proceed with the attention of a goldfish, (appropriate fish analogy). "I want to see the sharks", we arrive at the sharks, "I want to see a turtle", we arrive at the turtle, "I want to see Nemo", etc etc. Not much observing happening, mainly just checking off her mental sea animal check list. With the help of some carrot sticks we did manage to camp out on the floor of native fish for 5 minutes, so that was calming to catch a breath. The aquarium was definitely worth the visit but will perhaps be more worth the admission once the children are older. (Seaworld at the Gold Coast Australia did come out champion in regards to aesthetics of tanks.)

We stopped for a quick lunch on the way back to the car and enjoyed a pizza and pesto pasta, (area is famous for its pesto Genovese). I am enjoying sampling the foods and trying to recreate these with my personal twist. I also think I have discovered the secret to Italian cooking - minimal ingredients, and fresh strong flavours.

Genova is filled with tall narrow green shuttered buildings, hanging gardens, palaces and church spires, all squashed into the hillside, ("let's throw a little curvy road in there so the visitors have to concentrate too much while they are driving to take in the view"). The drive along the coastline is gorgeous, as we went from port to beaches we saw cruise liners, tankers, fishing boats, ferries, yachts, a row boat and even a viking ship; only thing missing was the submarine! We had aimed to go to the beach, soon discovering this is purely a pebbled patch of space under a colour coded umbrella over looking the flat ocean, but it was a hot day and we were determined to participate in 'the lifestyle'. Unfortunately for us, everyone else was also participating in the lifestyle on this glorious day, parking was impossible unless you were transporting on a unicycle and we drove coastline for 20km with no parking space available. We reached Recco (famous for its Pesto foccacia, which we tried at a later date, cheesey, yum, yum), to look into the back seat to see our angels drooling in the back with mouths wide. Sleeping children have once again taken the day to its end. The coastline is definitely worth another day of exploring, perhaps next time we will go when storms are predicted so we can get a car park at the beach... Also next time Cinque Terra will also be on the wish list.

Views with the wind in our hair

Hubby and I have always enjoyed putting on our socks and sandals, bumbag (fanny pack), and taking in the tourist spots that most avoid. Open bus sightseeing tours have always been our initial introduction to a city and were a success for us in London, Rome, Stockholm, Paris, Oslo and Helsinki, so we figured this would be a great way to explore our new home, and to perhaps get our bearings. The convenience of hopping on and off the bus as you wish is quickly washed away with the mini me passengers that now cling to our sides. The Milan tour had two different routes, so we decided to take one Saturday and one Sunday.

We had not planned for such hot weather, but a supply of iced water, carrot sticks, headphones for daughter and slinky (never leave home without it) for son, resulted in a bearable family experience with pretty views, and the wind in our hair (perhaps not soul mates hair, but you know what I mean). It was difficult to comprehend facts from our headphones (princess kept switching my language from English to German and Japanese) while trying to entertain the children, but all the same, was a great way to see the city.

I did retain some information about Milan (or perhaps just cheated from the Internet?);

• There are still Roman ruins visible in the city that are traced to Roman Times 222BC.
  


• The city became a commune (city-state) in 11th Century.



• Milan came under Spanish rule in 1535 and passed to Austria in 1713.



• Napoleon made Milan the capital of his Italian Republic in 1802 and the city was the site of his coronation as King of Italy and Milan in 1805.



• The Austrians (not Australians) came back briefly but were driven back out in 1859 when Italy was incorporated into the new Kingdom of Italy.



• During World War 2 the city was heavily bombed, but was quickly rebuilt and grew into its now mix of old, industrial and modern.



• Leonardo da Vinci's most famous art work "The Last Supper" lives here, (this is not the painting of the dogs playing poker).



• A man may be arrested for wearing a skirt.
  


• Striking someone with a fist is considered a felony, and



• The average Italian eats 1/2 pound of bread a day. (I am now an average Italian.)

So this is home. The most important thing we have learnt about Milan so far; coffee is cheap, ladies fashion is great, gelati is not a sin, and men love to wear coloured slacks...