Gothenburg Sweden

Oslo Norway
We did our own tour and caught the tram to Vigeland Park. Over 200 human body sculptures from  birth to death. Excellent visit. Not Much else but a look around a typical Scandinavian city with lots of shopping.
Princess warned us about the terrorist threat  but it was an overreaction. Was 27 degrees and they are all not used to the I unusual high temperatures for this side of the world.

Billy has befriended a Russian waiter called Anastasia who is a laugh. She says Villhem Chong and laughs a deep throaty Russian laugh which makes us crack up each night we go to have supper. Met some fellow New Zealanders who are hanging with us.
Unfortunately we thought we had signed onto the wrong ship as it seems to be a Retired and disabled bunch of people. We all think we are thin when we get into the lift next to some. No kidding. Beaches whales around the pool. Not a pretty sight on our holiday.

Gothenburg Sweden
Did the tour today with princess and got the  boring old fart and we kept falling asleep on the bus. The best was the canal ride with a super young guide and she took us through the cheesecutter  bridge which we had to kneel onto the floor of the boat and bend down. Otherwise you get your head knocked. It is really low too.
Troublesome internet here so will send pronto

Southampton overnight~ 8 become 6

Southampton not too exciting.
Thankgoodness it is just overnight.
the eggceptional 8 have become sensational six as Clement and Janet fly home.
We feel like the group is incomplete and in 14 days the couples will be going separate ways again. 

We left Prague at 1.50pm and have finally arrived in Southampton after a 2 hour transfer via shuttle.landed in
London to thunderstorms and a drop in temperature.  Novotel is a big disappointment after our other hotels. Must say the hotels in Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna and Prague were very comfortable, with spacious rooms and well appointed bathrooms. This is many grades lower and very tired decor. We have been spoilt. But looking forward to getting on the ship tomorrow afternoon . Oh for those soft pillows and silky sheets at the Marriot.

Dinner at Wagamama in the local shopping centre was delicious and after a walk around when the shops closed ,we decided to attack the shops tomorrow.
Got my eye on Ikea but no baggage room. The shops look much better than where we have come from.
Pix of  12th century city wall entrance now a ruin.
sorry hard to place pix as I have to take on my phone then send to my tablet and the save and post to blog. 
Usually use my camera which I can't post from.

I see phablets are coming in more, mobile and tablets. the moblie device is so handy when travelling. for those coming make sure you download all your apps and airline apps before you come so you can checkin by mobile. The airports have kiosks for you to print your airline ticket so options of ticketing to your email, mobile, pickup. 
I also have satellite Gps which is great so see if your phone has that too.
cheers

What's UP now? ?

GgGlad you all enjoying the blog so here is some extras for you. sorry some excerpts are short as time and internet  can be  limited .
Plus spelling and grammer a problem with predictive text and letter jumping on the blog programme.

Washing
As you know we being Chinese we like to wash clothes in the bathroom. Poor maid has decided to just give us extra fresh towels everyday as we are using them to wring out the wet washing and dump them over the bath. Even used the bathmat and hand towels. Bathroom looks like a Chinese laundry. The others are moaning as their maid didn't replace shampoo bottles (used as washing powder )

Shopping
For you ladies who want to know about the fashions I can't say that there is any direction here. Mostly casual and you cannot wear Highheels
To walk down the cobbled streets. Many UK labels and European labels but same prices with on going sales at the moment. Lots of prints  but I don't like much.

Clothes to wear
For those coming this way make sure you have clothes for all types of weather. I had to go and buy 2 singlet tops. Just didn't think it would be this hot but today the temperature dropped a lot as cloudy and I had to change clothes.  A knit skirt would have been good. Need a good hat and an umbrella. Good walking shoes a must.

Clem
For those watching we have Janets friend Clement travelling with us who is from New Jersey. His claim to fame is he featured for 15 seconds in the latest  Spiderman movie and also in Salt. Says Angelina Jolie is pleasant but not Nicole Kidman. Poor Clem had his wallet stolen in Amsterdam, tripped and fell in the bath in Berlin, and fell over on a slope in Budapest. Had been suffering with a painful back which Colin looked at and then gave him Billy's  Brufen tabs to keep him going. The next day Clem told Colin he once had an allergic reaction so he had to stop them. Didn't want another mishap. We said"his poor wife will never let him travel with those  New Zealanders again!"

Disabled rooms
Those couples with the disabled rooms are really on a learning curve. They have 2 door spy holes one low and one high. A tilting mirror and a sink plug with a big handle on it. We still haven't worked out why the toilet has a ledge inside it. Billy says he is going to put a seat like the disabled one in his bathroom. Not a good look really! Now he has broken the cord to the alarm.

Last dinner NO money for breakfast
Our last dinner we went seafood. Janet found a excellent restaurant which was the best cuisine since we left home. Unfortunately the bill was high and we had to pool our last  kronos. We and Daphne don't have enough for breakfast. I also owe Evey some money now. Should  be fine as I have gained weight and am on a fruit breaky.  So guess what we are eating in the morning. (left over fruit, packet of chips, Meusli bar or orange juice.  Lunch will be airplanes snacks I guess. Princess here we come.

Today
We all went separate ways and Colin and I went swimming and relaxed in the jacuzzi. Welcome time  to chill out.
Tomorrow we fly to London and transfer to Southhampton. Posting now will be intermittent we get on the ship on Saturday.

Prague to london

We are aware of all the news over Malaysian airlines and flights canceled to Israel. Hoping things settle when we get to fly that way.
See a picture of John Lennon wall where artist painted his picture when the music became popular and it has been added to even by us.
Was painted over by the communist but they gave up after so long.
A busker set the scene strumming as he sung in a sweet clear voice to the beatles tunes.

Walked back to the astronomical clock this morning at 10am to see the workings of the little figures on the chimes. Vanity, Greed, Death and lust.
Amazing that it is so old and the parts are still moving. Now everyone has come out to sightsee and there are segways ducking and diving in and out of the crowds.
They do segway tours for people who don't want to walk so far. Have to watch out for trams and segways and cars. not so many people on bikes like
Vienna and Amsterdam.
We were so hopeless and kept walking in the bike lanes over there. of course they drive on the right hand side.
Not good for the directionally challenged.

Back over the Charles bridge which was the first bridge in Prague with it's blackened statues gracing the promenade.
Artists were setting up for their trade in caricatures and portrait drawing and we admired the enamel jewellery, trinkets and paintings over the pedestrian only bridge.
Billy and Evey stayed back to relax.
We continued to the shopping along Wencelas Square where there are elite shops like Armarni, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Emendiglio Max
Mara etc.
I had to buy a singlet top due to the heat here and got a great exchange for euros in the local store.
Stuffing ourselves with fresh fruit bought in the local market place set up this morning. Ripe cherries, nectarines, raspberries and blueberries.

Prague

Prague 1
We had leisurely breaky yesterday and a little shopping before heading off for the walking tour of the city. Old town and new town and Jewish quarter. Interesting history and building architecture. Our guide Martin was excellent and an architect and part time working as a guide. They enjoy taking the free walking tours where we tip at the end what ever you want. Billy left us in old town because of the heat and my legs were killing me when standing listening, we tried leaning against the wall and using our umbrellas for shade. The tour ended by the Vltava river and Charles bridge. A walk home in the rain which gave the city a welcome relief from the horrid heat. (sorry NZers)
We found the Bond cafe on the walk and surprised Billy on the way to dinner by taking him there. Photos of Daniel Craig and movie footage. He got so excited and the waitress put on the theme music and posed with him. After dinner at Privnice Stupartska ,  we had a big argument with the waiter. You get no service from some Czechs here. Just basics. Even they just hold out your plate and call your order for you to take. You do not have to tip but they tried to make us pay more than 10%. When Janet questioned it and why he said to order an extra salad when her meal came with it, he started yelling in Czech. Was quite an eventful night. We put some money together and left.
Billy and Colin H. had landed a disabled room and both set off the alarm by mistake. Billy thought he was turning on the bathroom heater and Colin thought it was the light. They said a man comes to the room to help out. LOL. Might be really needing those rooms in future.
Prague Day 2
We decided to do our own walking tour to the castle. Janet took us by train and we bought an all day pass for 110kronos each.  Started at the top of the castle and just walked around. Was huge and had been added to through the centuries.  The St  vitus  church had the most intricate stained glass windows I had ever seen. A visit to John Lennon's wall was cool. We signed it too. Exiting the Charles bridge we trammed back to the hotel. Ended up going too far but easy to get back. I know we are eating Chinese again but it is fresh veges and reasonable. Sick of eating stodge.

Cesky krumlov on way to Prague

Took us from 9am to 7.30pm to drive to Prague via Ceske Krumlov a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a medieval town which was so different and old with little shops selling unique hand craftedl souvenirs. Spent 21/2 hours having lunch and shopping and then 3 1/2  hours onto Prague. The first half of the journey was windy as we weaved our way through little villages all quiet as people were at church and then having family lunch. Shops are closed on Sunday in Austria. Czechoslovak is unusual and the people less friendly again. We are now using Czech Kronos which are €1=27 kronos. Impossible to work out. Had a quick dinner at the local food hall and shopping centre. Will take it easy tomorrow.
The other day on the start of the bus run in Vienna the driver said" oh no der bus ist kaputz". We started laughing because we didn't realise that was really what it meant in German. Now we are in Prague there is the Czech language. So many different languages being spoken here but most also speak English so it has been easy to ask directions.
Mix up when we got to our Marriott apartments and reception said there was a problem but we were shifted to Marriott hotel. 5 star and better location so all good and our rooms are good. We can't get internet in our rooms but only downstairs so harder to connect now and my phone can't connect on it. There is free internet else where though.

A new day in Vienna

Budapest
Yesterday we went to the amazing food and craft market which reminded me of Melbourne. How do they grow the amazing fruit and veges that taste so delicious?
Must be the fabulous heat. Oh what I could grow with this climate. Spent the night on the 2 hour open air night bus which was great seeing the city in sparkling lights and taking us through another district. Goodbye to Budapest.

Hello Vienna
After a full day trip by van we have arrived safely in Vienna. Left at 10 am and here  by 5.30pm
We had a your guide for our 15 seater van and he took us to the quaint village of Bratislava, Slovakia. The boarders of Austria, Slovakia  and Slavenia are all close. Huge long motorways which were easy to drive along. 
Enjoyed our dinner experience at Bellestudent restaurant. Our huge rib meals were bigger than our stomaches.
Vienna 2
Back onto the hop on off bus and stopped at the Spanish horses. Billy still struggling with heat rash in the 31 degree heat. A visit to schonnburn palace was like Versailles and most interesting and ornate.

Vienna 3
Today still 33° and we took the bus to the river cruise and ended up coming back in the lock. Men loved watching the water rise and it was a new experience for all. We then took the green line up to the outlook point of Vienna which was spectacular but feeling exhausted from the heat so didn't stop long and ride back via the vineyards and the expensive looking villas close to the side of the road. Little bit like the streets if Wellington.

How to melt in the sun

Advice: do not come to Hungary in the peak of summary.toooooooo  Hot.
I am in love with the architecture. Such stunning beautiful buildings with character and tradition. The Pest  city was designed by  a man who set it out methodically. That is why the streets are so wide and well planned. Not so on Buda side over the
Danube river which is hilly.
There are a lot of museums, academy's and learning institutes. Hungarian is one of the 5 hardest languages to learn. Many Hungarians are famous, they are bright and good at mathematics.
Billy's  heat rash  got the better  of him and Evey and billy stayed at the apartment to avoid the sun. It is unrelenting but not as searing as our uv.
Though I notice I now have strange sandal tan marks. 6 of us did the walking tour.
We discovered a long foodcourt in our street where the food is reasonable and great choice, where there is no service charge like other places.
We tried the noodle house a type of noodlehut with a difference. Was delicious.

We had an argument at La porta di taormina the previous night where they failed to give us the 10 % as promised, and also overcharged us for drinks.
Clem who is travelling with us was very forthright in his American accent and said loudly ,
Are you calling me a liar?
So we got the discount in the end after more choice words.

Danube river runs between Buda and Pest

Budapest
We are happy in our apartment after our sleep even though the revelry was loud lastnight with the football. We had a light breakfast of just toast and  banana as the 24hr shop was expensive and we only had euros to pay. After exchanging our money we had to get used to that €1 = 300 Forints or HUF. Now have 10,000 and 1,000 bills to get the hang of. Janet negotiated a good discount off the hop on hop off bus. 5400HUF €18 for 72 hrs for 4 lines and 2 river rides. we have a coupon book which give us free goulash soup somewhere, not sure.
All good but it turns out to 30° today and we get to "the new York cafe" for lunch so check out the piano man and the elaborate ceilings. Then off to the palace and a long trek I n the heat back down the hill. Hard to understand the Hungarians and they sound a little grumpy when yelling at you.
The parliament buildings  by the Danube river look fabulous. The buildings are big and neo gothic  style or gothic or renaissance. Budapest is huge and reminds me of Barcelona. Long tree lined streets that are wide and spacious with the huge gothic style buildings that show the wealth from the past.
home for some aircon and rest. the superette was reasonable for watermelon and rockmelon which was so thirst quenching after the long day wandering in the dry heat of Hungary.

Goodbye Amsterdam, hello Budapest.

We are waiting at the airport to fly to our next destination to meet JANET Billy and Evey. Because the shops don't open till lunchtime on Sunday we walked down to the floating flower market and wished we could bring back all the tulip bulbs on sale. The flower displays where Every flower is perfect and exact.
We were tempted with more shopping. Couldn't help ourselves with the sales and nothing else to do. Plus doubt whether there will be any  shopping in the next cities. 
Arrived in Budapest but it is now 9pm and in a nice apartment building. Ate flight sandwiches for dinner. Others gone for a snack but I am tired and just going off to sleep. Looks like a huge city size wise but lots of green.

Van Gogh and Gassen diamonds? Windmills

Friday
We walked to the train terminal to catch the canal boat nearby. Crossing the road is tricky with cars, trams, trucks and millions of cyclists coming in all directions. I have  nearly been run down by many cyclists as the lanes are everywhere and they drive on opposite side of the road. No road rage tho. Gentle friendly helpful people. Enjoying the easy atmosphere and the ease of getting around. Hopping on and off the boat we stopped at Van Gogh museum and well worth it especially the fast track ticket but no long queues today. Leisurely lunch at Rembrant's  Cafe next to his house then onto the good stuff the Gassen diamond factory tour all free with hot beverage included. Had my eye on a double diamond ring for €6,500 but Colin didn't say anything. Saw it on sale only €5,500 in the shop next to our hotel but still Colin didn't offer! Interesting their diamonds have over 100 cuts and were beautiful. Dreaming on.
Of course a visit lastnight to the red light district was a must. Girls standing and posing on their stools, were barely dressed. The dark women were overweight and not pretty. I am being kind. Some other girls were cute and skinny with boob jobs and pretty. No Dutch ladies, not allowed, so other ethnicities. Sorry photos not allowed.

Saturday
Off to Zaanse schanns the wind mills Saturday. It was a great day of exploration and relaxing. Took the train €7 return to Koog Zaandijk and walked short distance to Zaanse Schans wind mill town where we saw a working windmill that grinds chalk for pastel colouring, a cheese factory and a clog factory all free. Leisurely lunch of pancakes with strawberries and cream was filling and a train trip back to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Een geweldige dag. (A GREAT DAY)
saved €33 each by doing our own travel. off to Budapest tomorrow afternoon. 

Amsterdam hop on off canal boat

 great way to see Amsterdam and more fun than a bus.

Amsterdam

Thursday
Arrived in the morning and Colin and Daphne were outside the hotel. While they went to breakfast we freshened up as traveling for 28 hours we were a bit unpleasant. So nice to get it our room which is lovely and the hotel is so central right opposite the palace and beside Dam Square. Amazingly the shopping is excellent with many UK chains and Desigual with them all in Sale mode! (yes i did buy a dress) Not here to shop so we did a quick look around and lunch in a local large cafe while waiting for the free walking tour run by students. 3 hours later Colin and I were lagging from the heat 27 degrees and out in the sun. Very little air flow and trying to listen to our German guide Lars–Henrick. We tipped him and navigated the 3 canals across to get to Anne Frank Huis. The queue was over an hour long  but I pulled out my skip the line tickets , ta da ! and gained immediate entry through the fast track door. Very enlightening visit and well worth the experience. Climbing vertical stairs and seeing the actual writings and articles from the era.  Dinner in a chinese  restaurant because all the others were Italian, Mexican, Argentine, Indian but no Dutch restaurants. Plus Colin had been sick on the flight and we wanted something plain with veges. I did eat Amsterdam meat and sauerkraut with mustard on bun for lunch. Closest I could find to local food besides the Dutch pastries.
Made it back to our hotel and Colin and I crashed from a wonderful but exhausting day.

Hong kong

Stopping in lounge at Hong Kong awaiting flight to Amsterdam. Billy and Evey waiting too but will go onto Berlin.  Will all be together in 4 days.
Wet at destinations too but should be warmer. Hope the rain let's up at home.

Leaving

Lounge

1 more day , 2 sleeps,

New suitcase but no packing done yet.
Eek!
Panic time

Tripit

Only 5 days to go and we fly to Amsterdam.
Not packed and still lots to do . Will be pleased when the rain stops and we can get everything organized. Can't wait