30 June
Orbello - Rome

Rome... we drove, we arrived, we conquered. And did like the Romans do and went to the local campsite bath, I mean, pool. And we sat. We heard that the info centre where we needed to get our bus passes was closed, so we sat some more. Then, after a few swims, some more lazying, we headed off to the info centre at opening time. A fantastic site with everything you need. The info centre lady was very, very helpful and gave us handy tips to save money. We like her.

We ended up buying a 3 day pass which includes a hop on hop off bus, all public transport and a full visit to the Vatican – including an audio guide tour for 50 Euro each, SCORE! This was at about 38 Euro discount than what you would have paid on your own accord. TIP: ticket name “Vatican & Rome 3 day Pass”. The lovely lady is booking our visit to Villa Borghese for reserved entry. Then, Colloseum is our baby, wake up early and get a ticket from the box office. So YAY! Having fun in the sun. We're off to have dinner on our discount offer rate. We just can't figure what to have supper, so that is the easiest conclusion. What a junk life, hey?

29 July
Montalcino-Saturinia-Orbello

Up and about – it was cozzie day today. Saturnia hot water pools were awaiting us. There are 2 types, one where you can spend 28 Euro's for a full day or the one the locals use across the road. It's free, with free parking and totally natural.

When you turn the corner, you do not expect a natural waterfall cascading down into perfect rock pools with tiny soft, round lime stone pebbles. There are beautiful Italian women with their petite figures (and their 3 children running around after her)bathing in the pools. It's like the Garden of Eden, by water. You need to be there to grasp the sight.

The water is the perfect temperature. Only thing is you smell like sulphur when you get out.

We had to get going as the beach in Orbello, close to the Monte Argentario island, was calling for us. Along the roads there were billions of sunflowers. All facing and worshipping the sun. I have never seen so many.

But first, a stop at Pitigliano.

This was an old, primarily Jewish settlement which fell to ruin after the Jews left due to the WWII. The city was almost left totally abandoned and became dilapidated. It was given a cash injection in 1995 to recoup. It is not yet a tourist town and is definitely one of the best hill top towns we have visited. An absolute surprise as we almost skipped it.

Lining the coastline of Orbello there were campsites, one after the next. TIP: As we have found some of the sites quite expensive we decided to do some shopping around. I would walk in (without Nick) and ask cost for van and 2 people per night, then say – let me just speak to my husband quickly, then move to the next one. The one site was 42 Euro's, the other 34 Euro's then, the one we stayed at 24 Euro's.

Camping Village Hawaii was cheap but had very basic facilities, it was a 2 star. The whole camp was Italian. It would not surprise me if we were the only foreigners there. An Italian man came by our Ruby. Without saying anything he had an intensive thorough look at her. He looked at the back – walked to the front. Then finally asked something in Italian whilst peering over us. We figured he was asking - “what kind of van is this?” It took a while but he understood that she is a post van and he had a good giggle. We whispered to Ruby to not take any notice. She had no idea what we were talking about anyway.

Bikes came off the back and we cycled a short distance to the beach. By the way, the more expensive sites had access to the beach, ours didn't. Who cares when the beach is only 2.5 km's down the road. We sat on the brown sand with all the other sun lovers. Then took a dip in the Ligurian Sea.

All this activity left us knackered. I'll spell it for you, just in case... B.E.D!

Sienna – Cortona - Montalcino

28 July

Sienna – Cortona - Montalcino

Ruby has proved she too can do hills, including the Alps. This task sometimes needs a little encouragement though – especially when there are these crazy Italian drivers behind you. Even if there are painted solid lines they are ready to overtake you. (We've decided that as they have no lines on a lot of the roads, the roads fund decided to just leave them off and save money because even if the lines are visible – no one obeys to the rules anyway! Cutting corners is a natural pass time.) Anyway, back to Ruby... she managed to get half way up the incredibly steep hills of Cortona. We decided to walk the rest and give her a break.

Cortona is where the filmed “Under the Tuscan Sun”. It is very touristy. You almost feel that some of the American cast or crew were left behind with their accent permeating through the streets. Never the less, they did not make the movie here because it was an ugly place, it is beautiful. A wonderful place to wander through the streets, take photo's from high viewpoints and enjoy a heavenly gelati decorated with bits of tinsel and all sorts.

Stopped and had lunch along the road with our new favourite, dipped bread in olive oil and balsamic. Some cyclists went by in the burning heat up the hill and still managed a kind “bon appetito”.

Montalcino was minutes away.

It is very well known for its wine, Rossi di Montalcino. At 28 Euro's a bottle we decided to leave it and enjoy our normal favourites. The views were amazing with the entire city built on the cliffs. It is a medieval town which is more of retirement village. We couldn't believe the old people would want to live here – as we could barely walk these steep hillscapes ourselves.

Upon arrival at the free camp – we came across a weird, strange, precarious looking dude in an old 19 voetsek Mazda. He was washing himself under the tap violently. And I swear, I sore some dark liquid trickling down his forearms. He wiped the inside of the car down next. Then picked up a call arguing with someone and recklessly drove away. Immediately I decided to put on my Inspector Gadget hat and take a snoop. Had he killed someone? Or was it Colonel Mustard with a spade in the car park.

Cautiously, with tissue in hands, as not to disrupt the evidence, I opened the bin. There it was - a very strange set of rubber gloves – just left there. Detective Nick then promptly told me that rubber gloves are a very handy tool when removing unhygienic portaloo's. Then, I asked, what was the liquid running down his arm? It could of only been one thing – blood.

It seems towns like these offer free camps quite readily. We found one up on yet another hill. Every city or town in the country is on a hill. We parked Ruby there for 5 Euro's for 24 hours. These camper service parks usually offer fresh water – but not much else. Once settled we went to the fort in town, took a walk around in the cooler evening air and then marched up the slope back to Ruby.

Once we returned – we were in great dismay. Our suspect was back at the crime scene. He was hunched over his steering wheel, totally stationery. Was he dead? Detective Nick went to fill our dish bucket with water (and check if he was alive). The tap was located alongside the suspect (or potential victims) vehicle. Then – all of a sudden... He heard Nick approaching and the suspect jumped up – with a really goofy smile - he said “Bonjourno”! And continued to fix his radio. Nick said the dark trickle on his arms was obviously from servicing his car. If you don't have your own garage, a camper service park is ideal. As we learnt with Ruby.

We enjoyed a body wash down from our dishes bucket. TIP: that was it. When you have no bath, make one. Then bed...

Castellina in Chianti to Siena

27 July

Castellina in Chianti to Siena

Woke up early because or free camp was paid up until 8am. Drove to Radda in Chianti and parked Ruby so that we could take a walk around town. We heard that the wine to buy from this area is Chianti Classico. With wine shops everywhere we found what we were looking for and strolled in and out of the fresh veg stores buying local produce.

The road took us to Sienna where we stayed in Colleverde Siena. The site had a very welcoming pool... and so we chilled. Aarh! It can't be all relaxation and no work so we decided to attempt the hills and cycle into town. Siena is known for there horse race Il Palio, around the city square, Il Campo. This is held on 2 July and 16 August. In preparation for the race, they had some festival activities on the go.

A distant drumming sounded between the narrow, cobbled streets. We looked for it but the dense cityscape would not allow. Stumbling across the Il Campo with an ice-cream in our hands, we decided to sit and watch the passing people. Little children dominated the area, running up and down. So much energy after there afternoon sleep. TIP: Most shops/businesses except restaurants close between 13h00 and 16h00. No-one knows what they do during this time – I assume they sleep through the scorching afternoons. People sat along the edges at Trattoria's or Osteria's (trans. Restaurants). Everything so serene. You could pass much time here.

The drumming started again and on a walk we met up with what we concluded to be 400 people. First of all the drummers, then flag throwers (for lack of exact description) and a band – all in their traditional medieval garb. Then, the men of the area singing, then some more drummers, flag throwers, and band members then singing women, men, children and teenagers. It was enthralling! So much noise in unity! Everyone had the area scarf on, young girls waved at the boys on the outskirts and a true reflection of Italy was felt yet again.

We ate dinner at a little restaurant. Prices were not bad but TIP: they do charge cover charges at some restaurants and wine tasting places. They charged us 2 Euro per person. When we received the bill it noted “coperto” (trans. covert charge) which I thought was perhaps the serving of bread they placed on our table without us asking. On some shop facades it says “no covert charge/service fee”. Having said this, the pizza's were great. I had one with artichoke, ham, mushroom and olives. Artichoke seems to be a regularly eaten veg here. Nick had an anchovies and capers on his. Mine was better!

As we left the restaurant the next group of differently medieval dressed contenders for the horse race dominated the streets. Again, hundreds of people. It was truly the highlight of the evening for both of us.

It turns out that there are 17 contrade (trans. Town districts) that compete against each other in the horse races. If the rider falls, the horse can continue competing without him. The race lasts around 3 minutes around the Il Campo. It is apparently a very high energy and nerve wrecking thing to watch.

We grabbed our bikes and took to the hills. As some know – my hill cycling skills are not too good – but I surprised myself. Conquering them for myself. Nick and I enjoyed a rewarding beer at the pub, showered and crashed.

Florence – Castellina Chianti

26 July
Florence – Castellina Chianti

Parked our little Ruby in 24 hour free parking on the Piazza de Michelangelo square very early. Went straight into to town directly to the Accademia to try get in and see the Great “David”. Arrived at around 9am and were in by 9.30. There was a queue already but it really wasn't too stressful. Hung out in the gallery for about 2 hours. David is stunning – you need to see him for yourself. It is said that he became the symbol of Florence as he has oversized hands and the sling is the only thing he is wearing. The hands showed the symbol of strength but the sling showed a simple tool could achieve great things. This, was all overheard by a tour guide close by. TIP: stick close to tour groups. Yes, become a professional eaves dropper.

Headed off to the Uffizi and were bewowed by all the art. An entire room devoted to Botticelli, then there was Michaelangeo, Leonardo da Vinci and so many more of the Greats. Nick says we saw all of the Ninja Turtle except for Splinter, BeeBop and RockSteady! It was really a fulfilling day. TIP: when reserving tickets for the Uffizi, please note that you have to go collect your tickets at another collection point – not the entry point for reserved tickets. Also note that there is an additional charge to the 10 Euro ticket of 4 Euro per ticket for reserving. Needless to stay – although you want to avoid the queue, hence your reservation – you need to queue to get your reserved ticket. It is faster than waiting in the non-reserveds.

Ruby awaited us (after yet another gelati) at 15h30 and we headed for Chianti. Found an awesome freecamp in Castellina in Chianti for only 5 Euro's. TIP: Always remember to keep loads of small change as the Italians don't seem to be big on giving it and most freecamps do not take notes. No showers or loo's here but has access to water. On a steep hill, so put your walking boots on. After din's we went into town for a coffee. Stunning little Medieval streets. The night lights create even a more beautiful setting against the old walls and buildings.


We returned back to camp where we saw fireflies twinkling like Christmas lights over the grasses in front of us. So many of them – it was spectacular. Night night and firefly dreams.

Florence

25 July

Florence

Did you know there are actually 3 David statues in Florence? I never. One copy in bronze is in the Piazza Michaelangelo, the other copy in a square called Piazza della Signoria, in marble, and then the real one in the Accademia Gallery, obviously marble. Carved by Michaelangelo when he was only 29 years old.

Went into town, got orientated. Realised there was no hope to get into the Uffizi Gallery nor the Accademia Gallery. The queues were long to say the least.

Managed to see Dante's (“The Divine Comedy” author) house. Walked and walked. The shops have such ornate and new but antique looking jewellery. As a non-shopper – even I could get totally lost. A ritual Gelati saw us on our way home.

Nick managed to book tickets for the Uffizi the next day – but not for Accademia (they were fully booked).

Bologna - Florence

24 July
Bologna - Florence

After doing a few circles in the van we finally found a parking in town to explore Bologne. We visited the Morandi Museum. This chap has been named in more than just Italy, his birthplace. Everywhere we have gone it seems there is a little Morandi Mania. He was an artist who kept his work to himself his whole life. Once he passed away, his sister displayed all his work for the world to see.

As an art teacher he had numerous still lives. Some that were pretty much the same as the others. The only thing that us art pro's could figure out was that perhaps the moral of the story is - have confidence in yourself. One can come and go, without anyone knowing. Why not allow others join in your joy? - even if you're not that good.

Anyway, other than that – that is all we got out of it.

Having asked for 2 x bolognaise's at a little restaurant we were informed that there were 3 to choose from – the lasagne, the pomodora something or the other pasta and the tagliatelli Bolognaise. To be honest – I only thought there was one type of Bolognaise, spaghetti bolognaise. It all makes sense now though. Nick had the tagliatelli and wished he had my lasagne. At 4.50 Euro's each, it was really a very tasty meal. TIP: Be aware that often if the meal is cheap, the drink is where they earn their money. A small glass of coke/sprite (not even a bottle/can) was 3.50 Euro's.

We also visited some towers which have a really interesting history. There were only 2 towers remaining but at one stage there were around 80 towers throughout the city of Bologne. This was a sign of status of wealthy families that had them erected. The taller the tower – the more rich and well-known you were. It also served as a strong hold and look out point and potentially shoot arrows at enemies when necessary. As Nick says (like a true architect would) it was the birth of the high rise living.

Arrived in Florence at 15h00. Coming over a hill – you see the most incredible cityscape. I will never forget it! No photo would ever match it. Absolutely fantastic. This would be one of those unforgettable stops. So romantic the biggest jock would even subside.

Having taken the flyer from the Venice site, we pulled into their sister site “Camping Village Michaelangelo”. Literally next door to the Piazza Michaelangelo. It is on top of the hill – with the same view as you saw on the drive into Florence. Magical. A little pricey at 41 Euro per night (no pool) but site is perfectly located. Although the cost, you save on bus fares as you are almost in the city centre. The campsite is actually a heritage site – that's how wonderful.

As it was the day of celebration for St John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of Florence, we were in for surprise. A massive fireworks display from the Michaelangelo Piazza! It took about 45 minutes of constant blasts. Just loads and loads of fireworks. And we were situated right next to them! St John the Baptist was not the first Patron Saint of Florence, it was first, Mars. Not to sure of the story behind that – but interesting never the less.

We settled in – ate some parmesan cheese soaked in Balsamic with breads (as Nick had read to do somewhere).

Venice – Bologne

23 July
Venice – Bologne
A definite late start because of the foam party. Beautiful weather again. Decided to head off to Bologne to find some Bolognaise. We stopped at some random city wall for lunch. The name of the city is Ferrara which had 9km's of city wall. Really lovely. We decided to buy a bike rack for the Ruby's bum – rather than stick the bikes on the back couch. It was also to encourage us to free camp as it can be a little worrying leaving your bikes locked up outside whilst you are sound asleep in a general car park.

Citta Bologna was the campsite for the night. Nick played about with his new toy (bike rack) and we retired for the afternoon by the pool. Luxurious. A hot bombshell life guard in her tiny bikini strutted her Italian stuff – chain smoking and as tanned as they come.

Venice, Italy

22 July
Venice
And so it did... the sun was out in full force!

Even though stifling heat is what we ordered, we were boiling and therefore, could not complain. Breakfast out in the sun and the camp site shuttle into town (4 Euro return). Nick had found a non-tourist route walk in the Lonely Planet, Italy, book that we did. Away from the crowds we explored our way through real Venice culture and homes. Children played soccer in the squares and while little Italian people took a break on a bench outside their homes. What a pleasure!


Chiesa della Madonna del'Orto – a little church along the way – was one of the first churches with entrance fee of 3 Euro each. Although the hot blooded cashier was not all too welcoming we managed to get in and were very surprised to find Titian and Tintoretto works (the Last Judgement and the Adoration of the Golden Calf).

After a gorgeously warm day and another gelati we took the bus home. The Topdeck tourists were in full swing. Swimming costumes, incredibly short shorts and more beer. When I went to the local camp market to buy ourselves a refreshing beer, I overheard them saying there is a foam party scheduled for tonight. Oh dear, I thought. Another crazy night for these guys. Little did I know – that our curiosity had the better of us and that we would go suss the scene at 9.30 ish, a little while after the party had started. The bottle of red from supper with 2 wine glasses were in our hands and we sat from one of the sun loungers alongside the pool watching. Mayhem! There was a short stocky lifeguard worrying about the happenings. A little while late his stress seemed to fade and he was in there with everyone else – as if the party was just for him. Nick finally said, “if we don't join them – we'll regret it”. So with that – we were wet and foamy! Hysterical! Just blended in with the crowd and no-one knew. There were a few other crashers too, so we felt quite at home having fun with this fun bunch!

Venice, Italy

21 July
Venice, Italy

... Beautiful...

Expecting an awesome place over played by sickening smells (not really, but maybe just the season).
It was one of those starts... expected to get off early but left late. We woke up promptly at at 07h30. Had some cereal showered and went up to reception to buy tickets on the sites organised shuttle. Only problem is they were sold out by the TopDeck crew. Gone are the days of having to much and getting up early...... just like the under 30's on the tour.
We then decided we will take the next shuttle at ten o'clock. Ames made some rolls to take for lunch and Nick went back to reception to purchase the tickets for the bus. In the end he came running back with two 12 hour Venice passes that from activation allow the user 12 hours of use on all waterway buses and buses. Not bad but had to leave earlier than expected. Between Ames handing Nick the directions and him handing them back we missed the 9h30 bus. Tough but thank goodness we have all the time in the world. We headed off on our 30 min trip at about 10h00am we arrived at the main bus station in Venice. It is all the storey books talk about. Every building is wonderful piece of history. You cant count the landmarks as they as all inspiring. The streets are a maze of wonder. The tourists...including us should be taken as a punch on the chin rather than with a pinch of salt. Tourists are the fuel that burns in the city. You do feel part of this engine and it does not feel great at all. We hoped on the river bus to Giardini (Gardens), we explored the non tourist area and fell in love with the wonder of Venice.

Stocked up our vegetable supply for the next few days at a grocer we did not ever want to leave. After this fruitful experience we were ready to get back on tour and wandered the busy streets.

Attempted the Basilica de San Marco for the second time and this time thanking the rain for flooding the entrance managed to divert the original tourist snake to a different entrance which just so happened to put us near the front of the que. If we had known what was behind the Basilica's doors to begin with we would have stood in the que before. A wonderful golden mosaic ceiling that only poets can describe. If you are in Venice please go and don't get to cross with the tourists who only see through the lenses of their cameras. It is truly magnificent. We were blessed.


After 8 out of 12 hours on our pass we were absolutely tired and went home for some fresh veg and pasta. What a wonderful day. Cant wait for the next one...... Please God let the rain stop!

Salzburg to Vienna Venice, Italy

20 June
Salzburg to Vienna Venice, Italy

Yip, we were supposed to pop over to Vienna and really wanted to – but decided to leave it for another trip. One of the reasons was that we thought Innsbruck was really close to Venice and we would be doing double the drive to get to Vienna. Italy has always been our major goal. Anyways, one should really leave something else to do in Europe next time, hey?!

Our Salzburg card had a few more hours on it and one more thing on our agenda to do! The Untersberg Cable Car ride to the Untersberg.

It takes you to a peak of 1852m! Highly recommended for an awesome 360 degree view. Oooh! Excitement – there were only 4 of us on the cable trip! This must be good!!!


Note the view was incredible!



A simple understanding of what we saw? Close your eyes – and what do you see? Nothing... Right answer! It was snowing! And seriously overcast. The one thing we did not think we would encounter on our summer camper trip. Needless to say, the lovely young German couple that accompanied us stayed in the peak entrance room. This crazy South African couple, though, at least attempted a walk through the snow and took a few pics of, well, nothing! Thank God Nick went against his holiday promise and actually wore shoes.

Though, one does need to say that there were a group of Germans at the entrance of the cable car premises getting hammered and smoking in a non-smoking area at 9am on a Sunday morning! Something should have told us – something strange was going on. The miserable weather at the bottom should have made us realise how super junk it would be at the top. Yet after judging these guys – we could have done with some hard liquor ourselves. Coffee in the van sufficed and we were on the road again.


It was, unknowingly, a long but gorgeous drive. Again through many a tunnel. We took the toll roads and motorways. Unfortunately though, otherwise we were in for a hectically long ride. Arrived in Treviso to check out a free camp for Motorhomes. Full approval. It even had a loo, but a bad one. As we do not currently have toilet facilities in our van – we took a stroll through the little oldtown and later decided to move on to hygienic facilities . In Treviso though - the funniest little local screamed by with music blaring from his bicycle basket. The entire crowd looked on in wonder! Clearly, what sounded like Phil Collins Italian style, is not cool! But beautiful place – and a lovely intro to Italy.

Found our campsite – Alba d' Oro. Legend! As did the Topdeck Tours Youth decided too! In one night toga parties (doing like the Romans do), parties and lots of short shorts or skirts (or not, whatever floated their boat) and slops, even though it was raining (and only the 2nd night we used a duvet). An absolute laugh and awesome to watch people having an absolute ball. There was love in the air (for some) whilst others were in high spirits and an owl drinking game that kept me giggling on our drinky at the pub (hoot hoot).

Campsite is fully equipped with restaurant, pub, shop, great reception and info, swimming pool and conveniently located next to the airport. Really not badly priced and has a shuttle straight through to Venice at 4 Euro return p.person. Showers are free!!! Nice one. These are valued and you just happen to take extra long to do that final rinse. It's a 4 star and I could get used to this lifestyle. You never know, we might be vanners for the rest of our lives...

Ruby managed to qualify for a camper section where after a bit of Sicilian wine and a Angelo Poretti Birrificio (trans. Beer) we headed for a quiet night.

Salzberg

19 June
Salzberg


Bought two tickets from the Campsite Reception at 25 Euro each which we hoped to make really worthwhile. Problem was, between the rain, the free bus service offered on Salzburg Card and the arrow noting “Zentrum Bus” pointing the wrong ****** direction it took us about 90 mins to get to town (which should have been 15min). Up the hill, down the hill, walk back up the hill, then down again, then realised the freaking sign was pointing incorrectly!!!! Arrrrrrh! The first frustration of our trip (on day 20 – I might add – not bad going). Ended up being a great day!!!

Visted Salzburg Museum (for intro to area). Mozarts home and birthplace, the Catacombs (eery but cool) and a trip on Europe's oldest funicular railway to the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Definitely all made the card worth it. Stunning views from the Fortess, incredible history and change of the building itself. It really was good. It also included a Marionette Museum which was very special. Childhood memories. The card included a Salzburg Cruise on a specially designed boat that works with a jet engine. It runs on its own wake so that it only ever sits 13cm in the water which it gets past the rocks, but more importantly the remains of the old bridge structures under the water. The Captain even made the boat “dance”. The current in the river (Salz River) is so strong that it twists it and turns it and everyone shreaks with laughter. A boat ballet – with pirouettes alongside Mozart music. And if that wasn't it – the ladies must have been loving the “Love Boat Captain”.


Salzburg is a definite visit to be made. No eisbein rotating tonight. So we went home and cooked those free potatoes – and more sausage (Austrian, Germans and Swiss love sausage – they can like the wors!) Italy – pasta and pizza – here we come!

Gran – Neuschwanstein – Salzburg

18 June
Gran – Neuschwanstein – Salzburg

Neuschwanstein the castle that inspired Walt Disney's fantasy palace was the order of the morning. Almost all the books describe it as the tourist trap from hell. We however do not share this view. The only conclusion as to why someone may think this is the very tough walk up the mountain to get to the Castle then you find out that you needed to buy tickets before embarking on this obstacle.
Upon arriving at the many numbered parking lots we were surprised that it was not as expensive to park as we thought it would be. We payed 4.50 Euros and proceeded to summit the mountain palace of crazy Ludwig. Upon starting our climb I (Nick) had a good laugh at a young girl in a mini skirt and heels embarking on the same obstacle in the rain as we were. As per normal as I wanted a photo of this she turned round the same minute to give me a smile (Busted).

However we reached the top after about 30 minutes. After looking around (but not going inside) who walked past? Yip Miss heels to our amazement but not as happy as before. We bought a lovely Gelato and headed down dodging the same horse droppings we missed on the way up from the horse drawn carts that we were sure Miss Heels would take down as you only pay for up.


We then hopped into the Ruby and hot footed it to Salzburg. We arrived at Panorama Camping Stadtblick. It was a cool little site with wonderful facilities. The best part apart from the showers, was upon our arrival right there outside the reception slowly grilling away was the evening special for the on site restaurant that was just to good to resist. Ames and I checked in, got some free potatoes (with good intention of eating them) then heading off to the restaurant after not being able to resist the wonderful smell coming from that infamous special grilling away. We sat down to what we thought was going to be a very expensive meal but after ordering our 7.80 Euro Swhein...... aka Eisbein. The chunk of meat nearly defeated us but after a second wind and its shear willpower we consumed the most wonderful meal ever!

We rolled back to Ruby worrying about meat sweats and passed out! Good day!

Innsbruck- Comfort camping

17 June

Innsbruck- Comfort camping

Today we had a late start as we had to catch up with the blog and some laundry. Nevertheless it was a beautiful morning and we lapped it up like puppies.


After chatting to Nick's Mom on skype she told us that they had friends in Innsbruck and she sent us their number. Unfortunately we could not get hold of them but we still hung around in Innsbruck for most of the day. We wondered the streets of this really beautiful town having far more fun than the evening before mainly because of all the people were out and about. The main attractions would be the Swarovsky Museum and shop, Golden Roof ( copper roof tiles) and the general old town. Managed to buy some really strong Schnapps along with a small traditional hat instead of our usual fridge magnet that we are getting bored of.


Schnapps Tasting

From their we decided to take a beautiful scenic drive through the Fernpass. It is a pass that leads thought the Alps towards Germany so we could go and view Neuschwanstein Castle. This being the most illusive visit of our trip as each time we are on our way there we get sidetracked.


Around about 19h00 in the evening (by which time there was more rain than you could imagine) we eventually found the Garden of Eden, or at least our oasis in the chaos of rain. The site was called Comfort Camping in Gran. The name gives it away completely. It is obviously set up as a winter camping spot with ski store and a wonderful heated pool and sauna. We however simply had a shower and a nice meal and went to bed.

Zurich to Liechtenstein to Austria

16 June


Three countries in one day!

We had lovely bread from the bakery at the campsite for brekkie and ordered some more for the road trip. Left overs from the soup were grabbed by the ducks. It started on day one in Zurich when one lowly duck came our way. Then later, the same duck and his ducky friend. Then the next day 4 ducks came over and then in the afternoon again, another 6. It must be said that quacks travel fast when a couple of travellers are happy to share their leftovers with the locals.

The funniest moments with these cute webbed feet creatures was when the first one to arrive came back on his lonesome for his last takings. Nick had made a friend for life. This little guy was taking the food from Nicks hands. Nick almost lost a finger in the process!


We said goodbye to this bad weather and were hoping to find something better along the way.

Arriving in Liechtenstein the rain continued. It was so bad it really was not worth the effort to walk around and do a little day tour. Ruby pushed up the hill to show us the Vaduz Schloss (trans. Castle) – but you were not allowed in and the view points were all obscured by trees.


Needless to say we pushed through to Austria. As the weather was junk and we were tired – we decided to take the toll road halving our trip time. What an experience! Tunnels under the mountains all the way. Some of which were 15km plus and others with waterfalls cascading over them. Nick is sure he has seen this on Top Gear. Definitely worth the 8.50 Euro's. Something you would not see in SA just yet.

Set up camp at this stunning little site called Camping Kranebitterhof. It is just outside of Innsbruck and a short bus trip into town. The facilities are brand new – though the site has been open for years. We were greeted by such a friendly receptionist who offered us bread to collect from reception in the morning, assured us that wi-fi and showers were free and that at 25 Euro's this will all be worth it. There are no restrictions with extra tents or tarpaulins and no extra charges. Showers are super clean and although unisex, totally private, so not to worry.


We met up with a Saffa family in the campsite restaurant and had a good ol' mixed English and Afrikaans conversation. SA was playing Uruguay – the first SA match we have managed to watch! The score didn't look good – but we had to leave as the restaurant was closing.

Come on Bafana Bafana!

And then, goodnight.

Zurich, Switzerland

15 June

A bike ride to the city centre started our day. It was very overcast with a slight breeze – not too good. So we walked the Old Town. It is very beautiful but very business orientated with many an American banker talking the talk as he walks by.




Having visited Fraumunster (abbey founded in 853) and seen Giacometti's & Chagall's very diverse stain glass windows, we stumbled onto Europe's largest clock face at St. Peters Kirche and took a steep stroll to Lindenhof. Here there is a panoramic view of the city. It was worth the walk and we rewarded ourself with an apple at the top.

We preferred our lake site to the city though. As it was raining and becoming increasingly windy – we stayed in for the afternoon. Although a lake, it felt like you were on the seaside during a storm. Cabin fever grabbed us, I stuck on the layers (the very good-looking Nick was much braver) and headed off to the waters edge for tea.

Soup was on the menu for dinner and early to bed.

Switzerland – Thun – JungFrau – Zurich

14 June



We said goodbye to our happy host, Rene and headed via Interlaken to Jungfrau. This is the tallest peak in Switzerland (4158) and has been marked a UNESCO site. The scenery in the area around it has been included separately by UNESCO. It is something amazing. A huge waterfall falls in Lauterbrunnen, called the Staubbachfall. It's the highest free falling waterfall in Europe. This is a must-see, even if you decide not to go to the top.

It must be said that as we had not eaten Swiss chocolate in Switzerland yet – we did it here. Perfect place, don't you think?

Lunched up on a mountain on the way to Lucerne that had a view unheard of. When we were about to drive off, a bunch of adult Emo's arrived. Instead of taking photo's of the scenery they were taking photo's of our Ruby! So we smiled and waved! They made the Island Style hand sign back and gave a roar of excitement. Our very first paparazzi moment.

When we found the campsite – we did not ask the cost – although we had an idea it would be high. It is on Lake Zurich. It is nothing like either of us ever imagined Zurich to be. It is idyllic. The van is parked next to the grass with a few tents in front and then – the water! Yachts line the waters edge. The opposite side of the water has rolling hills with what must be expensive homes. If anything, there does not need to be more to Zurich than this campsite location. This is all you need for your Zurich experience.



TIP: The site is expensive! 101 Swiss Francs for 2 nights. Showers are not included and there ae no plugs or hot water in the wash up area. They charge an extra 2 Francs to be on the lake front – this is worth it.

We took a beer down to the lakeside and lay talking nonsense for the afternoon.

A stunning little store, with TV for soccer, super fresh bread and their own local fisherman who stocks them with fresh fish. One of which we devoured for dinner (fish type: Ganz) with veggie skewers (home-made) and braaied potatoes in foil! Mmmh. Divine.