Mediterranean Magic

Amidst great excitement, hair blowing in the wind and a glass of red, my Mom and I set sail on the Royal Carribbean 'Splendours of the Sea' from Venice on Saturday, 16 June 2007. It may have been 17h00 'Romantic Standard Time', but Casanova was no where in sight. Not theat either of us would have noticed. The thought of the 7 nights' cruise to come and chill time in the sun was definately at the forefront of our minds.

Being an American cruise line, the majority of the passengers were American or Canadian and our table of 10 at dinner was definately entertaining: 2 from South Carolina (with stories of their neighbours akin to something out of Jerry Springer - an inbred niece and Uncle couple who call each other 'Him' and 'Her' and their inventive outfits as they had no luggage for the first 4 days of the cruise); a couple from Minnesota; a rather rowdy couple from Vancouver and a divine Mom and daughter from Houston, Texas. Lots of Laughter and our Romanian waiter, Lawrence, kept trying to join in the fun with some of the oddest jokes I have ever heard. 10 out of 10 for trying though. The first full day was spent at sea sailing past Dalmatian Coast, lounging up on deck with a Cosmopolitan in hand and enjoying the fact that the sun was out and I was in the middle of no where! That being said, we did have e-mail in the little internet cafe and coffee shop, in the midst of on board mall and self contained modern conveniences. I did manage to avoid the shops (for the most part) and spent most of my time on board reading, relaxing and running in the mornings. The runs were one of my favourite times as the sun was rising as we sailed into port - blissful.

Day 2 found us arriving at the island of Mykonos. We caught a boat out to the small, uninhabited island of Delos, which was once the religious center of the entire Aegean area. Today, its archaeological ruins are one of the most important historical sites in Greecebeing touted as the birthplace of Apollo. After exploring the ruins, we headed back to explore Mykonos, wander the winding streets and have a much needed drink at a local Taverna. Along the way we encountered the local resident pelicans who wander the streets in search of tasty tit-bits left by the tourists.

The next day, we docked in the port of Pireaus, Athens. We first headed out to Cape Sounion along the grogeous Grecian coastline before stopping on a gorgeous peninsula where the remains of the Temple of Posiedon still stand. Gorgeous views of the crystal blue water and little yachts bobbing about definately made it worthwhile. next we headed to a traditional Greek Taverna for Mousakka and Baklava (not to mention a touch of Greek wine - although it was a bit watery for the South African palate). After lunch, we headed past the temple of Zeus to the Acropolis where we explored the Parthenon and climbed way too many stairs in the hot summer sun!!

That night I was very relieved to get nack on board the ship and we had another great evening, filled with a Motown Jazz show, which had us up in dancing in the aisles. The next day we arrived at Katakolon, a charming fishing village on the Ionian Coast, before heading to Ancient Olympia, which is the archaeological site of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Ancient starting blocks, the old gymnasium, and the site where the flame was lit were all very interesting, although I think that after I learned that the ancient Olympians competed naked intruiged me the most. You learn something new every day! The next day we arrived at Corfu and enjoyed a gorgeous drive through the Corfiot countryside, full of olive groves, pine, cypress, lemon and orange trees. The Bay of Paleokastritsa; known as the “Capri of Greece.” was breathtaking and we also stopped briefly at the Byzantine Monastery, and resident monks aside, the views were breath taking. Meze, watery Greek wine and some Greek dancing completed the day. Our last stop before heading back to Vencie was Split and Trogir in Croatia. Gothic Chapels (best viewed from the outside) and an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets of the historic quarter set the scene and some scrumptious local delicacies were sampled before heading back on board for some much needed chill time and packing of bags before the final supper and docking in Venice early the next morning.

Upon arrival in Venice, we caught a water taxi (what a way to travel) to the stop right near our hotel. After quickly depositing our bags, we took a short walk past the Bridge of Sighs to St Marks Sqaure to feed the pigeons and find a cafe for a cup of coffee. We spent most of our time, in cafes, shopping (Italian Leather mm..), wandering the little winding streets and bridges over the canals and hopping on a Gondola to wind our way up to Rialto bridge and the Grand Canal.

Serious Happy Snaps

I just finished a two day Digital SLR (35mm) camera course with a professional photographer here in London. Great to finally demystify my new camera, but I think a substantial amount of practice is required before some of the techniques become habit.

The Italian Job

What better way to spend a Bank Holiday weekend, than in the sunshine in Rome. Especially when London was being her usual wet grey blanket. Lana, Dave, Iain and I headed off to Rome on Friday amidst a few flight delays (Italian time = African time) and some glasses of red wine to arrive late in the night for a hellish cab ride to our hotel. Who ever said women were bad drivers, needs to go to Rome. That being said, I'd hate to know what a woman Italian driver is like. Lanes mean nothing and over taking is considered a challenge or a test of man hood and should only be done when there are numerous vehicles oncoming. And at speeds well in excess of those capable of the little Fiat Panda we were in. Thank goodness Iain and Dave were gentleman enough to let me get in on the drivers side. There were a few instances where eyes were closed and a "Hail Mary" was said. When in Rome..

The next morning, after we had found Dave his caffiene and nicotine fix, we set out with our walking shoes on. Rome, having only two metro lines, is a place you walk around. But it's a good thing as you never know when you're going to stumble on a quaint little piazza or round a corner and find a cafe that makes the best brushetta or espresso (and these were two of our benchmarks for a good cafe.. the litmus test as it were). Iain, having proven himself as tour guide extrordanaire in New York, took ownership of the map and next thing we knew we had stumbled upon the Trevi fountain, complete with gorgeous rennasiance figures and crystal clear water. Not to mention the obligatory American tourists. Given that only 10% of Americans apparently have passports, I think most of them were in Rome this last weekend. The warm sunshine made the clear, blue water all the more inviting but instead we threw in a few cents for luck. We then wound our way through some side streets to the Spanish steps. On the way down the steps, I spotted a gorgeous little roof top Garden and restaurant. If I ever get tired of the corporate world.. maybe one day!

From there we headed to the Piazza del Popollo, the intact Cathedral of Maria del Popolo and the beautiful gardens nearby. Beautiful vistas, some of the cleanest public toilets in Rome and knocking over cones used by roller balders were among the highlights. With grumbling tummies, we then headed for a stroll down Via Condotti, Rome's answer to 5th Avenue. Iain was kind enough to restrain me, remove my credit cards and reassure me that I could go shopping wiuth Dave when we go to support him in the NY Marathon in November. We then found a gorgeous little cafe oin via della croce for Penne Arribiata and a much needed espresso help put a spring back in our steps after a lot of walking. Sated and satisfied, we headed for the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona, complete with quaint window boxes, cafes and a perfect spot for people watching. And the Italians are nothing if not interesting. Dragging ourselves away, we headed for the river Tiber to cross the Ponte Sant' Angelo to the Castel Sant' Angelo. Complete with the worst public toilets in Rome and beautiful views of Saint Peters Bascillica from a little cafe, we settled down to a glass of vinno rosso. We had great fun watching some nuns scurrying about on roof tops, while Iain and Dave recounted from memory, the history of the Roman Aqueduct (a la History channel). Suffering from, as Dave would say, "Dry mouth", we made our way through some Oompa Loompah band parade to the cafes just off the Piazza Navona for a bottle and a bit of Prossecco, whilst being serenaded by a Saxaphanist and watching tourists try and get their mouths around some of the biggest Gelatis known to man. After much merriment, we found another spot for Gnocchi a la Gorgonzola, and more bruschetta. The waiter, being friendly and looking for a tip, spent much time discussing wine choices and convinced us to try a Tuscan wine. Good advice, which had us hooked for the rest of the wine and to the extent that we cleaned out the duty free stock of that wine at the airport on the way out.

The next morning we arose early again in search of a double espresso before heading to the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. Amazing to see what they once built and the thoughts of the ‘sport’ that took place there was not as amazing. Luckily I have my comic book visions of Asterix & Obelix to liven it up a bit. Some American tourist next to me that due to the Roman’s importing animals from conquered countries, that the dungeons below had the most diverse plant life found anywhere in the world. Hmm.. I suppose the Amazon doesn’t count? Later that afternoon, after strolling along the river, we made it back to a little café near the Piazza Navona for many glasses of Prossecco and a few other things. Dave mastered his Italian after a few rounds and simplified his life by ordering new rounds with the twist of a wrist and two words: “Same, More”. Simple, but it works! Well, it worked until we heard what sounded like a splattering of rain, only to find out that a massive pigeon had flown overhead and blessed Dave and Iain. Lana and I were very thankful to be sitting under the umbrella at the streetside café. After spending a few hours there, we moved two doors down to a recommended café for pesto linguine, a few more bottles of wine, grappa topped espresso before winding our way home. We had planned on taking the metro line that was closest, but lo and behold it was closed. So, but some stroke of genius (or bird poo) I managed to flag a cab down in the middle of no where. I did however say a small prayer of thanks the next morning for our luck, which continued when we made it inside St Peters Bascillica with no queue. We climbed right to the top, over 333 steps, skew staircases and all, but the view from inside the dome and at the top over Rome was amazing. Dave and I spent a good 5 minutes trying to decide which big house in the Vatican city the Pope lived in. Finally exiting the massive bascillica, we joined the hour long queue, which snaked along the streets, for the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. The frescos, Raphael rooms and roof of the Sistine chapel made the irritating masses of tourists worth it. But I won’t be queueing for a while, I can tell you that. As we left, a light rain started and only really started to pour when we made our way into a Pizzeria for a last Italian Lunch, some Chianti and of course, Tiramisu. Perfect way to end a perfect 3 days.

Wine, Wonderous Wine..

Last Friday, headed to a litre wine shop in Parsons' Green for an intimate little wine tasting. Fabulous time, fantastic wine, few spillages (including me), lots of swirling, no spitting and we ended up at a Champagne bar up the road for bubbly thereafter. We never learn. The next morning was interesting..

I love Paris in the Springtime

One never needs a reason to visit Paris when it is only a 2 hour Eurostar ride away, but the fact that my Dad and Wends were going to be there provided all the incentive I needed to head there after work on Friday. Staying just off the square at Denfert Rochereau, you couldn’t go too far on a Saturday morning without encountering the fresh produce markets. Cheeses, wine, meat and gorgeous fresh fruit and vegetables were being haggled for on all sides, as we found a little café to sit down for a coffee or two.

After my morning caffiene dose and a taste of pain au chocolate, we hopped on a bus and headed north to the markets of Port de Cligioncourt. It was fabulous to watch the Parisian streets go by, with all the gorgeous little balconies and flower boxes filled with red geraniums.

We passed my favourite sights, like the Champs Elysee, la tour Eiffel and had a stroll along the Seine. Hopping off the bus, we headed for Les Invallides to stroll through the courtyeard's and gardens before heading into Napolean's tomb. All rather grand, and I was amazed to see some of the French getting quite emotional about the whole experience. After grabbing a baguette for lunch, we headed for the Musee de Rodin to see 'The Kiss' and 'The Thinker', works which I remember studying in Std. 7 art class. amazing to finally see them in person.

After the Musee de Rodin, we headed back to the hotel for a shower before heading out to the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain. We found a gorgeous little corner restaurant where everyone was queuing. Where the locals are prepared to queue, you know the food must be good, so we followed suit. The next morning, we had a later start before finding another cafe for 'une cafe au lait' before hedaing to the Catacombs. the ancient tunnels, mapping some of the streets of paris underground and the bony graveyards of the ossury were all rather macarbe, but gave one a sense of history. When you see the dates on the pillar markings of 1785 and 1805, it definately puts things in perspective. Mental note, I want to be cremated.

Côte d'Azur & Provence

After experiencing snow in the middle of spring, I was in dire need of sunshine so decided to head to the French Riviera or la Côte d'Azur for a bit of sun, sea and not a lot of sand. With too much to see on one of the normal weekend breaks, Easter seemed like the perfect amount of time to chill and hop on the trains up and down the coast.


Arriving on Friday morning (6 April 2007), the first thing that I did was walk out on the balcony of my hotel room and look at the sea. Gorgeous blueness and the small of sea air immediately assaulted my senses and filled me with a sense of Summer, which had me gabbing my things to head to the beach and explore the town. That evening I fell in love with the gorgeous streetside cafes, laid back waiters and carafes filled with frisky French wine.

After a morning run and the obligatory espresso (I never realised what an Italian influence there is here), I headed to Cannes in search of the chic side of the Côte d'Azur. Chic beach cafes made me want to while away the afternoon over a lazy bottle of wine, but I decided to explore the promenade and shoppers heaven more.

Leaving Cannes and the home of the infamous film festival, we headed for Grasse. Grasse, the home of perfume proved less luxurious in appearance, but after a tour of the Fragonard perfumery, I left on a cloud of Jasmine after managing to resist buying some perfume. We then wound our way up into the mountains towards the town of Gourdon, which is literally perched on a rocky outcrop. Liz (a South African girl that I met en route) and I explored the medieval cobbled streets before finding a littlecafe over looking the valley for some vin rouge and tapas type meal. Satiated from lunch, we then headed for the Provencal town of St Paul de Vence for an hour or two exploring the paved streets and art galleries of this gorgoeusly quaint fortified town. After exploring, we settled at a little cafe for an apperitif and to watch the locals playing petonque. Little did we know that we would be drawn into a game, which proved rather amusing.

Sunday Morning, I headed out on a train along the spectacular coastline between Nice and Monaco, glimpsing the ancient villages and modern marinas as we trundled by. The Bay and Citadelle of Villefranche was a gorgeous and worthwhile stop, before I jumped off at Eze. This medieval village perched on a hill, with its artisan shops and breathtaking views was really something. Really just enjoyed strolling around the town, before taking a guided tour of a perfumery. Boarding the train again, I headed for the Old Town of Monaco to see the Palace, A.F.C. and catch the legendary Changing of the Guards. The Grand Prix circuit and Casino Square in Monte Carlo made me dream of fast cars and James Bond. Hmm..

My final day was spent chilling on a lounger, sun shining and with book in hand and cocktails on call. This is the life.

Tipple on the Thames

With Spring's imminent arrival, our monthly department social event was a sundowners cruise on the Thames, starting at Canary wharf and cruising up and down for a few hours, before ending at the Festival Pier near Waterloo. The weather played along and a fabulous time was had by all, with things getting a touch out of hand when the sun went down and the dancing started.