The best gelato ever!!!!!!

And here it is (pictured. The one on the left, (that's my one) was
only €3. The one on the right (that's Trudy's) was only €2. Why has
she got more than me????? One of many unanswered questions about
Italy. For those of you wishing to indulge in one of your own. Find
the big que to the left of the Vatican, just across from the big wall
leading to the Vatican museum. And they skeeeka the English.

A cultural exchange!

We have a special treat for the readers of the Amazing European Adventure today with guest writers Trudy and Ben publishing their first work. Here it is....

Jason's descriptions of the said umbrella incident are mostly true. We can verify that the event was a most humorous experience... What we would like to clarify is the slightly over-exaggerated description of

it as 'the most hilarious thing we've ever seen'!

We would now like to share another funny moment that was encountered with Merlino over the course of this European Adventure. We have had
many conversations about how us Aussies when travelling overseas, just expect that the locals will speak English, and when they don't, many young Aussie backpackers seem to become quite annoyed. Thus, we have tried, where possible to have 'cultural exchanges' with locals (to use a Ben phrase!)Now, we must firstly say that Jason has impressed us with his ability to interact in Italian, however, in Vienna, we witnessed quite a linguistic event. We were on a bike tour round the city, enjoying the sites of Vienna.... As we entered the gardens containing the golden statue of Strauss, the climax of the tour, we parked our bikes and listened to the guides explanation. The motley crew had parked their bikes all over the place... quite the faux pas in this apparently exquisite city.Most Austrians were too polite to comment (this is the country where children are kidnapped and live with their kidnappers for 19 years because the neighbours don't talk to each other, after all). Well, almost all of them... Slowly an old lady sidled up to the group where no-one would give her any eye contact... Except of course, for Jason, who was as usual, ready for a cultural exchange.

It all went well... That is, until the lady began to speak. It became immediately obvious that she was either angry, or wanted something from Jason - probably both.

But Jason was unperturbed. You see, his theory was that in Europe, you can avoid uncomfortable situations by pretending you don't speak english. This works for beggars, street hawkers and ticket inspectors, and we had both been looking toward to seeing it work.

Little did we know that all it involved was the magic phrase "no speaka da eenglish" spoken repeatedly whole frowning with one hand tucked under the arm and the other gesturing dismissively.Despite the group understanding immediately what the woman was saying (which was helped by her gesturing wildly to the "no bikes!" sign); Jason stuck to his guns and even had us convinced that he didn't, as a matter of fact, "speaka da eeeeenglish!".

Look who I ran into in Venice

I knew that Maureen Moore was in Europe at the moment, but I didn't expect to run into her on the island of Burano in Venice whilst wandering down the shopping strip. (Maureen is my Deputy Principal at
Gilroy for those not in that circle).
Happy to say that both Gilroy representatives in Venice are enjoying their time enormously.

St. Johann in Tirol

I always seem to order the really nicely presented dishes. We are having a one day stop in St. Johann in Tirol before catching the next bus through to Venice in the morning. St. Johann is a farming small village which is set amongst the ski slopes of Austria close to the Italian border.

St. Johann in Tirol is a market town in Tyrol, Austria, St. Johann lies in a valley basin between the mountain range of the Wilder Kaiser and mountain called the Kitzbüheler Horn

I went all the way to Salzburg for what?

Sound of music Marionette performance

Salzburg Marionette Theatre

A puppet show! Or Marionette performance if you like, at the world famous "Salzburg Marionette theatre" built in 1913. Yes, I know, I hadn't heard of it before my arrival but I could give you directions now. I must say, it wasn't my idea but, after a little prompting by Trudy who assured me a trip to Salzburg was not complete without seeing the Marionettes, I got my ticket. Ben was also swayed and got himself a seat as well. And what did we book into? Well as lucy would have it, "The sound of
music". I know it's probably not the first thing you would think about  when visiting Salzburg, but it wasn't all that bad all said and done. I can't say it will make my "top 10 things to do on a European adventure" but don't let that stop you.

Inside Salzburg Marionette Theatre

Vienna

Vienna didn't quite live up to expectations, but it was still a nice
city to visit. The rain for the first two days didn't help but the
third day brought the sun out again and with it some much higher
tempeatures. The morning was spent on a city bike tour weaving in and
out of traffic, but the highlight was a later excursion to the palace.
The grounds and gardens cover a vast area. Within this was a maze and
park area with games, challenges and the like. It was fun. I came
second in the maze. 4.23 Ben would have been just seconds quicker.
Trudy was a distant 3rd. Or last.

Vienna bike tour

R.I.P Mary Poppins!!!

Some may think it strange that my two travelling companions and myself
think that the 2nd biggest highlight of our lives thusfar occurred in the late
evening of the 15 September 2008 (also the 8th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening ceremony, the top highlight of our lives) in a quiet, sleepy town in the far
off land of the Czech Republic. (To be honest, it is in the top 7
highlights for me but let's not spoil a good story.)

It all began one cold, rainy evening. The icy cold wind was howling
through the streets, bitting as it cut through any unprepared
travellers. The rain whipping at a frenzy back and forth like ping
pong balls in China. The streets were a wash with mud and water (road
works) and in amongst this, our 3 weary travellers returning from a
pleasant last meal before making the long and somewhat, less
trecharous journey to Vienna were squeezing in a final photo
opportunity.
As luck would have it, each of our brave travellers had protective
equipment for such conditions although a pair of wellies would have
been more than useful. Sadly though, this night would see the end of a
very trustworthy and loyal umbrella. And at €3.99, it was bound to
happen sometime.

On the final stretch before the safety of the inn, a sudden gust took
the first two umbrellas and gave them life....... As if possessed,
Trudy's water deflection device began to dance in and out, in and out
over and over and over again. Ben's umbrella (which cost him about the
same as a bottle of czech water or a little more then a Czech beer)
was not fairing too well either.
I had fallen behind at this stage and seeing the events taking place
just 10 metres ahead, raced up to offer my assistance. Actually, i
wanted to show my two companions that my umbrella was much better then
theirs and still in it's original shape. So I ran ahead laughing at
their misfortune. This is what good Australians do when their friends
are in trouble.

It was this point that events took a turn for the worst...... for me.
Maybe it was the great speed I was running or maybe just fate but
before I was 3 steps ahead, the same tragedy fell upon my umbrella.
But the worst was yet to come. As the umbrella twisted and turned it
broke free and lifted up and off it's handle, soaring into the sky
over the roof tops of this medieval town. Up, up it went. Like a
tartan UFO searching for a way back home.
Gravity soon took back control and threw the now lifeless mass of
metal and fabric back down to earth. A sad end for a trustworthy
companion.

R.I.P

Last day in Prague

I decided that the last day in Prague was going to be a rest day. I
needed some time to catch up on some sleep, rest and just do nothing
for a while.

The hostel in Prague had one of the nicest breakfasts on my travels so
far with al all you can eat buffet of cerials, breads, excellent
coffee and lots of other stuff. It was open from 8 - 12 so if you were
smart, you could get breakfast at 8 and still be around for lunch at
12. All for just 100 kc. (about $6.00) That's what they use here. They
haven't changed over to the euro yet.

Prague day 2

We took another trip into the city, directly this time, and again took
a "free" walking tour to the newer part of the city. (newer meaning
only a few hundred years old). As it happens the same tour guide from
yesterday took us again.
On the evening, we meet at the meeting place for a third walking tour.
This one being a ghost tour of the Prague pubs, but, the guide dident
show himself...... :-)This, as it turned out was a good thing as 10 of
the 15 or so people that were waiting decided to meet up at a bar for
a few drinks. Between us there were 6 Australians, 2 Germans, 1
American a Spanish girl. It ended up being one of the nicer evenings.

Prague day 1

The first day in weeks where it was warm enough to wear shorts. And
sunscreen.
The first day in Prague and we did what all good tourists on a budget
do, go on a free walking tour. We were taken through the old city and
shown many of the more famous sites with the stories associated with
them.
The tour guide was very good and clearly knew her history and was very
proud of her city.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge. One of the most famous places on the planet. Today my "Things to do before I die" list was reduced by one more. And another day, another change to the top of the list for best things to do on a European holiday. We visited Stonehenge twice today. Once during the day in the mid afternoon and then again later in the early evening. Trudy organised for us to get special access at dusk which was restricted to 24 people. This allowed us to walk into the circle of stones for an hour as the sun set on the horizon. The mood and feeling was very special. People seemed to feel the significance of the place. Amongst us were two Witches who were snapping away on the cameras like the rest of us. A very memorable evening and 130 photos later....... (There should be a good shot somewhere in there.) A memory of a special evening which

will always be remembered. 

Find my top places to visit in London here

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

Buckingham Palace State Room Tours Entry

The visit to Buckingham Palace just took top place in best things to do on an amazing European adventure. I'm sure those of you who know me well would not be surprised to hear that I was extremely excited to be visiting Elizabeth's home in London. (Unlike my travel companions). My best efforts fell on deaf ears and they both chose to miss out on this

once on a lifetime opportunity. However, I chose to proceed and, after a 2.5 hour visit to the famous lady's home made my way back to the hotel completely satisfied. The visit included a walk around the 30 acre garden, entry to the  Grand ball room set for a state banquet, and visits to 19 other rooms.  Well worth a visit if you are ever in London in August.

The term ‘State Rooms’ is applied to those rooms that were designed and built as the public rooms of the Palace, in which monarchs receive, reward and entertain their subjects and visiting dignitaries. Today the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are used extensively by The Queen and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions.
The Palace's nineteen State Rooms predominantly reflect the taste George IV (r.1820-30), who commissioned the architect John Nash to transform what had previously been known as Buckingham House into a grand palace. Many of the pieces of furniture, sparkling chandeliers, candelabra and other works of art in these rooms were bought or made for Carlton House, George IV's London home when he was Prince of Wales. Today the State Rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova, exquisite pieces of Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
Many of the other State Rooms also have particular uses today. It is in the Throne Room, for example, that The Queen, on very special occasions like Jubilees, receives loyal addresses. On 29 April 2011 this room was the setting for the formal photographs following the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In the Music Room, guests are presented to The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and the visiting Head of State on the occasion of a State visit. The White Drawing Room, perhaps the grandest of all the State Rooms, serves as a royal reception room for The Queen and members of the Royal Family to gather before official occasions.

Source: http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace/

That's not a cave!!!!!

People always say it but you have to do of yourself before you really
believe it yourself. Australia is the best place on earth. And this
was proven yet again on a recent trip to a cave system over in Ireland
on the West coast. Yes, I know that Ireland is over and done with but
I just couldn't leave out a story about this amazing cave.... Let's
start by saying that the cave system under my house at home is more
amazing. We started our "journey" walking through a door into a
tunnel. (Imagine, if you will the Sydney harbour tunnel. Just it's
narrower, not as tall costs 5 times more to get in and this one
leaks..... OK, good start. After a couple of stops at...... (Well,
still not sure why we stopped) we arrived at the highlight of the
cave. Yes. That's it in the picture. Whilst the Japanese tourists
snapped away full of enthusiasm and astonishment at it's size and full of
excitement as to what may follow, Trudy and I took one photo each (so
that people would believe us) very unenthusiastically, full of
bewilderment and looking forward to getting out.
Once we all had a turn at viewing this enormous "carrot" through the
binoculars provided, we moved on through more similar non descript
tunnels to another tunnel that lead to the exit and freedom.
I have provided an example of a cave system in Australia for all those
interested in seeing something interesting.
This is Jenolin Caves. Real caves

London eye

First thing this morning, Ben, Trudy and I raced down to the London
eye from our various locations to get into line for tickets. There was
no need tosince the line consisted of 4 people more than there were
ticket sellers.
As for the ride...... Ya, it was fine. Maybe a 7/10. Not the best
thing I have done in London but worth doing. Once.

The British museum

The British museum is one of the oldest museums in the world and has
been free to enter since the late 1700's. It houses, amongst other
things sculptures from the Acropolis in Athens. These were brought to
london in the early 1800's. They have been on display in this
specially built room since this time.

The Rosetta stone in The British Museum is a stone with writting on it in two languages and three different scripts. It was instrumental in deciphering the Egyption Hierogylphics and was made in about 200 BC and was found in 1799 by French soldiers re-building a fort.

Who else was there?

Its amazing what you come across on your travels around the world. You all remember John Gilroy of Guinness fame. Well, and not many people know this, (you wont read this in the book) but he was also present at the tea party for Mad Hatters along with Alice. It's all becoming clear......
So ends on this very informative note the amazing adventures across Ireland. Next time you see me, I will be in the mother land. England.

Dublin accomodation

Just stayed in the worst hostel in existence. The City hostel, Dublin.
Whilst the picture is of another building down the street from the
Guineass factory, it's not far off reality. Trudy and I stayed out as
late as we could so we only had to spend a short period of time
actually in the place, which was lucky. From reports back, my room was
luxuary in comparison to hers. The sad thing is that for €6 less each
we could have spent the entire night in the Internet cafe down the
street.
This is really what it looked like. From inside. It's not much better.

The true founder of Gilroy College

I recently visited the Guinness factory in Dublin and discovered some very interesting facts about the school in which I called home for many years. It is widely believed that Gilroy College is named after
the late Cardinal Norman Gilroy however, this may not be entierly true. It is my belief that the College was established in 1980 to remember the work of John Gilroy. (pictured) who dedicated his life to Guinness.This new information may require a change in some things at the school. No more VB at the star bar, Gilroy day may now involve an international excursion and if you thought the kids were hyper after 2 cans of coke at lunch just wait till those new drink machines go in.

The biggest prick in the Northern Hemisphere

It's amazing what you come across when you travel. Here we have the worlds second biggest prick, right here in overcast Dublin. It does hold the record however, for being the biggest in the Northern Hemisphere. It is 120 meters tall and really fat at the base. They call it lots of things over here. The big prick is probably the nicest.
Not many people know, but Australia has a big prick as well. It's the biggest in the whole world!! First person to photograph it and send it to me gets a prize.

The Witch of the stone - Blaney Castle

Legend has it, that every night after dark, the witch trapped in this
stone comes to life. There are two differing accounts of the
activities of the witch during these hours of darkness. Some say she
wanders the gardens and woods of Blarney Castle collecting wood to
fuel her fire, however a more recent legend claims that she travels
across the world to Australia, tormenting, cursing and hindering all
who she comes across. The witch is believed to move from place to
place taking with her all she can carry as well as the sanity of all
who may get in her way.