Moma Rosa

An excellent choice of venue to celebrate the Big Fella's 60th.  Complimentary prosecco to get us in the mood. A couple of entrees including a tasting plate which turns out to be about four plates of tasty treats. Probably enough to sate our appetites but by now we are in celebration mode and they give us plenty of time to have the tucker settle before mains are served.

And what mains we enjoyed. Tony had the lamb chops, Eva had some spaghetti, Anne had sea bass and I enjoyed a nice piece of steak with little potatoes and some lices of fennel, zucchini and such.

Marina Bay Sands

After ascending 56 floors to take the view from the observation deck, we were exposed to the heat and the glare. Took dome shots and left before we expired.

Neither of us could see ourselves in the infinity pool.

Back on terra firma, we wandered around the shopping precinct and have settled down to a bagel with smoked salmon, a cup of English breakfast  and an iced coffee. $SGD 23.90.

All the name brands are here. Just a shame that there aren't too many shoppers.

In flight fun and games

Watched the Superman movie, Man of Steel, followed by World War Z, The Lone Ranger and then Heat with Sandra Bullock.

Needless to say, we didn't get a lot of sleep.

Big Booking Bugger Up

The penny dropped sometime after I read the flight details. It is not really possible to spend Friday night at the hotel in Singapore and be able to land at Tullamarine on 7:20AM Saturday morning. 

Milan: the grand tour

Tuesday 1st October

To celebrate Tony's birthday in style, we joined the tour bus to see the highlights of this magnificent city. So far we have seen the multiplex cinema (and a Turkish KFC store: KOC).

Leaves are dead or dieing on the trees in the park but the flowers are still in bloom.

Just passed the statue voted the ugliest in the city. No argument there. A tower block based on the Castle Sforcese wins ugliest building among countless contenders.

Passed the Duomo and La Scala (again) and journeyed down Via Manzoni which has the Milanese fashion houses.

Just swapped buses and heading towards Piazzale Cadorna. Location of 'Needle, thread and knot', a sculpture representing the importance of the fashion industry to the city.

Viewed remnants of the canal system that connected to the river. The city's port was the country's 13th most important during its heyday.

Got off the bus around one o'clock and wandered up Via Garibaldi looking for a place to have lunch. Struck gold.

Brunello Osteria

Tuesday 1st October

Well done, Tony! What a choice for your birthday lunch. No pizza on the menu tells you something. No shit food here.

Voted the best Ostaria in Milan/Italy/the world we are unsure, but certainly impressed by the big glass award that took pride of place next to the wine rack.

Took a punt on the Brunello lunch for €14. Certainly backed a winner. Spiral pasta in a simple leek, butter and pepper sauce. Chicken with walnuts and home made chips for mains. Tiramisu for dessert.  A glass of the Girlan 448 and Rosso e Montalcino. Complimentary grappa with our coffee.

Eva had a tuna salad and the Birthday Boy and Anne had spaghetti. All good.

We shared a plate of cheese and jam also.

Eva and I checked out bus departure times for Malpensa and then waddled home to rest up for dinner.

Ristorante Xier: Smorgy's for the Milanese

Monday night (30th Sept) and Tony turns 60 Aussie Time.

Opposite the three star Hotel Florida, Ristorante Xier aims to please all comers with its array of food on offer in this all-you-can-eat barn.

While it is billed as an Italian Chinese buffet, this overlooks the presence of the sushi train, the grilled beef section and the chocolate fountain.

Choose the ingredients, stick a peg with your table number on the side of the plate along with a colour-coded peg that indicates the sauce it is to be cooked in and hand it to one of the chefs. When cooked,  your meal will be hand delivered to the table.

At €20 per person,  this is very good value. Providing we don't get food poisoning.

The wine was also exceptional value at €4 per half litre. Not saying that it was vintage.  Just that it was cheap.

En route to Milan

Monday (30/9) morning awoke dull and cloudy with the threat of more rain. It was a finely-timed operation but we managed to drop off the girls and the luggage at the station, return and pay for the hire car and still get back to the station in time to catch the 9:40 for Milan.

And boy, wasn't it a flash train! Turns out it wasn't a regional train like the one we caught to get to Stresa. This was a Euro City coming from Switzerland.  And with traditional Swiss efficiency,  the conductor wanted to see our reservations. What reservations, we politely replied. This is a typical Italian... regional... err....

Seventy-two euro later we are sitting in the first class seats that are bottoms have grown accustomed to. And you do tend to get a better class of foreigner in these carriages. Unless there is a group of Americans in the carriage.

En route to Baveno

We left our apartment for the last time and caught the vaporetto to the station with time enough to get some brekky. Tony was not impressed with the process that one had to follow to procure nourishment so ended up with naught.

Our train trip was uneventful except for the lengthy delay caused by a fatal accident further up the line. It gave us an opportunity to get a coffee and a snack from a self-serve kiosk on the platform and strike up a conversation with the American couple sitting opposite us.

A couple from Boston, they were well-mannered, quiet and polite. I asked to see their passports.

We arrived late to Milan Centrale and missed our connection to Stresa. I sussed out that we could get a regional train that was leaving in three minutes and we made a dash for it that would have done Von Ryan proud.

Tour de Lido

The Gold Coast has its strip of golden sand and crashing waves. Venice's Lido, the narrow spit of land that forms the lagoon that protects the island city from the pounding waves of the Adriatic Sea, is like chalk to cheese in comparison.

It was good to see a motor vehicle again and we celebrated by hiring a quad bike for an hour and ripping up and back along 6 kilometres of the main road. Let me explain in these days of efriendly greeniness, the quad bike in question was a pedal powered pushy built for four pedallers.

It was ironic that after the ride, their was only one of us who had raised a sweat. Needless to say, no one sat next to me on the ferry back home.

An insight into the efficiency of Italian bureaucracy was gained in our attempt to purchase stamps for postcards. Not one of the three staff could serve us unless we selected the correct ticket type from the machine that generated them. When Eva finally got the stamps (€2.50 to send a card to Australia), the one euro stamp variety had no gum and would not stick. The assistant gave her a glue stick, which was useful for the two cards we had written but less so for the two cards we were going to purchase later in the trip. The assistant would not refund the money on the two unused stamps that wouldn't stick. I'm still unsure whether it was because she knew that the stamps were useless, or because of the lengthy process that would no doubt be involved as part of the refund process and the counselling that she would need to undertake as part of the retraining program her superiors would consider necessary for her.

Enjoyed a nice pizza and campari and soda for lunch. Enjoyed a nice shower and change of socks pre-dinner.

Canals of Venice

And so it came to pass, after putting off the inevitable during two previous visits to La Serenissima, Eva and Glenn, romantics that they are, squandered the children's inheritance on a ride on a gondola.

But what a beautiful ride it was.

Departing from the mooring adjacent to San Marco, we entered the canal system and passed under the Bridge of Sighs.  Aaah. Pierro was a third generation gondolier, working under his grandfather's licence,  much the same way taxi drivers do it in Melbourne. And for much the same reason, there will never be a light rail service to Venice airport, either.

We were one of the first cabs off the rank, to maintain the metaphor, and so did not have to contend with the bloody tourists that choke the narrow waterways with their gondola rides and ridiculous posturing and condescending waves to the masses who were gathering in numbers on the bridges that we pased under. I expect that images of Eva and I will end up in countless photo albums and tumblr blogs,  given that our regal-like waves, sunnies and affected posturing could pass us off as celebrities to those less affluent who watched our voyage in envy. Poor saps.

On our passage d'amour, we had to contend with the refuse boats that collect the rubbish that is generated by the good folk of this fair island city and the other numerous service craft that keep the place functioning as the world's largest floating restaurant and souvenir shop.

Pierro showed us Marco Polo's house (he wasn't home) and a flood level mark on one of the buildings. He guided his craft with the skill of a jet boat driver, narrowly missing the corners of buildings as we wended our way around the waterways. Unlike a jet boatdriver, he was unable to put us in one of those 360 degree spins that gets Eva going crazy. This was, after all, a graceful tour of romance, not some puerile adrenolin-pumping joy ride. That was to come later.

Farewell Baveno

What a last supper. Still too stuffed to jump, we managed to get our bloated bodies down to the first restaurant we could find.

Some times you should walk on.

Anne's mussels were to die for (but fortunately,  so far she's surviving). Eva's minestrone soup; a thick, flavoursome, melange of vegetables. Well, you could see the vegetables floating in the water. One out of three ain't bad.

My ravioli in a walnut cheese sauce would have been lovely if it had have been hot. Tony had a lovely pizza. It had to be induced and arrived after we had finished our meals. Spinach on a pizza must be a new taste sensation. If you've run out of every other possible ingredient that most people would enjoy to eat on a pizza, spinach might be the go.

And so we pay the bill and walk back along the road that is a sometime race track.

Domodossola and Locarno

Saturday (28/9) night saw fireworks in Stresa and then an encore by the gods throughout the night. Thunder and lightning and torrential rain that continued for much of the night.

You couldn't see the lake for the mist. A little rain didn't deter us from venturing north to Domodossola. We found that a marathon (of sorts) was in progress and the finish line was located close to the café where we took coffee.

We then headed east, up the Melezza Valley towards Locarno. The road is adjacent to the line for the Lago Maggiore Express, a train that runs between the two towns. The road is also narrow with very steep drops at times. Fortunately, the prayers of all on board were heard by The Big Driver and He got us safely across to Locarno.

It is quite a large city with a wonderful situation at the  north end of the lake. We found a car park and wandered back to a traditional Swiss Italian restaurant where our hunger was sated.

After sharing a pizza, our individual troughs were filled with pollo cordon bleu, frites and Brussels sprouts (Tony et moi),  osso buco and saffron rice (Eva) and spaghetti vongole(clams)(Anne). We all waddled out for a lakeside walk to help settle the tucker.

Back in the Fiat and we headed for home. The return trip took us along the western shoreline via Cannobio and Verbania. Numerous private lifts were seen beside the lake side of the road. These obviously gave access to the houses that clung to the cliff face that were below the roadway and not obvious at all. Italy is a land of contrasts.

The closer we neared Baveno, the heavier the rain fell. The girls took the clothes to the laundry and I drove Tony to the liquor store. All was right with the world.

Dishwashing powder on sale

Whilst shopping for the essentials in Venice, came upon a great saving. The dishwashing tablets were over €2.49  for a small pack but then I spied a box of powder that was only €0.99. I knew it was a bargain as the box had sale on it. Turns out it was salt that sometimes needs to be added to the water in your European dishwashers.  Still got the job done.

Murano, Burano e Tarcello

Could've stood in line for an hour to get into the Basillica but had a tout invite us on a free taxi ride to Murano to a glass factory. Knowing that there ain't no such thing as a free ride we were all a little skeptical but things worked out all right.  Got our free ride; got our glass blowing demonstration; and got out of there without buying anything. Win win win. Which was a better performance than Melbourne Demons this year.

Strolled down to the restaurant that was half full of bloody tourists and within five minutes of us sitting down, obviously the word got out and the place was packed. Bloody paparazzi!

Orta San Guilio

Picked up the wheels: a brand new Fiat 500L. Pity about the massive scratch on the rear passenger door. "I would buy one of these!" Exhorted Eva. She can be very exhortive at times. And God knows, she changes cars like some folk change their socks.

So it was off to Orta San Guilio. We stopped in Omegna for a coffee or a beer on the way. That was after stopping at two kitchen appliance factory outlets. Alessi and Lagostina make utensili cuisina and our two master chefs were as happy as cinghaili e poopa.  Tony was happy to say hello to his old friend, Bigga Biera, after the quality time spent at the shops.

The Borromean Islands

Visited the three islands by ferry to check out the gardens. Started off well by getting on the wrong ferry so the well planned itinerary that the bloke wrote out went out the window.

Isola Bella is the one with the over the top gardens that could have been designed by Molly Meldrum if Demitriou let him loose in the garden at his joint near Como.

We then went to the isle of the fishermen. It had a fancier name (it always sounds better in lingua franca, or in this case lingo dago) similar to Isola Superore del Peschatore, but I'd be kidding myself if I assumed that that was the correct spelling.

We consumed some mediocre meals that had been prepared with distaste in a microwave. Anne photographed the school children (because you still can in this country) who were having lunch, drinking beer and smoking. A good excursion, if truth be known.

We then cruised on to the last venue,  Isola Madre. While the palazzo was not as grand as that one  on Isola Bella, the botanical garden was brilliant. There were several art installations, of which the boulevard of canines was the most pleasing.

We returned home; worn out, but satisfied in the knowledge that we had captured the true spirit of the islands, in the baseball cap and tea towels that were purchased.

Peggy Guggenhiem Museum

An amazing collection of 20th century art. Picasso, Dali and some Russian abstractionist. A collection of some bloke's conversation boxes. Particularly taken by the red parrot fortune telling box.

She promoted artists in her galleries before establshing the museum.
An interesting life with Max Ernst, himself an artist who didn't mind also dabbling in the female form, if you get my drift.

Prague accommodation

Down Town Apartments at Pricna 4 in the New Town quarter of the city, provides travellers with a real glimpse of what life must have been like prior to the Velvet Revolution.

One enters via a set of large doors that provide access to the vestibule. Despite the incredible vaulted ceiling and the No Smoking signs, the scent of tobacco smoke hits you like a wall tobacco smoke. Mainly because the lads from the UK that come to Prague for their bucks nights are still smoking there.

Two flights via the original tiled staircase or the three person lift will bring you to Apartment 22. Heavily influenced by the design house, Ikea, the apartment's styling reflects all that the Sweden fashion house has come to represent. The peeling paint in the bathroom reflects the hardships faced by the city over time.

Some folk believe that the city was fortunate in that it's buildings were left intact after the War.  Maybe Hitler has had the last life and ensured all that live there suffer creaking floor boards,

To Venice

We left Innsbruck in bright sunshine and have just departed Brenner. There was a dedicated bike path  beside the minor road next to the rail line. Entered tunnel at 10:25. Got out of tunnel at 10:29.

More beautiful scenery than you can poke a stock at.

Venice: Sunday 22nd

This morning Anne and I went shopping for pegs and washing liquid and came back with a tray of lettuce and some fish. Not many people on the island wash their clothes by the looks of things.

We finally got away and two blocks later are taking coffee. Tony is enjoying the sun while we are taking in the shade.

Eva bought a wallet and Tony is checking out t-shirt prices.

A sea of people embraced us in San Marco. Many had not been able to buy pegs either, by the smell of things.

We ventured down memory lane and found the apartment where we stayed in 2003 with the boys. Had a drink in the courtyard below, that is still part of the restaurant that we never ate at during that stay. A little oasis of peace after the hubbub of St Marks. It's a shame how the influx of day trippers spoil it for others. Hopefully, we'll have it to ourselves tomorrow. 

Oh boy! We've sure walked up a thirst. We've just been on an absolute wild goose chase hunting up a couple of eating places that were a) unfindable; and b) closed. Anne's recommendations via lonely planet. Gone to rack and ruin once it was sold to the poms.

Still, we all enjoy a 6 kilometre walk. It's the additional four k we walked to get back home that has worn us out. It wasn't a good idea to wear thongs today (although some of the locals look good in them).

 

Altstadt Schmankerl: quite a mouthful

A short walk to our lodgings in Innsbruck. The Goldene Krone sits at the crossroads and is easily located, being opposite the ancient archway that was the gateway to the city.

We walked into town and were distracted by the sound of traditional Austrian military music and short, sharp, precise commands being given in some unintelligable language.  "What is Adel doing here?", I thought to myself. Which made the use of quotation marks redundant.

We continued on and eventually got  to the bridge (bruck) on the River Inn.  Snap,  snap, snap.

Found a quiet Italian restaurant that was recommended by the two Aussies eating there.  We ate beautiful ravioli in butter sauce; which gets a healthy heart tick. Tony ordered speck which we also ate. And then our mains were trucked out and we knew that dessert was not going to happen.  A mixed grill (grillteller), sliced chook on a queen size bed of salad, the best tasting goulash sauce with some beef thrown in with a couple of tennis ball sized dumplings,  and I had a small serve of bangers, cabbage and potatoes. Unfortunately, Bambi was not on the menu that night or we would have eaten him, as well.

We will all definitely being eating less once we reach Venice. Otherwise it will sink.

www.altstadtschmankerl.at

En route to Innsbruck

Austria is the New Zealand of the northern hemisphere. But with less sheep. And their rugby side is probably not in the same league. Well, of course they wouldn't be in the same league, they are in different hemispheres, silly.

But both have got heaps of mountains.  And rivers.  And I was just about to get all poetic and  go all Bobbie Burns (the Scottish poet, not the shiraz) when we ducked into a tunnel and the mood is lost. You should be thankful for small mercies.

To Salzburg, please, James

When travelling within Austria, we always prefer using Railjet. Much more room than any economy airline seat and you get to associate with a better type of traveller. Unless, of course, there happen to be folk from the good ole U S of A aboard. And boy howdy, they're locked and loaded and raring to get to Salzburg!

And the train driver was in a hurry to get there too. Check out the image taken of the info screen. Similar to a plane, it provided details of the speed,  current location and further connections. Thete was also wifi and power connections for electronic devices.

We stowed our bags in lockers at the station and walked into town. And wouldn't you know, it was St Rupert's Day. You know. St Rupert; the patron saint of Salzburg. Well, you do now.

There were folk wandering around in traditional dress; grown men in leather shorts and long socks blowing their horns in tune.

Horsey, horsey

Although retired from the sport for a number of years now, Eva still holds an interest and love for show jumping. She was as pleased as Punch when we emerged on the city side of the Rathaus to find the International Masters series in full swing.

I know it would be innapropriate and puerile to make any comment about the fillies on show being well-groomed.

The Rathaus could do with a good clean up.

Japanese by the Danube

Whenever we travel to Millennium City, we always make a point of having a meal at our favourite Japanese restaurant,  Kioyo.

Instead of eating from the food train we decided to share a duck and vegetables dish with some noodles. 

The meal was as memorable as the view of the surging brown waters of The Danube.

Demel for afternoon tea

When in Vienna, you'll always know where to find us. If its not scoffing down a bit of chocky cake at Sachers, we're most likely licking on some ice cream at Demel. 

We'd just sat done at this famous ice creamery cum pastry shop and a little Maxie dog walked past. A good sign that the cake we were about to devour was going to be yummy. You can take my word that the waitress who served us certainly was.

We had a group of Ukraine tourists standing nearby, gawking at us (poor less fortunate souls) and if one of the beautiful ladies was not Olga Byrne, I'll go he.

Conversation has ceased as we savour the apple strudel and cream. It is like feeding time at the zoo as the other less fortunate tourists (poor saps) stare in wonder and envy at the unbelievable good fortune that we must have been blessed with to score an outdoor table.

Just saw a couple of Melbourne Cats supporters walk past. An omen, perhaps? Sometimes wearing hoops can be less than flattering. Billy Brownless in his later years being a case in point. As were the two we saw today.

Wiener Schnitzel Palace

Puntigamer Hof was the final destination after seeking out a smoke-free restaurant on Wednesday night.

Mine host found us a non-smoking room in his fine establishment to consume hearty Austrian fare. Schnitzel, Cordon Bleu and Sea Perch were enjoyed with quality national wines and a beer full of notoriety, if not flavour.

Too hungry to waste time snapping images of the tucker.

Puntigamer Hof

http://goo.gl/maps/Hx2L7

Schönbrunn Palace

Made our way to Schönbrunn Palace and had a coffee. Decided to vist the palace as it looked quaint.

Went on the grand tour of forty rooms.  The place has over a thousand rooms but I'm sure several would be like our place; full of unsorted washing and Eva's school work.

Eva was disappointed the we couldn't find the stop for the petit train.

We walked around the gardens but wrre not interested in striking off for the Glorieta, the building at the summit of the adjacent small mountain.

Ostmeer China Restaurant, Vienna

After our walk in the rain, Eva and I were hanging out for some tucker and an early night (EUFA live is  good). Eva and I dined on Chinese cuisine  with some mighty nice German white wine. Crispy skin duck and special fried rice has never tasted so nice. Sorry Mr Red Emperor.

And then I got to watch the soccer. Started off with the Man U vs Who cares game but as soon as someone scored a goal in any of the seven or so games that were being played simultaneously,  they would cross for a replay. Plenty of action but not a lot of continuity. A bit like one of those arty movies that you have to watch three times or have someone else explain wtf is going on. Fortunately,  I found the bbc footy site that kept pace with it all. How did the poms manage to lose control of the world?

Vienna Bound

Luckily we reserved our seats, otherwise we would've been in with the riff raff in second class. The "girls" and I are sharing a compartment with a Korean family; the son is teaching biological engineering at Berlin. Tony is next door with the yanks.

Undulating fields of corn; a field of army surplus transport, including tanks, army ducks and the like; a power station on one side of the tracks and the houses on the other.

A number of houses with solar cells but not to the same degree as seen from Germany or The Netherlands.

When Eva and I go to the dining car for a snack, the lady (the Korean one, not Anne) cracks open a couple of eggs that apparently were a bit high. I couldn't smell anything different but when your shit don't stink, you aren't going to smell it, right?h

Got to Vienna. Left my umbrella on the train. Conductress said she'd hold the train until I got it. And I thought only superman could do that.

Maccas for a late arvo snack. Gave the complimentary coke glasses to a couple of kids who thought it was Christmas.

Found the hotel amongst some embassies.  Makes for a quiet night's sleep. Walked into Karlsplatz in the rain while Tony had a few beers in a bar.

Jiná Krajina

Just around the corner from the apartment,  this place was chockers! Fortunately we'd booked and boy, how good was the tucker.

The young family next to us had a young bloke who was a bit of a fashion plate. Had a couple of outfit changes during the evening. The other diners and the management were unperturbed by his natural breaks. (wtf?: He was wetting his pants because they were toilet training him!)

The mains were hot, tasty and (what's that other thing that makes it 3/3)?

Mexican burritos, Norwegian salmon, pork medallions and veal steak were consumed for mains. Large, flavoursome and enjoyable. (Guess who was the gringo with the hot ringo in the morning? )

Fortunately we all left sufficient space to share the three desserts that were on offer: apple crumble, wherein the apples could be tasted; blueberry pancakes with blueberry-infused cream and (visible)carrot cake with walnuts. Mmmm.

Last Minute Bargains

Not to be outdone, Eva has engaged in some last minute shopping of her own. How convenient that there is a Clarks shoe store across from our cafě.

Her runners are giving her a bit of grief in the rain; like letting in water.

Currently on her sixth pair but colour and size are just not coming together. But lo, a decision has veen made. Two new pairs of shoes later (practically a steal with our strong Aussie dollar ) and we are as pleased as punch!

Prague is looking like that it is a shopper's delight. Would you bother with Milan or Paris? Nyet!

Pasta Caffe

We have picked up and sorted our clothes, reserved our seating on the train for Vienna and have just had a tea snd coffee at our brekky café.

It has to be the cutest cafě art I've seen. Suck it up, Brunetti.

Pražský hrad - Prague castle

We caught the tram up the hill towards the castle and ended up halfway back down the hill cause we  didn't know when to jump off.

When we crowded onto the tram for the ride up the hill some lowlife tried to get into my bag. "Begone knave!" I remonstrated.  He got off the next stop and palled up with his accomplices. Scumbag.

Anyhow, we got a two day pass for the castle and St Vitus Church was shut.

So we have now completed today's tour of the historical points of interest. But there are still several souvenir shops to visit, to be sure.

Monday is washing day in Prague

After breakfast we set off for the laundry which was a lazy 900 metres away. Pick up at 2. 400 CZK. (Still not sure what they call it.) Czech Koruna. 

Popped into a mall off Norodna (?) for a coffee. Everyone is in coats and jeans. Why am I hot in shorts and polo? I'm always hot! ;-)

Checked the free WC facilities for the WC app and ended up spending a penny on a shirt and jumper. The end of season sales in Prague are something to write home about. So I have.

Also popped into Husky (tm) and walked out with a waterproof jacket. Currently testing it out by walking around the grounds of the castle.

A bit of drizzle doesn't deter the intrepid traveller, so I was joined by about three thousand and twenty-five others in St Vitus Church.

Eva has purchased some new additions for the Christmas tree. We will need a bigger tree.

Walked through the terraced gardens and had the mother of all hot chocolates in the Starbucks Coffee (tm) shop.

Hickory Dickory Dock: cake time

Instead of wandering aimlessly like yesterday,  we make straight for the cash machine where Eva proceeds to withdraw a 2,000 Kroner note. Beat that, Dudu.

Fortunately it costs 440 kr for our one day transport tickets.
Another 510 k for our coffees and Eva's cake and the 2000 kr is looking pretty sick.

Well the astronomical clock has struck and the assembled throng of bloody tourists have now moved on. A lot of  hullabaloo over a limited performance by a couple of puppets. Obviously few Czechs have been to Switzerland. They know a few things about timed movements, the Swiss.

Petrin Park

Walked around the corner to have brekky at our newly adopted breakfast cafě. After going back to the apartment (to check that no one had broken in) to brush our teeth (oral hygiene is important) we walked into town and then out of town to catch the funicular up to Petrin Park.

Tony and Anne went up the tower, an exact replica of the famous tower in Paris (Eiffel Tower) while Eva had a rest and I had a ...

Whilst in the park, we came upon an old traditional sausage seller and I was sorely tempted to sample her wares. I settled on having one of her sausages with some tomato ketchup and mustard. Delicious!

We made our way to a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the city. Exhausted, we sat in the shade behind a windscreen and took in the ambience of the servery. Tony entertained a small child sitting next to him before his parents became alarmed and moved to a different table. Far away from us.

We were not immediately aware of the fact that the restaurant kills all of its own meat. Until Eva pointed out the hutch for the bunnies. We had wondered where the crying was coming from.

All aboard for Praha

As about as finely organised as the '39 overnight excursion into Czechoslsvakia, we had our bus tickets pre-purchased,  our first class train seats reserved and the girls even went and bought some pre-packed salads to maintain their strength on the journey.

Tony and I were forced to rely on the Grace of God and whatever the good folk at DB would provide. So our ham omelette and glasses of Czech red went down a treat.

(Kept abreast of the footy as the mighty Melbourne Cats got up over Port.)

The only stumbling block was the distance that was required to reach our accommodation (963 metres) and the realization that we were required to attend their booking office across town to pay and pick up the four keys that provided access to the DownTown apartment.

Novoměstský Pivovar

Tony's choice has turned out to be a winner. Some brewery restaurant that serves the traditional Czech cuisine.
Anne has tackled the pork knuckle,  Tony has half a duck and Eva and I had the beef goulash with dumplings.

The sauvignon (they assume that you know it's white) is a light 11.5% so you know that it's good for you. We ordered the beers as an afterthought;  half a litre of light and a dark unfiltered brew. 

This restaurant has good old world values: folk are smoking like it was the fifties and no one knows that there might be a slight health risk; the bloke with the piano accordian is going through his three song repertoire in anticipation of some fat juicy tip and Marek, our waiter, informs us that a tip is not included. We duly give him a 200 K note. About $10.  

We did a short circuit as tge Big Fella was tiref and hit the sack early.

Cruising with Dieter

And so, we commence our three hour and fifty minute tour of the beautiful waterways of Berlin. It is bloody cold on the upper deck but we are afforded great views and insightful commentary by Dieter, our guide. 

We occasionally get a glimpse of the residences behind the willows that act as a very effective barrier. We occasionally get a few words of English in Dieter's evocative commentary. 

One of the places of interest that Dieter pointed out was the East German Sportz Kampf for Olympict Excellenz. 

The soccer team and gymnastic squad used to train in the sports field and be injected in the small building adjacent to the fields. Prior to the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, they all escaped.