Mind The Gap

Happy Gappies view on Europe

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Just Croatian It

This beautiful coastal land, and the set of many scenes from Game of Thrones, spoiled us with its with its spectacular views and seascapes. The beaches in Split were wild and salty and the pace at which cocktails were consumed made for an experience like no other. Days were spent on the beaches or walking around the town, among the reck and ruin of the old city. We made our way south toward Dubrovnik by bus and experienced a place beyond dreams. Our time spent in the old city, at the beaches and kayaking around Lokrum island were magical. Croatia, with its love of everything to do with the ocean and views that literally take your breath away, has been placed back on my bucket list because I have in no way seen enough of this amazing country and am in dire need of another trip.

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The Sunny South

4 trains later, we arrived in Cannes, France, to be met by the aunt of a fellow traveler. We had not slept in 40 hours and the salty coast was awaiting us. We spent the evening drinking wine and eating French food while lounging on the deck of a yacht. After our first night of good sleep in 3 days we set off for Nice. The pebbled beaches and beautiful buildings made our 2 day stay seem far too short. In that time we managed to get absolutely roasted by the golden sun and enjoyed the coastline as we set off to find a tiny village with, according to our hostel, the "best beach in Nice". It was here that we spent the day with a beach bat in one hand and a book in the other while slowly turning more red with each passing minute. After spending some time at the Nice memorial sight, set up after the recent terrorist attacks, we moved on to Italy with "Pray for Nice" in our minds.

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Saucy Spain

Our Spanish adventure included many tapas, lots of box wine and plenty of sunshine. We started our venturing in Barcelona and took it upon ourselves to walk the city flat. We explored the old gothic town as well as the new more modern parts of the city, the beach, the “magic” fountain and tons of extraordinary architecture by Gaudi. From there we went on to Sevilla. With temperatures reaching 45 degrees we really embraced the Spanish culture of siestas and tapas were always on our mind. One of the 3 biggest cathedrals in the world was used as our base as we explored the old town and missioned every few hours to find a fountain to cool our sweaty bodies. Granada was our next pitstop where we met up with one of my oldest friends and had a guided tour up to the best a view points in the city. We ate chorizo to our hearts content will basking in the sunshine and enjoying the free tapas with every drink. Madrid had plenty to offer and we learnt the terrible and wonderful past of this bubbling city on our walking tour. The night life was truly experienced in all its glory, as shown by our 6AM bed time on our final night. Here we said goodbye to a best friend and travel buddy as she went home to SA and we moved on the spend a homeless night on the streets of Barcelona. After being kicked out of the train station we were joined by some traveling Belgians and experienced an interesting night of playing cards until the station opened again at 5AM. From here we move onto France. This brings us to the next chapter of our Eurotrip.

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Hooray Holland

Happy Holland brought up the end of our Easter travels, but one hell of a finish it was. Family took us exploring, once again, to places of past history and areas once in ruin made new and modern in exciting ways. We ate all sorts of Dutch delicacies including herring and tarts referred to as fly :O. We were once again treated like queens and explored coastal towns, Rotterdam, windmill country and forever famous Amsterdam; where crafty experiences were to be looked forward to by all. Canal tours, the Anne Frank House, tulips and more stroop waffels than one could count met my last day of travels. Although sad to leave, I'll certainly be back to brace this little treasure with my presence soon enough. Don't hold your breath Holland, I'll be back.

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Bound for Belgium

The next stage of our Easter extravaganza was beautiful Belgium! This little country is not just buildings and beer, as one would imagine it, but a stunning country side and quaint towns to put ones heart at rest. Brussels was explored from every angel while food flourished and beer flowed. We tasted the famous Moulle et Frits and were not disappointed by the strange but agreeable combination. Namur and Brugge were also on the to do list and the exploration of both were met with large fascination. The coastline, although cold and grey, was met with a photo taken from every angel and the sight of the sea brought smiles of sunshine from our faces. Belgium was full of family and food as well as full days, great sights and an experience to remember. Thank you little Belgium.

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Skiing, Sledging and Snowmen

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Skiing, Sledging and Snowmen

Easter time came with innumerable fascinations and days full of adventures. My journey started with a trek over to Geneva, Switzerland. After a night in London, a flight to Zurich and then on to Geneva, my travel buddy, Gina, and I slept the night into Easter morning under the roof of a very generous family relation. We joined this family, and their family, for an Easter full of food and memories of home, after which we visited a friend from a few years back. Now the excitement starts. The Swiss Alps were looming up ahead of me while my generous hosts drove me to the mountains for 5 days of skiing. I was treated to plenty classic Swiss dishes and chocolate was never out of sight (or mind). The skiing was tough, but as I was deemed ‘a natural’ I enjoyed the slopes, although they terrified me. It was a rush beyond anything I could have imagined and my burning legs took on the challenge like I was born on the slopes. Sledging was exciting and invigorating with views that would put most landscapes to shame. After 5 days of good eating, skiing and binge watching Avatar we headed back to the capitol for a day of touristic activities. With that done, so was my Swiss adventure and I am itching to be back in the snow and frost very soon.

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To live in a place where canals and bicycles fill every waking hour would be an honour.

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This bomb of a country, did not disappoint.

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A sight that makes me shiver with excitement for what the day ahead on the slopes would hold.

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The satisfaction I feel after surviving my first self-planned holiday is so real.

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Paddywagon

One week spent in Ireland was enough to see how deserving the Emerald Isle is of its nickname. Although the cities are like any other, the landscapes and coastal views are some I will never forget. My mind was blown by the beauty of the country I visited for one short six day Paddywagon Tour. All expectations of the tour being more about the jol than the sights were wrong. Ireland, although full of pubs and places for a good night, is much more rich in rural wonders and wild attractions. Castles are found in the most weird and wonderful places. The fact that peopled lived in them hundreds of years ago is astonishing. The Irish coastline held some incredible treasures, such as the Cliffs of Moher and Slea Head. There are no people better than those I spent that week with and, although it was off to a devastating start, I am so grateful for the adventure.

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LOLLIPOP 🍭

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Ireland explorations

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Cliffs of Moher

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It is in knowing that your friends will always have your back that you find you will never be alone.

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After 6 weeks of hard work and not enough time off, I think it's safe to say our next adventure is a well deserved one. Tomorrow we trek up to Ireland and so the start of a leprechaun and Guinness filled tour begins. Paddywagon, will be seeing you soon.