This is the last day of last year's Trip

Day 33 - Hong Kong

Woke up with a cold, hope it goes before the flight home, air travel is uncomfortable enough.

Caught the bus then the tram to Causeway Bay and wandered around the shops. I had priced Ipads and cameras just to compare - turns out that cameras like Nikon and Canon DSLRs are quite a bit cheaper in Australia. Ipads are about $30 - $50 cheaper here depending on the model, but I don't need one anyway. I don't think Hong Kong is the shopping destination it used to be.

Had a very average lunch, then Song went back to the hotel to meet a friend she used to go to school with, and I stayed in the city for a while just wandering.

Since there was nothing I needed to buy I got a bit bored so went back to the hotel and watched TV. I've been to Hong Kong a few times so have done all the touristy stuff like the Peak Tram.

Headed out to another restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel - another 3 Michelin hat one. This was a chinese restaurant and we had lots of shared dishes - roast duck, pork belly, prawns, Wagyu beef etc. Very good, but not as good as Caprice.

Didn't have room for dessert so skipped that and went back to the hotel.

We fly out at 20:30 tomorrow so will spend the day in Kowloon, shopping (don't think we'll be buying anything though).

This may be the last post - we fly direct to Melbourne, arriving around 07:00 on Wednesday morning. It's Qantas flight 30, leaving Hong Kong at around 20:30 Tuesday night Hong Kong time if you want to track it.

Tune in next year for more exciting adventures of Andy and Song where we hope to visit Istanbul (not Constantinople), Prague, Bucharest, Warsaw and some other East European cities we haven't decided on yet.

Day 32 - Macau

Breakfast at 09:00 after a good night's sleep. The hotel is used for training, and it's really a 5 star hotel but the prices are low because of this, plus it's a bit out of the main area. All the staff are over-courteous, saying "good morning" whenever you pass, rushing to open the doors and even pressing the lift button for you. It's good though.

Decided to go to Macau for the day, we have a friend with us who has come over for the same trade show as Song and he hasn't been for 15 years. The ferry only took an hour. The weather was warm, muggy and overcast. We would have a good view from the hotel if we could see anything.

Macau is basically a casino town - gambling in China and Hong Kong is illegal (except for horses) so they all go to Macau. It is also an old Portugese colony, and it was interesting to see the similarities with Portugal, in particular the cobblestone paths were the same.

It was also very busy, hordes of people around. We visited a couple of the sights, but there isn't a lot, plus we'd been there in 2007 and seen them. Had lunch, nothing special.

We also had a look in a casino - if you've been in Crown you've probably seen the same thing.

As we were taking pictures outside, a well-dressed couple approached Song and started to talk to her - I thought they wanted her to take their picture or something, but they said they'd lost all their money at the Casino and would she lend them some so they could eat.

Yeah, right.

Got the bus to the ferry and got back to the hotel around 22:00, didn't bother with dinner.

Shopping tomorrow, although probably won't buy anything, there's nothing we need.

Day 31 continued - Hong Kong

As usual, didn't sleep much on the plane, just an hour or 2. Song met me at the train station at Hong Kong, then to the hotel. Watched TV for a while then out to Caprice, a restaurant at The Four Seasons Hotel. Voted the best restaurant in Hong Kong by Trip Advisor, and holder of 3 Michelin hats.

Probably the best meal I've ever had. It's difficult to describe how good it was so I won't try, I'll just list what we had; I had fois gras terrine to start, it was 3 small cylinders of different fois gras with perfectly toasted bread. Song also had fois gras but hers was a different arrangement and I was too busy enjoying mine to notice too much about hers.

I had lamb for main, different cuts and again I can't do it justice if I try to describe it - but it was cooked perfectly and was fantastic. It came with croquettes that were also superb. Song had Sea Bass, for about the 5th time this trip.

For dessert I had Dulche Leche which I couldn't pronounce and didn't know what it meant but it had the word "chocolate" in the description so I knew I couldn't go wrong. It was also delicious. Song had a sorbet arrangement.

They had also brought us some petits fours and other mini-courses between our order. It was really good, easily the best food experience.

Feeling very full, got a taxi back to the hotel. I hadn't slept much in the previous 30 hours or so and slept through till 08:30 the next morning.

Day 30 and 31 - Nice to Hong Kong

Left the hotel at 09:30, it had rained overnight and was a bit cool but still ok for a t shirt. Left my bags there and went for breakfast.

There was a museum just round the corner from the hotel which would kill some time so I had a look around that.

I always like to get to places early, especially airports, and without Song I got on the bus very early. I'd rather be at the airport with 2 hours to spare than in a taxi stuck in a traffic jam with 15 minutes to go.

That was it for the day - airport (Nice), plane, airport (Heathrow), plane, airport (Hong Kong), train, taxi, hotel.

Day 29 - Monaco

Out at 09:30, walked to the train station again and this time there were lots of trains on the board to Monaco so bought a return ticket. Hopefully they don't decide to strike this afternoon. Didn't stop for breakfast, hoped I could afford one in Monaco without having to win at the casino.

Weather was cloudy but warm.

I hopped on the first train to Monaco and it stopped at every station, but that was Ok - the train followed the coast and the views were spectacular. Lots of small villages on the sea.

Journey only took 20 minutes, came out of the station in front of the first corner of the grand prix track. The preparations for the gp are well under way, even though it's not for another month. In fact, almost everything is obscured by the fences and stands.

Stopped for a coffee and croissant, everyone was looking at me. I suppose the tuxedo was overdoing it but I've seen Casino Royale and I thought that's what you wear in Monaco.

Followed the signs to the Jardin Exotique which is a cactus garden on the hill. Because it is on the hill it meant lots of stairs. Luckily there were public lifts which surprisingly didn't double as public toilets.

Walked around the gardens for about 40 minutes, was on my way out when I saw a sign for the grotto tour. Luckily the tour started in 10 minutes so I waited.

It was 300 steps down (and therefore 300 back up). It was basically a cave with lots of stalactites and stalacmites, and was worth the steps.

Finished in the garden and walked off back down only to lose my way. Monaco is built on the side of a hill and there are steps every where, plus private entrances to flats so even if you know the way to go you can't get there. It was quite humid as well which didn't help.

I got on a bus.

Got off when I saw some restaurants, pizza time again. The restaurant had the world's most uncomfortable chairs but at least I didn't have to go up any steps.

The pizza was huge but all the climbing had made me hungry.

Walked about a bit, hoping to find a rich, terminally ill widow, but no luck so thought to go back to the station and Nice.

Got to the station and saw a lot of people walking up the other hill, so even though I was tired thought I wouldn't be back here for a while so followed, going to the Casino.

Luckily it wasn't far, and I took some photos of the Casino, the Hotel de Paris and the Cafe de Paris.

There were a lot of rich people around, you could tell them apart - they were very well groomed and were carrying shopping bags and not backpacks and cameras. But are they really happy with their multi millions, yachts, helicopters, private jets, Ferraris and multiple homes? Probably.

Walked back down the hill to the station and back to Nice.

Didn't go straight back to the hotel, decided it was beer o'clock, so stopped off at a cafe on the main street and watched the world go by.

Feeling pretty shattered, went back to the hotel and relaxed.

Turning homeward tomorrow, meeting Song in Hong Kong for a few days then back home, holiday nearly over.

Day 28 - Nice

Up and out by 09:30, walked 15 minutes to the station to catch the train to Monaco. Walked back to the hotel after being told that there was a strike so most trains weren't running. The French do like a strike - I think this one was because water is wet or something.

Thought to get the bus instead, but the station was a bit of a walk so decided to stay in Nice today. The weather was fabulous again.

Walked along the promenade again. Saw a place that had a breakfast for 10.9 euro but walked around the corner and found the same thing for 5.9. Toast, croissant, coffee and orange juice.

Walked about and found the main shopping strip, went up and down but didn't buy anything. Walked to the Place Messena and then into old Nice - very pretty.

Today I had a craving for a burger, so found a place next to the market. There were lots of people around, it was very busy. The prices here are pretty steep - most meals are over 20 euro. Maybe I won't retire here.

Carried on, went up a hill with a great view over the beach, then along the marina trying to decide which multi million dollar yacht to buy. Thought I'd wait until Monaco, I think the yachts are better there.

Feeling a bit tired, went back to the hotel for a while.

Watched some tv (again), then out for another walk, just enjoying the atmosphere and stopping for a beer. There are some museums and a Chagall gallery, but I don't feel like museums today so will give them a miss. Didn't like the Chagall exhibition in Paris much anyway. Didn't feel hungry so went back to the hotel without eating (watched more tv).

Decided to go and see Iron Man 3, even though the English version didn't start till 22:25. I thought there wouldn't be many there since it had been showing all day in French, but it was packed with bloody teenagers. They'll all be asleep in class tomorrow.

Walked back to the hotel, didn't get mugged, got back around 01:00.

Day 27 - Nimes and Nice

Up at 09:00, breakfast and out to visit the colosseum. Quite interesting, it's the best preserved colosseum in the world - did you know that the original gladiator fights had a referee, and that most didn't end in a death? Nor did I. Apparently the gladiators were hired, and if they died the hiree had to pay for them. They still use it for concerts and bull fights.

Left the colosseum and walked around the town again - too early for lunch so stopped at a patisserie for a coffee and cake. Still 2 hours till the train so will wander a bit and have lunch. Sunny again and warm, more people around today.

I printed out my train ticket and discovered that I have an hour and a half at Marseille train station, which is why the journey is 5 hrs. We usually use 1st class on the long train trips because it's not much more expensive than normal class and you get a power point for the gadgets, plus it avoids the hordes of backpacking teenagers.

Went to the Paul's bakery at the station and bought a camembert roll for lunch.

Got to Marseille with over an hour to spare, sat in the waiting room and read, keeping an eye on the departure board. I noticed that my train didn't appear when others after it did, so asked a staff member (in broken French) who pointed me to an earlier train leaving in 5 minutes. When I got there I asked another guy who said it wasn't my train. Checked the board again and mine still wasn't up there so asked a third guy who said it was my train. It was going to Nice so I thought I'd get on it and argue - they could try to throw me off. There were lots of people standing in the corridors so I assumed that my train had been cancelled. Since I had a first class ticket I found an empty seat and claimed it. No one checked the tickets anyway.

Most of the scenery was fields, but then we came to the coast and the views were nice - lots of small towns with marinas that contained expensive yachts. Passed through Cannes and Antibes, then arrived at Nice.

Walked to the hotel, dropped the bags and went for a walk along the Promenade des Anglais. It was brilliant. Magnificent buildings along the front, and an amazing view out to sea, and lots of people strolling along. I think I'll retire here for the Australian winters.

There were a few restaurants along the front, but crowds seemed to be heading into the town so I followed and found tons of restaurants, all buzzing. Spoilt for choice, stopped at one at random and had a steak with blue cheese sauce. Left the restaurant and headed to an ice cream shop. You may be seeing a pattern here.

Decided to visit Monaco tomorrow, because, why not?

Day 26 - Nimes

Woke up around 08:30, downstairs for breakfast then out. Wasn't aiming for anything in particular, just wandering. It was a bit chilly so had my jacket on. Nimes seemed empty after the other places, although there were a few tourists around. The streets in the centre are narrow, but clean. A lot of the shops are shut on Monday which might explain why there aren't many people around. I found out that the town symbol is a crocodile chained to a palm tree, and it's everywhere, so there you go.

Found myself at the Maison Carree, so thought I'd pop in to have a look and decided to buy a combination ticket to the other main tourist things - just as well, because all that was in the Maison was a crappy 3D film. Left there and walked to the Tour Magne, through the Jardins de la Fountaine. It was quite a walk, uphill, and the sun had come out and it was warmer.

Once in the tower I then had to climb 30 metres up a spiral staircase, but it was worth it because there was a great view over the town. It also reminded me that it's good that we're doing this travelling lark now and not when we're too old, unless they put lifts in everything.

Back down the tower, through the gardens and back into the town. For some reason I had a craving for pizza, so found a place that had quite a few people in and had one.

Next stop was to have an ice cream, all to myself. One spoon and flavours I chose. None of this yogurt nonsense - yogurt is not an ice cream flavour.

Decided to leave the colliseum until tomorrow so headed back to the hotel and watched some tv.

Left the hotel again at around 17:00, wandered around the town again and a lot of the shops were now open. Decided to act like a local and ordered a beer and sat opposite the 2000 year old Roman colliseum, as you do.

Read for a while, drank my beer, then went looking for dinner. Found a place that looked OK and had an entrée of ham, salad and terrine (big serving and very nice), a cassoulet of fish (nice) , and chocolate mousse (nice but small).

Back to the hotel, train to Nice tomorrow after the colliseum.

Day 25 - Barcelona to Nimes

Last day in Spain, left the room late because the checkout wasn't until 11. Dropped the bags and went for a walk along the beach. Lots of people out enjoying the weather, probably around 22C and sunny. Picked up the bags then caught the metro to the city.

Song and I have split up and gone our separate ways - we haven't had a row, she has to go to China to visit some factories, and I have to spend a few days in the South of France. It's a tough life. She took the train to the airport, I stopped off for a coffee and headed to the train station. We meet up again in Hong Kong in about a week.

Got to the station, train to Nimes, took about 3 hours, read and watched some tv. The hotel is right next to the station so didn't need to get any other transport. There's nothing in particular I wanted to see in Nimes, but I fancied some more time in France and it was warmer down south.

Walked 5 minutes into the town, past a roman colliseum, there weren't many people around which seemed strange after Madrid and Barcelona. Went for dinner in the first reasonable looking place that had people in it. Had the set menu; pasta salad with chicken and roast vegetables (nice), steak (ok) and creme caramel with pears for dessert (very nice). It cost 18 euro, more expensive than Spain.

Will explore the town tomorrow.

Day 24 - Barcelona

Out at 09:30, breakfast at the patisserie again, 6 pastries and a coffee for 4.2 euro (3 pastries for 1.5 euro). Weather was sunny but pretty chilly, just about got away with t shirts. Took the metro to Parc Guell and Gaudi's house museum. The park was originally supposed to be a housing development by Gaudi but in the end only 2 houses were built. The park was designed by Gaudi, and features lots of ceramics and curvy bits.

It was a bit of a walk from the metro station to the park, and when we got there it was already packed. Couldn't take any photos without lots of bloody tourists in the way. The park was OK, would have been better if there hadn't been so many people. The weather was perfect, it was sunny and had warmed up a lot. We've been really lucky with the weather this trip.

Walked back to the metro and took the train to the Casa Batllo, yet another Gaudi house but probably the best example. Wasn't cheap to get in, over 20 euro each, but worth it I think. I've always liked art deco, but after seeing some furniture in the Louvre, I think I prefer art nouveau. This house is very art noveau. Lots of curves and arches. Well worth the visit.

Walked away from the touristy bits to look for somewhere to get lunch, but after 20 minutes couldn't find anything so went back and just went to the first reasonable place we saw. Song had pizza, I had a burger. Pretty good but hardly traditional Spanish fare.

Went back down the main shopping street and Song went into Zara and bought another handbag. Not having bought one for a couple of weeks I think she was having withdrawal symptoms.

We were going to go looking for another Gaudi house but decided enough was enough and we both felt really tired so just caught the metro back to the room and crashed.

Day 23 - Barcelona

Got up at 08:00 but didn't leave the room till about 10:00. Walked to a patisserie near the metro and had a coffee and 4 pastries for 3.45 euro.

Took the metro to the Sagrada Familia, the cathedral designed by Gaudi. It is still being built, and there are cranes and construction workers every where. What you can see of the cathedral is impressive - the entrance (one of them) looks natural, like stalactites. The towers are topped with a small cross but they are slightly bent at an angle. And there is something that looks like a Christmas tree. Quite weird for a church. We queued for about 40 minutes but it moved quite quickly. Where we entered was the other side to where we started to queue, and this entrance was different - very angular and with statues that were cubist in style.

We've been to lots of churches and cathedrals over the years in Europe, including some of the most famous - Notre Dame, Albi, St Paul's. But this one was amazing. He's kept the grandeur of a medieval gothic cathedral and updated it. The interior is different to the outside - clean lines, geometric shapes, light, colourful and breathtaking. Even though it's incomplete (not due to finish until 2020), with a lot of the windows plain glass, it's stunning. The best thing I've seen on this trip. I'll have to come back when it's finished.

Not completely done with Gaudi we walked to a couple of his other buildings, stopping for lunch on the way. We had tapas - sausages in tomato sauce, olives, spicy chourizo sausage and pig's ear (guess who ordered that one). Good sized servings, and quite nice but not great. I tried some of the pig's ear, wasn't impressed.

Walked to the first house, the Casa Mila. Looked like something out of the 1960s. Not far is the Casa Batllo, probably the most famous. We decided to go in tomorrow. Took some photos, then walked down the street, the Passieg de Gracia, where the shops like Gucci, Loius Vuitton, Hermes etc live. Didn't go into these, but Song looked at every handbag in Zara and the department stores.

Wandered more and realised there was another Gaudi house, Guell Palace, took more photos. We've got more Gaudi to see tomorrow, visiting the park and his house.

Still on our feet, decided to walk a bit more around the Gothic area, lots of old narrow lanes, and ended up in a nice square with plam trees and restaurants around the edge. Kept going, up La Rambla, then into the market. Bought some fruit, then onto the metro and back to the room. Quite a busy day.

Tomorrow we go to Gaudi Park and his house.

Day 22 - Barcelona

Up at 05:45 to get the train to Barcelona, no problems. It was a new fast train that did 300 kmh and got there in 3 hours and a bit. Scenery was Ok, not too spectacular. Got the metro to the hotel, which is actually a 2 bedroom apartment overlooking the beach. It has a lounge with a kitchen. I told the girl who showed us up that the main bedroom was as big as our hotel room in Paris. I wasn't joking. It has a washing machine, dryer and dishwasher. It's nice to have the space, and it's not expensive.

The sun was shining but it was a few degrees cooler than Madrid, but still shirt weather. We walked up the main street to get some lunch. Had a set menu again - all the restaurants seem to do this. I had a chicken and apple salad and Song had a bean and fish soup (fish again). Both servings were quite large compared to what we had had before. I had a mixed grill for main, Song had elbow of pork (I didn't know pigs had elbows). Mine was Ok, Song said hers was nice. I had a chocolate cake for dessert, Song didn't feel like dessert.

Got the metro into the centre, took about 10 minutes, and walked around a bit. Came to the Catherdral, built by Gaudi (but not the famous one, we're seeing that tomorrow), then kept on wandering. Came upon the main street called La Rambla, then the Plaza de Cataluna. More wandering, but this time with a purpose, to visit the Picasso Museum.

Spent about an hour there, and I still don't get Picasso. I don't see in his work what others obviously do, so I think I'll just move on. Song wasn't impressed either.

Feeling hungry again (all we seem to do is walk and eat), popped into tapas place and had a load of canapes each.

Got on the metro to go back to the hotel, discovered we were going the wrong way so got off again, then headed in the right direction.

Thought about going for a walk along the beach, but tired from an early start so watched the sunset and then read until bed.

Day 21 - Madrid

Not a lot happened today. Late up, then a walk down Gran Via again and breakfast in a cafe, a few more photos. Fantastic weather again, 25C and sunny. I like Madrid; the buildings are very grand and well-maintained and clean. We have noticed a lot of police around, but don't feel intimidated. They seem to stand around the government buildings and banks, usually in groups of 4 or so with a van or car. They also tend to be at the tourist spots, I think it's to discourage pick pockets or beggars. Most of the time they are chatting with each other, smoking or on their phones. Not sure what they'd do if there was a real crime, probably tweet about it.

We met up with a friend of a friend for lunch - he's Spanish but lived in Melbourne and Perth for about 20 years. He was very big in the ballet world, director of the Western Australian Ballet for a while. Very nice guy, had a good chat. It was another set menu. I had croquettes to start, Song had fish (again). I had a chicken shnitzel with chips (I didn't realise that was what I'd ordered otherwise I would have chosen something else). Song had a lump of meat, ham I think. I had chocolate cake for dessert, Song had strawberry ice cream. Slightly better than average for this meal.

Said goodbye to our friend of a friend and walked back via the square we went to the other day, and it was virtually empty so got some decent photos. Also went to the market we went to the other day for a wander, not as crowded as before.

Got back to the hotel and relaxed, got to get up early tomorrow to catch the 07:30 train to Barcelona.

Day 20 - Madrid

Fell out of bed around 09:30. Song didn´t want to do much, so I popped out for a coffee, came back around 11:00 then we went out.

Just around the corner is an Egyptian temple so we went and had a look at that.

Next was a trip to a department store to have a look around, then we found a place from the Lonely Planet Guide for lunch which did a 3 course meal for 10.50 Euro, but unlike yesterday was nice. We both had a salad to start, it was mainly lettuce with some tomato, ham, carrot and a blue cheese dressing. Song had sea bass for main (again), I had veal and a cous cous salad. I had tiramasu for dessert, Song had some kind of strawberry cake. Quite nice, but small portions.

I´d found a cinema that showed films in English with Spanish subtitles, so went to see "Oblivion" and Song went out and about. The cost of admission was 6 Euro (are you reading this Village and Hoyts??). Went back to the hotel around 18:00, didn't bother with dinner.

Another day in Madrid tomorrow, there are still a couple of museums to see.

Day 19 - Madrid

Up at 08:30, next door for breakfast. I´m just about getting used to the strong European coffee. Went up the main road (called the Gran Via which means "The Main Road"), and bought some shoes. Back to the hotel to drop them off, then back on the road. Today we decided to visit the Botanical Gardens and the Retiro Park. The weather was great again, we´ve been really lucky. Before we went into the park decided to get some lunch. Found a place that was full of locals, offered a 3 course meal for 11.90 Euro. Very average. I had vegetable soup, battered whiting and Creme Caramel, Song had French Bean Soup, Grilled Sea Bass and Creme Custard.

I enjoyed the Botanical Gardens, Song didn´t like it so much. They were laid out in an organised manner - herb garden in one block, tulips in another, cacti in another etc. Song didn´t like the regimentation. After about an hour and a half there, went next door to the Retiro Park. This is a huge park with a formal garden, lots of trees and grass, a boating lake, a museum and the Crystal Palace.

It was now around 18:30 and we decided to go to the Queen Sofia Museum because it has a famous Picasso work, Guernica. We found out that from 19:00 to 21:00 it´s free, so stopped for a coffee and then went in.

We´re not really fans of modern art, but open minds etc. We wandered about a bit, and my feeling is the same - I´m not a big fan of modern art. I was regarding a cubist stainless steel sculpture with a hole in the top, thinking how it represented the post-industrial world and the void within, but it turned out to be a rubbish bin.

We pushed through the crowd to look at Guernica and, well, meh. It was supposed to represent the horror of war and the destuction of the town of Guernica by the Luftwaffe, but all I saw was a deformed cow and horse. And some screaming women with their eyes on the side of their faces.

Left disappointed but glad we hadn´t paid for it and went to get some dinner. Found a place called Los Gatos, which was quite good. We had a selection of canapes.

Walked back to the hotel, decided to have a lazy day tomorrow.

Day 18 - Madrid

Changed our minds about Salamanca after finding out that it was a 6 hour round trip, so decided to visit some museums and galleries. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm, around 25 so T shirts again. I was feeling a lot better, no more fever and not tired and aching.

Went to a cafe next door for breakfast, just a coffee and croissant, then walked 5 minutes round the corner to the palace and the cathedral.

Decided not to go in to these today, so took some photos and walked around to the Market and got some food. I had some toast which had mozarella cheese, spinach and ham on, and another with smoked salmon. I´ll post some pictures because the description doesn´t do it justice. Song had some shell fish.

Carried on walking, through the Plaza Mayor which was very impressive, and very busy. In fact Madrid was busy all day, really packed. The square, and other public places, was also full of street performers and they were very annoying. People dressed up as Disney characters, people pretending to be statues; they were everywhere and made the place look very tacky. Quite a few beggars as well.

We walked round the corner and found ourselves in the middle of an anti-monarchy demonstration. I sang a few bars of ¨God Save the Queen¨ then we carried onto the Prado museum. Song thought it was the Prada museum and was disappointed in the lack of handbags on display. Not really.

This is one of the top attractions in Madrid and is quite large, but it is mainly 17th century works. These are mostly religious imagery and in my opinion if you´ve seen one painting of Jesus on the cross you´ve seen them all.

There were lots of works by Goya (not surprising considering he´s Spanish), some Titian, quite a few Reubens, but nothing really special. We´re going to look for a place with Picasso and Dali over the next couple of days.

Spent about 3 hours there, then headed back to the hotel, stopping for food on the way, even though it was only about 17:00. We´ve noticed that the restaurants shut around 16:00 and open again around 21:00, but we managed to find a place. The menu looked really good. I ordered a burger with caramalised onions and goat´s cheese, and Song ordered a Tripe stew. Hers cost $12.50 and was an entree sized serving, so she was not happy. She said it tasted nice but the price was a rip-off. My burger was also on the small size but was good, although it also came with a small serving of chips. Nice food but not enough for the price, and to top it all they tried to charge us for bread which we didn´t get.

Walked about 30 minutes back to the hotel through some lovely side steets - such a change from Portugal; very little graffiti, the buildings well-maintained and clean. Weather was still fabulous, and lots of people out and about and in the parks enjoying it.

Haven´t anything planned for tomorrow yet.

Day 17 - Porto and Madrid

I was not well last night. I had a fever and alternated between being too hot and too cold, and hardly slept. Luckily I felt a bit better by the time we left the hotel and was OK to walk around.

Still had a few things to see so checked the map and headed off. Found the cathedral, and a few more churches - this God bloke is popular.

Porto is quite small, but very hilly, and the map doesn`t show that, so what we thought was a gentle stroll turned out to be pretty strenuous, especially the way I was feeling. After walking around for the last couple of days, we discovered that if we had turned right instead of going straight from the bus station when we arrived, we`d have got to the hotel in about 10 minutes, instead of the 40 minutes and 2 trains it originally took.

Song had a ham roll for lunch, I didn`t feel like eating. All I had for the day was a packet of peanuts on the plane. Picked up the bags from the hotel, then got the metro to the airport - a ticket from the city centre to the airport was 1.8 Euro each, about $2.20.

Waiting at the gate to board, there were only 20 or so other people. I thought the plane would be empty. I wasn´t to know the plane was a bit small - an Embraer ERJ 145.

The flight was only an hour, so not too big a deal. Got to the hotel only to find the wi-fi wasn`t working so I had to use the lobby PC with a Spanish keyboard, making typing this a bit of a chore.

We`re staying in Madrid for 5 nights, and we´ve decided to take a day trip to Salamanca tomorrow. Don`t know what`s there yet, we`ll find out tomorrow.

Day 16 - Oporto

Left the hotel around 10:00 and walked to the Majestic Cafe, a 1921 Art Noveau cafe. The map made it look as if it was a bit of a walk, but it was literally around the corner. We cancelled our plan to buy a daily metro ticket and decided to walk everywhere. In the cafe, I had coffee with whipped cream, and scones with jam and cream. Song had a tea.

Walking around, visited some impressive buildings (just from the outside), plus the inevitable church. Went to the riverfront and had a pretty awful lunch. The weather was a bit chilly and windy but not too bad.

I picked up a bug - started to feel tired, aching and got a headache, sounds like the flu is on the way.

We walked along the river to a bridge designed by Eiffel, he of the tower. Then walked back, a round trip of around 40 minutes.

Caught the funicular up the hill (the river is in a deep gorge).

Song thought my hair was getting long so decided I needed a cut. I usually get it cut by an attractive Vietnamese lady, but Song found an old guy who looked about 70 and wore the biggest glasses I'd seen since the 80s. Plus he didn't speak English, so I could have ended up looking like an escaped convict. He spent a good half hour, with me interrupting and saying "shorter", "longer on top" and he managed to do ok. When he picked up the cut-throat razor I could see Song thinking about whether we'd bought a big enough insurance policy. Not the worst haircut I've had, not the best.

Went round the corner and stopped for a coffee and the world's biggest vanilla slice (although we discovered what looked like cream was actually marshmallow, and it wasn't very nice).

Song wanted to do some shopping but I was feeling a bit iffy so we went back to the hotel, then she went out again.

Oporto is, in my opinion, a lot nicer than Lisbon. There are some abandonded buildings, but not as many as Lisbon. The streets are cleaner, and there is not as much graffiti.

Regarding Portugal as a whole, things I will remember are the cobbled streets everywhere, in every place we've been. They look nice, but are slippery when wet, plus not easy to drag the cases over. The Portugese like cakes - there are patisseries everywhere, probably more than Paris although not as good. They also like smoking; it's a toss-up between Portugal and Croatia on which one has the most smokers. The people are friendly and helpful, not like other places (I'm looking at you, Marrakech). A lot of the buildings have tiles on the facade which make them look colourful. Food is cheap - cafe food is around $5 each and decent restaurant meals are good value. The stuff in the supermarkets is also cheap.

Flying to Madrid tomorrow.

Day 15 - Lisbon to Oporto

Decided to cram in one more sight before leaving Lisbon despite the weather being miserable - overcast and drizzle. Had breakfast and caught the metro and then a tram to the monastery. Now, I didn't mention that on the bus from Granada to Seville was an old couple in front of us; we noticed the guy because he had a blue neck pillow and immediately reclined the seat so it made my seat uncomfortable. 2 days later, we get on the bus from Seville to Lagos, and the same couple get on and sit across from us, but get off at the stop before Lagos. So we're waiting for the tram to go to the monastery in Lisbon, and there they are again. Pretty weird coincidence.

Anyway, the monastery is quite interesting, and we pop into the church next door despite having seen one or two in our time, but I'm glad we did because it has the tomb of Vasco Da Gama. Having seen the tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville I only need Ferdinand Magellan for the set.

Raining quite heavily, we got on a bus back to the hotel, then onto the coach station and onto Oporto, or Porto, I think it's interchangable. A 4 hour trip, but the coach was very comfortable, lots of room and wi-fi as well.

Managed to find our way to the hotel with the help of 2 locals, one spoke English, one didn't. The room is very cosy, which is hotel-speak for cramped. Anyway, we're not here for the hotels.

Didn't want to go far for dinner so found a place round the corner. We shared a whole baked sea bass (Song likes seafood), with potatoes and vegetables, and it was very good - second only to the French meal. We also had a glass of port - it was named after the place so why not.

Rolled back to the hotel, exploring Porto tomorrow.

Day 14 - Lisbon

Hotel breakfast again, then trying to decide where to go. Feeling a bit over the historical stuff so picked the aquarium. Personally I think if you've seen one aquarium you've seen them all, but Song said she hadn't been to one since 2005. I doubt fish have evolved much since then, but it was a change from old buildings so off we went.

Took the metro and a short walk to the aquarium. The weather was gloomy again, about 16C and overcast. The aquarium was quite good - on 2 levels with a large central tank filled with all kinds of fishy things. Sharks, rays etc. I found Nemo, then after about 2.5 hours we'd seen enough so got back on the metro and went to the town centre for lunch - seafood naturally. Went to one we'd seen the day before but it was way down the Tripadvisor list, so walked to one that was no. 7. Song had a crab and some shellfish that looked as if they were from a sci fi film, and I had a giant tiger prawn. The food was very good, and the place was very busy.

Wandered around a bit more then walked back to the hotel. Once again there were old, boarded up buildings, litter everywhere and graffiti.

Breakfast then onto Porto tomorrow.

Day 13 - Lisbon

Breakfast at the hotel, then out and about. Temperature about 15C, cloudy and overcast. Walked 2km to visit the Gulbenkian Museum. Walking around revealed Lisbon to be grotty - rubbish in the streets, lots of abandoned buildings and ugly graffiti everywhere. Not what I expected and a bit disappointing.

The museum was very good. Artifacts from Egypt, China, Japan; Islamic items,furniture and paintings from Manet, Rodin, Turner, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Reubens and others. There were 400 year old carpets and rugs that were in amazing condition. Also some tiles that were the same age but looked as if they were made yesterday. Just read about the guy, he made his money from oil.

Hopped on the metro and went to the main area of Lisbon, then got on a bus to the Castle. Started to rain, the first rain we've had, but only drizzle. Got some good photos from the top of the castle. Since it wasn't too far we walked back down to the main part and looked for something to eat.

Found a place, pretty ordinary. Song had grilled squid with potatoes and salad, I had mixed grill with chips.

Walked around bit, looking for the 6th best place to eat in Lisbon according to Tripadvisor, found it and sat down to eat - ice cream. I don't know what it says about place where one of the best places to eat is an ice-cream joint. It was good, but nothing to rave about. This was about the 4th ice cream I've had. Song says she doesn't want any and then proceeds to eat half of mine.

Been on the go for 7 hours, so got the metro back to the hotel where we stayed in. Another day in Lisbon tomorrow.

Day 12 - Lagos to Lisbon

Filled up with breakfast, left the bags at the hotel and got on a local bus. Didn't know exactly where it was going but the town wasn't very big so it couldn't go far. Ended up at the main bus station and booked our tickets to Lisbon, then went wandering. Visited the old slave market, a bit boring, just a small room.

I sat and had a coffee while Song looked around the shops and came back with 3 handbags. I think she now has the world's largest collection.

T Shirt weather again, very pleasant. Just walked about until time for the coach, it was nice to not have to visit things. We've got plenty of that coming up.

Coach was very comfortable, not many people on it so could spread out. Watched some tv downloads and the 4 hour trip went quickly. Hopped on the metro and got to the hotel with only 1 wrong turn.

Walked to a restaurant which was number 106 out of over 1300 in Tripadvisor and it was ok, nothing special. We both had spinach soup to start, then Song had a Portugese sausage with potatoes, rice and dry salad. I had a steak with potatoes and cabbage. Song's sausage was very salty, my steak wasn't bad but nothing to write home about even though that's what I'm doing. Couldn't complain about the price though, it was about $30 and that included a large glass of wine and a pot of tea.

Exploring Lisbon tomorrow.

Day 11 - Lagos

Got the coach from Seville to Lagos, left at 07:30 and arrived around 13:00 but slept and watched some stuff and it went quickly.

Took a taxi to the hotel, the room was very nice. Walked into the town and stopped at a restaurant in the main street for a Peri Peri chicken (think Nandos). Song had some tapas. Meal was OK, not spectacular. The weather was changable - when the sun was out it was too hot to wear a coat, then when it went in it was too cold without it. Mostly the sun was out and it was quite pleasant.

Walked around the town, it's quite small and most of it is contained inside the old city walls. Quite a few people about, heard English, French and German. I think the town is a popular English tourist destination because all the signs are in English. Although it made it easy for us it was a bit disappointing because it made the town seem less exotic.

Walked to the slave market but it was closed, so went to the old fort and pottered about there. Took some photos, then walked back to the hotel. Only then realised the time zone was different to Spain and we'd gained an hour, throwing out our body clocks again.

This walking around stuff certainly tires you out; we decided to stay in the hotel again.

Back on the road tomorrow, will spend the morning in Lagos then take another bus to Lisbon. We're in Lisbon for 3 nights so not so much travelling for the next few days, but probably more walking.

Day 10 - Seville

Had a bit of a lie in and headed out around 10:30. Glorious day, sun shining but a bit cold.

Walked along the river and through some gardens and arrived at Plaza De Espana (the Spanish Square in case you don't speak Spanish).

Another very impressive site. A large area with a fountain, a huge semi circular building, very colourful tiles everywhere and a small river running around it with tiled bridges. I thought it was very old but it was actually built in 1929 for an exposition. I didn't expect the Spanish Exposition.

Walked a bit more, temperature was around 22C, and decided to visit the Cathedral, queued for about 15 minutes. We've seen a lot of cathedrals in our European travels so were in two minds, but the tomb of Christopher Columbus is there so that made it worth it. The cathedral was built around a mosque, but there's not a lot of that left. We climbed up the tower, 34 flights, but it was ramps rather than stairs so it wasn't too hard. Great views from the top so took loads of photos.

Came out of the cathedral and over the square to the Real Alcazar. This was billed as an Islamic palace, and we thought we might be all Islamic Palaced out after visiting one in Marrakech and Alhambra in Granada, but we thought we may as well since we were here. Good call, because it was massive, and the best we'd seen. Lots of courtyards, fountains, gardens, huge decorated rooms etc. Well worth it.

Decided to go back to the hotel, dump the backpack and go to dinner at the number 2 spot as voted by Tripadvisor. We walked back along the river and there were hundreds of people milling around, sunbathing, drinking and generally having a good time. It was really a good vibe.

I was a bit worried that we wouldn't be able to get into the restaurant because it was Saturday night, but thought it worth a shot and it was reasonably close to the hotel. Despite all the walking we'd done we headed out and after about 30 minutes arrived at the place at 19:15. It was closed.

We decided to just find any place so started walking, but there was nothing open. There were tons of people about, all the clothes shops were open, apparently the economy here is in the toilet but you wouldn't know it.

There were tons of bars open so we think the Spanish drink and chat for a while then eat later. We eventually found a place that looked decent. Looks can be deceptive. I had fish (cod) Santa Maria and Song had calamari. I didn't know what Santa Maria meant but thought I'd give it a go. Apparently it means "undercooked and cold, served in a sauce out of the bottle". Song liked her calamari. We also decided to have a glass of Sangria each, which was pretty potent and we were both a bit drunk so the evening wasn't completely wasted.

Stopped off at a supermarket on the way back, and it was packed - this was at 22:00 - with people doing what looked like their weekly shopping. Staggered back to the hotel, wrote this and went to bed. Up at 06:00 tomorrow to get the bus to Lagos, Portugal (hopefully)

Day 9 - Seville

Had breakfast at the hotel, then took a taxi to the bus station, boarded the bus to Seville. Booked the tickets the day before and that was an adventure - the online form didn't work with the tablet so I had to use the hotel desktop, then for some reason it wouldn't accept any of the credit cards. Luckily I have a PayPal account and it took that.

Trip took about 3 hours, dozed a bit and watched some tv shows I'd downloaded. The scenery was mostly olive trees.

Got to Seville where it was raining, which was surprising because I thought the rain in Spain fell mainly in the plain. Temperature about 15C.

Checked in then went out for a walk. The sun came out and it warmed up, we had to take our coats off and just had t shirts. Went to the bus station and got our tickets to Lagos for Sunday. Then headed off to the town centre. Very pretty streets and buildings, there is a very noticable Arabic influence. A lot of the buildings are coloured - yellow, red, orange, and have decorative features. We went to most of the attractions just by wandering around - the cathedral (Christopher Columbus is buried there), gardens, university, several churches. There are lots of narrow streets but unlike Marrakech they are clean and easy to navigate. There were lots of people around, both tourists and locals. Quite a few English, American and French, haven't seen or heard any Aussies.

Stopped at a restaurant for tapas but was disappointed in the quality; we had a shrimp frittata, lamb stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, croquettes, pork and bull tail. The bull tail was surprisingly tasty.

While waiting for the food to arrive I checked Google maps and discovered the bus tickets I'd bought were to the wrong Lagos. I'd bought tickets to the Lagos in Malaga which was the opposite direction we wanted to go. Popped back to the bus station and managed to change it. Disaster averted; if I hadn't checked we might not have realised until we arrived at the wrong place.

Feet aching, went back to the hotel and relaxed. Another day here tomorrow, will visit a couple of the attractions we missed.

Day 8 - Granada

Took a taxi to Alhambra Palace, the main attraction in Granada. Built during the Arab occupation of this area of Spain in the 13th century, and took over 100 years to build. It was where the king of the area lived.

We'd booked a walking tour before we left, it's essential because they limit the number of people allowed in at one time, plus it avoids the queues. The weather was chilly and overcast but at least it wasn't raining.

The tour took about 2 hours and the palace was very impressive. Lots of ornate carvings and mouldings, fountains and gardens. The Alhambra is basically a city within a city - where the royal family, the harem and the staff lived, about 2000 people.

The palace was handed over to the Spanish in 1492 when the Sultan surrended.

After the tour we walked into the town which took about 10 minutes and had some lunch. We shared a plate of Jamon, which is the finely cut and cured ham, plus a seafood paella (basically risotto). It was good, but a little salty. Cost about $70 which was probably a bit steep for what we got, but the restaurant did look a bit posh.

Walked for about an hour around the town, lots of old buildings. We tried to go to the Cathedral but it didn't open for a while so went to a supermarket - we really go mad when we're on holiday. It started to rain heavily so we decided to skip the cathedral and went back to the hotel. Decided not to go out again, the walking had taken it's toll.

We're getting the bus to Seville tomorrow.

Day 7 - on the road

Not doing anything today, just breakfast and the Airport.

Well, Morocco is probably top of our list of places never to visit again. Disappointed that it is very disorganised, noisy, dirty and hard to find the sights. I've travelled in the Middle East a lot, but every where else I've been was different - cleaner and not full of people trying to rip you off.

The things we did see were impressive and worth the effort, but I just felt that generally navigation was too hard. The place is made up of narrow winding streets that have mopeds, cycles and donkeys everywhere, there are no signs, and the map we were given wasn't detailed enough. Maybe a tour guide is a necessity, but we tend to like to be a bit independent.

Onto Spain.

Day 6 - Marrakech

Woken again by the muezzin, but managed to go back to sleep and had breakfast again on the roof of the hotel. Always a bit chilly in the morning.

Decided to visit the Jardin Majorelle, so looked it up in google maps, requested directions and headed out. Didn't need a data connection for the gps because the map had already loaded, so managed to follow the route with relative ease. Why didn't I think of that yesterday?

I'll tell you why not - google was wrong. We arrived at the supposed destination but it wasn't anywhere near where we were supposed to be. Only when I expanded the map could I see the place was about a km away.

Luckily the gps was working so we managed to get there eventually. It was worth it, the gardens were excellent. Once owned by a painter called Jacques Majorelle, it was later bought by Yves St. Laurent and opened to the public. Mostly cactii, but very colourful and very interesting.

Spent about an hour and a half there, then decided we'd rely on local knowledge and took a taxi to an old school - Ben Youssef Madrasa. The taxi couldn't get close so we ended up walking again. It's virtually impossible to find anything in Marrakech, there are no signs and it's hundreds of alleyways. I managed to use the gps and practically stumbled upon the entrance which is just a non-descript doorway. Considering it's one of the major attractions here it's amazing it's so hard to find. Maybe they want you to hire guides. It doesn't help that whenever you get out the map the locals ask you where you are going and offer to help - only for money, as we found out yesterday. We were also convinced they just point you in any direction. One kid said the main square was along one alley, we'd only gone 20m when another kid said it was the way we just came.

The Madrassa was very impressive - amazing carvings and decorations all over the walls, in both wood and stone. We spent around 45 minutes there and decided to get some lunch, went around the corner and saw the Maison de Photographie. This is the no. 1 attraction in Marrakech according to Trip Advisor, but we would have missed it completely if we hadn't walked past it.

Some excellent photos of Morocco from as early as 1870, and from the 1920s an 1940s. Scenes of the souks, and portraits.

Headed back towards where the first taxi dropped us, and after a few wrong turns and lots of offers of "help" found our way back. Took a taxi back to our hotel area for lunch. Found a cafe that looked OK. We shared a salad nicoise, I had beef skewers and Song had lamb skewers. Good sized portions, very tasty with lots of spices, and we went back to the hotel, not needing dinner.

Although early, we decided not to go out again, we were both a bit fed up with the noise and the hassle from the locals. I'm sure many are genuine and don't mind helping, but we were conned twice yesterday and so don't trust them.

Off to Spain tomorrow.

Day 5 - Marrakech

I discovered that there was no need for an alarm clock when, at 04:45, the Muezzin in the local mosque started the call to prayer. The local mosque being about 100 metres away, and with the aid of a PA system that really wasn't necessary, woke up everyone in the neighbourhood. It finally stopped after about 10 minutes, but someone must have hit the snooze button, because he started again 5 minutes later.

Couldn't get back to sleep so read until time for breakfast.

Temperature was about 14C in the morning, expected to get to about 24C.

Got a map from the hotel and the guy pointed out the places of interest, but we discovered later that the map was next to useless.

Headed off to the main square (Jemaa el Fna), then wandered into the souk (basically the market). Learnt very quickly that to stop and look at anything was an invitation for the shop owner to follow us around for the next hour offering ever decreasing prices for the item we showed a passing interest in.

Song bought a camel. Not a real one thankfully.

The place is very dirty and smelly, and mopeds are everywhere - the streets are very narrow and packed with pedestrians but this doesn't stop them from speeding past.

Found our way to Bahia Palace, and it was at this stage that we realised that the map didn't have enough detail to be of much use, coupled with the fact that very few of the streets have signs. The palace was quite impressive; not furnished, but mainly a showcase for the intricate carvings and other details. It was very busy, lots of tour groups milling around and impossible to get any photos without any one in.

We left this palace and headed off to find El Badi Palace. We found ourselves trailing behind a tour group, and I suggested we just follow them around. My cunning plan was foiled when they immediately got on a bus.

Started to warm up, around 25C.

Whilst studying a map to try and find where the palace was, a young guy asked us what we were looking for. He immediately said he didn't want any money, he wanted to practice his English.

He showed us around for a while, took us into the Jewish area and told us about the history. He introduced us to a shopkeeper who was selling spices and then left. We bought some mint tea and went to get some lunch.

Found a place and I had a Tangine of chicken and olives which I expected to be a symphony of Moroccon spices but just tasted like chicken with olives. Song had cous cous with 7 vegetables. I didn't know there were 7 vegetables.

Went to the El Badi Palace which was a bit disappointing - mostly a ruin.

Went looking for some gardens, and a young bloke asked us what we were looking for, then insisted on showing us the way. After winding around several alleyways he stopped and pointed down the road and held out his hand. We gave him a few coins and he protested it wasn't enough so we gave him about $5 but he still wasn't happy. We walked off.

5 minutes later we were still lost and bumped into the guy who sold us the tea. He dragged us around for a few minutes, then did the same trick of pointing down the road and asking for money. Gave him $5 and he wasn't happy either.

Hopefully we've learnt our lesson.

Found our way back to the hotel, had a rest and looked for somewhere to go for dinner.

Found a place from trip advisor that was close to the hotel and once again couldn't find it. Either the maps are useless or the places are in a different dimension because no matter how many times we backtracked we couldn't find it.

Ended up going to another place from trip advisor. I had a Moroccon salad followed by a Tangine with lamb. Song had a vegetarian tagine.

The food was very good - my salad was a mix of 4; spicy capsicum, eggplant, shredded carrot and something like squash. The tagine had lamb, walnut and dried fruit. A lot better than the one I had for lunch.
Song was very happy with her vegetarian tagine.

Wandered back to the hotel, went to bed and waited to be woken up at the crack of dawn again.

Day 4 - Paris and Marrakech

Temperature was -2, not nice, hands and face felt he cold.

Didn't have anything planned, the flight to Morocco was at 14:55. Popped into a cafe and had a coffee and danishes, then went to the Champs Elysees again because Song wanted to buy some more clothes.

Took the train to the airport and had the longest queue for security I've ever seen. It took an hour to get through. Song and I had to split up because I have a European passport, and we finally met up just before 14:55 only to see that the flight was delayed until 16:30. Did a bit of shopping, got to the gate at 16:00 only to find it was now delayed until 17:15. That was around the time we were supposed to be in Marrakesh so a bit annoyed.

Flight was good, only 3 hours and we had an empty seat between us so a bit of room for a change. Landed to a temperature of 22C - big difference to the -2C we left behind in Paris. Took a taxi to the hotel and it was probably the most frightening 15 minutes of my life. They have traffic lights but they seem to be advisory since most cars, bikes, mopeds, buses and trucks decided when they would stop or go and if it coincided with the correct colour then it was a stroke of luck.

I don't know how big Marrakech is, but I'm guessing it's not too huge, so the taxi driver didn't inspire confidence when he had to stop and ask the way to the hotel from a 10 year old kid. Luckily it was just down the road. When he stopped another couple of kids tried to help us with our bags and insisted on showing us to our hotel down a small dark alley. Fortunately there were a couple of police standing by so I made a point of asking them and making sure they saw the kids so could find them again in case we went missing.

Actually without the kids we wouldn't have found the place and actually felt a bit guilty when they held out their hands and we didn't have any small change. I don't think they had credit card facilities.

Th hotel is quite boutique, only has 5 rooms, and ours is a bit small. Neither of us was hungry so just stayed in the room and did this.

Day 3 - Paris

Slept like a log, about 12 hours. Woke up to an overcast day, temperature around 0c but once we had walked a bit didn't feel the cold. Stopped in at a Paul's, a chain of bakeries which we like, and had an apple danish and a couple of other pastries and tea and coffee.

Headed off to the Musee D'Orsay, met with another queue. Waited for about 40 minutes before we finally got in, then spent about 3 hours wandering around. Went to the impressionists gallery. I'm always impressed by the impressionists. Particularly like Pissaro and Monet. We alo visted the Van Gogh gallery, where we saw what was for me the highlight - Starry Night Over the Rhone

Left the gallery and wandered around and found a cafe for lunch; Song had a Lyon Sausage with sauted potatoes and I had a chicken and bacon sandwich with chips (it sounded more exotic in French).

Walked along the Rue de St. Germaine, destination Place de la Concorde.Took a few photos then up the Champs Elysee. Lots of tourists around, it was very busy. Pottered about, in and out of the designer shops but only looking. Apparently there's a recession on, but you wouldn't know it judging by the number of people carrying LV, Chanel and other shopping bags.

We were going to take the Metro to La Bastille and visit a restaurant we usually go to when we come here, but the feet were starting to protest so decided to go back to the hotel. Neither of us were hungry so retired for the night.

Tomorrow we're Morocco bound.

Day 2 - Paris

The flight was 13.5 hours, but I only managed about 2 hours of sleep. Caught up with some movies - Flight, Castaway, Air Force One. Plus some TV - Air Crash Investigation.

Landed in Paris at 06:00 to a temperature of -1C. Got out of the airport at about 07:00 which was pretty good going. Took the train into Paris and I made a slight stuff up and got off the Metro at Saint Michel instead of Saint Marcel. So instead of a 5 minute walk to the hotel it was 35 minutes. I naturally blamed Song.

Couldn't check in till 14:00 anyway so left the cases and went for a walk and explored which we had planned to do anyway. I studied the map and immediately took a wrong turn, blamed Song, but we were soon back on track.

Didn't really notice the cold, plus the sun was out so it was probably around 5-7C. We were lucky, it was a beautiful day. Went to the Luxembourg Gardens and saw there was a Chagall exhibition on so decided to do that. Had to queue up for 45 minutes and the jet lag started to hit me, I felt dead on my feet. The exhibition had some good works, but I'm not a great fan of Chagall and there were only a couple of pieces I liked. Didn't buy any. I think we spent longer in the queue than we did inside.

Wandered around the corner and found a small restaurant that looked good and had 4.5 out of 5 from Trip Advisor so we went in. Good decision, were very impressed. I had a salmon and halibut sushi-like starter, Song had duck pate with toast. For main I had lamb in a filo pastry on bed of eggplant, Song had piece of cod on chopped cabbage. Her piece of fish was a bit on the small side, but mine was very good. I don't think it was because I'd been eating airline food for the previous 36 hours either. Song's meal cost 30 Euro, mine was 26. Get used to this, I tend to describe most of the meals, it's part of the reason we travel.

We didn't want to go straight back to the hotel because I knew I'd fall asleep and then wake up at 0400 in the morning, so decided to keep going. We headed off to Notre Dame. On the way we approached the Pont D'Arts, took a couple of pictures of the gold-coloured railings. It was only when we were on the bridge that we saw that the gold was in fact thousands of padlocks that people had written their names on and attached to the bridge. It's a strangely impressive sight. Carried on to Notre Dame with a few thousand other people and took a few photos. It was Good Friday and there was a mass going on. We didn't bother going in because there was a couple of hundred people in the queue, and being an Athiest I didn't feel the need.

Popped over the bridge to the Isle de Louis, a small island with lots of quirky shops - chocolate, patisseries and so on. Finally succumed to the ever-increasing tiredness and took the metro back to the hotel. I've decided Paris has the world's smallest hotel rooms, judging by the ones I've stayed in. Unpacked, typed this, fell asleep. End of day 2.

Arrived in Singapore

Uneventful flight, 7.5 hrs. Watched 3 movies, didn't sleep. There was the obligatory screaming baby but noise-cancelling headphones meant it wasn't too intrusive. Got into Singapore a bit late but now at the gate waiting for the connecting flight to Paris. This one is around 13 hours so I expect to sleep, it's now 01:30 Melbourne time.

I'm (soon) on my way

I decided to create a separate blog for my travel.

I will post updates and stuff here.

Photos will be here : Holiday Photos

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Track our flights, leaving at 16:40:

Melbourne to Singapore

Then

Singapore to Paris

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