Gearing up for the next trip

We're off again soon (April 4th), so starting to get ready. Song has done all the hard work and booked everything.

This is the map of the cities we're visiting this time : https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zFOQcp3y-D78.kpTPzAx6kAXc

Getting the Russian Visa was fun, it's a web-based application that goes on for about 10 pages and asks pertinent questions like the names of your parents, whether you've done any military service and your previous job. It also wants to know all of the countries you've visited in the last 10 years. We cheated and only put in the countries that we had stamps for in our passports.

So, I'll be updating this when we're on the road, hopefully each day, with pictures of what we've seen, food we've eaten, and what we've experienced.

First stop, Dubai....watch this space.

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.