Tony and Mary's European Travel Diary

By Tony Dillon

Inspired by their adult children’s travels, Tony and Mary Dillon developed their own desire for travel. After short trips to England and the United States of America, a grand plan to travel abroad for twelve months, began to emerge. A window of opportunity opened up in 2013/2014. With sabbatical leave secured, they left home in Melbourne for London on 1 July 2013, to begin a largely undetermined tour, primarily of Europe. Before leaving Australia, the idea of an on-line travel diary took shape to record the year’s experience, and to allow family and friends to follow their travels. Tony began writing the diary with straightforward daily accounts that became increasingly more descriptive, with good feedback from readers. On completion of both the year of travel and the diary, he was encouraged to convert the diary into a book, to share their experiences, observations, itineraries, and travel tips, with the wider public. This book is an unedited account of Tony and Mary’s daily activities over the year, as described by Tony at the end of each day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadOnTime BV
• Release date: Mar 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781742845067

Book preview

Tony and Mary’s

European Travel Diary

July 2013 – June 2014

Tony Dillon

Tony and Mary’s European Travel Diary

Copyright © 2014 Tony Dillon

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Smashwords Edition

The information, views, opinions and visuals expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any liabilities or responsibilities whatsoever for any damages, libel or liabilities arising directly or indirectly from the contents of this publication.

A copy of this publication can be found in the National Library of Australia.

ISBN:  978-1-742845-06-7 (pbk.)

Published by Book Pal

www.bookpal.com.au

About the Author

Tony Dillon was born in Hobart in 1963. Educated in Tasmania, he moved to Sydney at the age of 22, to commence work as an actuarial trainee. Soon after, he married Mary, a Tasmanian girl, and they had a family under way at a young age. Tony, Mary, and children Emma and Sam, moved to Melbourne in 1999. Tony went on to become an actuary, while Mary established a career in the health industry. Tony enjoys sporting activities, movies, music, socialising with family and friends, and travel with Mary. When travelling, Tony would keep a personal diary to document their trips abroad. Then when he and Mary set off for extensive travel in mid-2013, he decided to share their experiences in the form of an on-line diary. Having an urge to write, he wrote of their adventures with flair, in a descriptive style, that grew popular with readers. So much so, that Tony was motivated to publish his travel diary.

In memory of my dad, John, who loved life and travelled extensively.

∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼ ∼

Live today as if it will be your last. Learn today as if you will live forever.

Contents

Foreword

July 2013 China (Hong Kong), England, France, Spain

August 2013 France, Andorra, Spain

September 2013 France

October 2013 France, Switzerland, Belgium.

November 2013 Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic

December 2013 Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Italy

January 2014 Italy

February 2014 Italy, Scotland, Wales

March 2014 England, Wales, Ireland

April 2014 Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden.

May 2014 Sweden, Denmark, Canada

June 2014 Canada, United States of America.

Our Guestbook

Itinerary at a Glance

Statistics at a Glance

Foreword

After several years of planning under many guises, my wife Mary and I, were finally ready to embark on our life experience, twelve-month tour of predominantly Europe.

Our home in Melbourne, Australia was packed up, our cars were sold, and our adult children Emma and Sam, were set to manage our affairs. All was in readiness.

We were departing Melbourne on 1 July 2013, destined for London via a two-night stopover in Hong Kong. We did not have a return date to Australia on departure, but had planned a return in approximately twelve months.

After only three nights in London, we were bound for France where we had a firm, three-month itinerary. Beyond that, it was to be determined.

How did it all unfold? Read on.

Tony Dillon

July 2013

Places stayed at in the month :

Hong Kong, China

London, England

Paris, France

San Sebastian, Spain

Grenoble, France

Chinon, France

La Teuliere (Lot), France

1 July        Hong Kong

Mary and I (Tony) very excitedly departed Melbourne at 9:30 am for Hong Kong. We arrived in Hong Kong at 5:00 pm local time, and checked in to the Harbour Plaza Metropolis, on the Kowloon waterfront, which gave excellent views across Victoria Harbour to the Hong Kong skyline. After a long day, we decided to eat in at one of the hotel’s many tempting restaurants. Then after a quick cheers to our first night away, we were in for an early night.

2 July        Hong Kong

We were up early to catch a complimentary bus over to Hong Kong Island for a day of touring and sightseeing. We began with much walking around the shopping districts just taking in all the activity. As expected, Hong Kong is full of energy. It was quite warm and humid, so after finding a cool place for lunch, we opted for a hop on, hop off bus tour, which took us around some of the major sites of Hong Kong. We got off at a couple of stops to wander at our own pace, before finishing back in the heart of Hong Kong. It was then back to our hotel in Kowloon for a quiet night. After a whirlwind visit to Hong Kong, we have earned the right to sit for 12 hours tomorrow en route to London.

3 July        London

We departed Hong Kong at 10:00 am for London, arriving late afternoon. After checking in to the St Giles, near Covent Garden, we had quick catch up drinks with Pip and Richard, our Melbourne friends who had arrived in London earlier in the day. We will be travelling with them for the first three weeks of the trip. After cheers to being in London, we were in for an early night.

4 July        London

It was a very early start to the day, not being on European time yet. I had a run in Hyde Park, then after breakfast, Mary and I set off for a big walk around London. We started in Covent Garden, walked through Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, then had coffee at Mary′s favourite store, Fortnum & Mason. Then it was on to Pall Mall, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and over the river to the London Eye. Then up Southbank past the Tate Modern, across the Millenium Bridge, to St Paul′s Cathedral, and we completed the huge loop back to Covent Garden, and back to the motel. Dinner was in Covent Garden, a really happening place, with lots of boutique shopping and restaurants. The weather is great, the days are long, a lot different to when we were here in winter nearly six years ago. Crashed early after a big day. 

5 July        London

Today we visited Tower Bridge and the Tower of London with Pip and Richard. The Tower of London is an historic castle on the River Thames, dating back to the 11th century, and is steeped in history. It houses the Crown Jewels, among other treasures, and is just a fascinating venue to visit in London. After several hours there, Mary and I strolled down Oxford St, then later met with Daniel and Catherine Smith and children (Australian friends holidaying here) for dinner in Covent Garden. The weather was again superb! Tomorrow we are off to Paris.

6 July        Paris

The four of us left London for Paris this morning, on the Eurostar (train). What a fantastic way to travel! We arrived in Paris in the afternoon and found our apartment in Rue Saint Dominique, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, which takes in the Eiffel Tower. We step out of our apartment block and can see the Tower about a kilometre away. After settling into the apartment, we strolled our local surrounds. Amazing! As French as you could imagine, the cafes and restaurants. I had fun trying out some of my French in a cafe. We bought some groceries and ate in, then strolled up to the Eiffel Tower, where many tourists were enjoying the balmy night, waiting for the Tower light show. The sight really was amazing! Can′t wait to do lots of exploring of Paris tomorrow.

7 July        Paris

We hit the pavement early to explore Paris, and walked heaps. We crossed the river Seine, and walked around the Palais Royal Musee du Louvre. We are doing the Louvre tomorrow. We went to La Cathedrale Notre Dame, which was amazing! There was actually a mass on as we went through. Then explored the Latin Quartier, which was the most alive place, people, restaurants, eats, everywhere. A foodie’s heaven! Then back over the Seine and we visited the Musee d′Orsay, which was excellent. And finally back to our apartment. For dinner, we met up with Pip and Richard for our 50th birthdays celebration (Mary is an honorary member). A special occasion, we dined at the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. We had a table by the window and had the most amazing view of Paris during the whole meal, with daylight till 10:30 pm. Then as it got dark, the lights of Paris thrilled us. What an unforgettable night! 

8 July        Paris

Another fun day exploring Paris. It began with a visit to the Louvre, which was remarkable! The Louvre of course is iconic in Paris, one of the world’s largest and most visited museums. A definite highlight being Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. But there just was not enough time to get through it all. Window-shopping along some of the famous Paris streets (or rues) followed. Then a walk down the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and back to our apartment for a quiet night in. 

9 July        Paris

A reasonably quiet day today, we decided to take a train to the historic suburb, Saint-Germaine-en-Laye, about 20 kilometres out of Paris. An elegant suburb, we wandered the streets, shops and markets there. A real find. We met up with Pip and Richard for dinner in a traditional French restaurant near our apartment. Les escargots were superb!

10 July        Paris

We headed off early with Pip and Richard by train to Versailles, to tour the Chateau de Versailles, and estate gardens. No words can describe the sheer grandeur and vastness of this incredible French palace. We were amazed! We spent most of the day there, which wasn′t enough, before returning to Paris.

11 July        Paris

Our last full day in Paris took in lots of walking again. We took the metro just out of Paris to a place called Montmartre on the Right Bank. Set on a large hill, it had a village type atmosphere, very bohemian, lots of artists selling their wares, lots of food, just a fun feel. Also home to Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, a large and famous Catholic church on the summit, from which there were spectacular sweeping views of Paris! From there we walked to The Moulin Rouge, which turned out to be in a fairly seedy part of Paris. We only took a photo! We then took the metro to the Latin Quartier for dinner, which wound up our fantastic time in Paris. What a magic city! Tomorrow we have a break from walking, with a six hour train to Sans Sebastian, a beach town just over the French border, in Spain. 

12 July        San Sebastian

So we were up at 5:00 am to catch a train from Paris to San Sebastián. Again, what a great way to travel. Five and a half hours of very comfortable, relaxed travel. A chance to catch up on some rest, reading and just take in the sights of country France on the way to Spain. Checked into the Husa Europa Hotel, wandered down to the beach, then sangria and tapas to prime ourselves for exploring this seemingly relaxed and balmy Spanish holiday destination, tomorrow.

13 July        San Sebastian

Well a nice easy day today. We strolled around Sans Sebastián in the morning. What a cruisy, neat, laid back place this small Spanish tourist city is. Heaps of interesting people, shops, and again, a foodie’s heaven. And of course, the beach and boulevard that run beside it. Spent the afternoon at the beach. In the evening, we dined out on paella and sangria, then took in the balmy night just strolling around. We needed a place like this, just perfect!

14 July        San Sebastian

Another fine day in sunny San Sebastián. Richard and I finally got in some much needed bike riding ahead of riding the Alpe d’Huez later in the week. Three hours in the saddle did the trick. We ascended three peaks around SS, taking in spectacular views along the way! Then it was beach in the afternoon, followed by dinner with Pip and Richard. 

15 July        San Sebastian

Our last full day in SS, we got off to an early start with a walk to one of the main sites here, a climb to the top of a hill overlooking the main beach, where perched right on top is a massive Jesus statue. It is very Rio like, incredible! The views of SS were sensational! The rest of the day was very easy, a walk around the town, then beach in the afternoon. An early dinner tonight ahead of another day on a train. Tomorrow we go back to France, to Lyon via Toulouse, where we pick up a car. Then we drive to Grenoble where we will be until the weekend, following the Tour de France. What a great little sejour Sans Sebastián turned out to be!

16 July        Grenoble

Well today was always going to be a long day, but it was made even longer by a train derailment, which meant we had to go to Lyon via Bordeaux, and an extra hour and a half travel time. So by the time we got to Lyon, picked up our car, then drove 120 kilometres to Grenoble, it was 10:00 pm when we checked into our hotel, the Hotel d′Angleterre. So it was straight to bed. What a big day! We always knew getting from San Sebastian to Grenoble was going to be a challenge, but we wanted to fit SS in and certainly have no regrets seemingly criss-crossing France today. So the car we picked up was a brand new Peugeot, which we now have for 75 days. Faced with driving on the wrong side of the road, which was the right side, a left hand drive vehicle and a manual to boot, the drive to Grenoble was daunting. But after a few quick laps around a car park in Lyon to get used to things, we were off, and made it to Grenoble unscathed. 

17 July        Grenoble

Today was our first taste of The Tour de France. Mary and I were up and away early, driving two and a half hours to a town called Chorges where the Stage 17, Embrun to Chorges 32 kilometre time trial finish was. The drive there was spectacular with the Alps in the background. Getting more used to the back-to-front driving too. Well the Tour experience was nothing short of amazing, and they are Mary′s words, from someone who has never really followed the Tour. Just a great atmosphere in a little town and all the pizazz of the team buses, riders finishing, the fans, it goes on and on. Just a magic day! And another spectacular drive back to Grenoble for a reasonably early night before a very early start for Stage 18, Alpe d’Huez tomorrow.  

18 July        Grenoble

What a treat we had today! We were up early with Richard and Pip, to catch a 7:30 am bus to the famous Alpe d’Huez, the pinnacle of which being the finish of today′s Stage 18 of the TDF from Gap (which we drove through yesterday on the way home from Stage 17) to Alpe d’Huez. The bus took us to a point where we were transferred to cable cars to complete the journey to the top. Well the day lived up to all the hype around Alpe d’Huez in TDFs past. Words can′t describe the day! The atmosphere, the mystique, the people, the scenes were all right up there with any sporting event any of us had ever attended. As the cyclists snaked their way up d′Huez, helicopters circling, the crowds at fever pitch, the razza-mattaz, well the hairs on the back of your neck just stood right up. And when it was all over, the crowd buzzing, the journey back home, meeting people from other countries to talk about the day′s event, just capped off a memorable, memorable day. Richard and I return to d′Huez tomorrow to ride it ourselves!

19 July        Grenoble

Ok. Today Richard and I ventured to the base of the mythical Alpe d’Huez, to attempt the pinnacle of world bike climbs. We arrived early at Bourg-d′Oisans, a town at the foot of the Alps, from where today′s Stage 19 TDF to Le Grand-Bornand began. We had hired bikes in this town at the base of d′Huez, to attempt the famous climb. As a bonus, we saw all the razza-mattaz that goes with the lead up to the start of a TDF stage. The town was abuzz. With all our gear and bikes sorted, we commenced the ascent. 13.5 kilometres at an average gradient of 8.8%. It was a ride of 80 minutes or so of breathtaking views and sheer gut busting effort, and we made it! Thousands attempt this ride daily, and when we crossed yesterday′s finish line, the exhilaration was hard to describe. I have completed some challenging athletic pursuits in my life, but this was right up there with anything ever! And the descent was equally spectacular, and an absolute relief. We conquered the magnificent Alpe d’Huez!

20 July        Chinon

Well today was the big day of the coming together of family and friends to celebrate my 50th birthday in Chinon, in the Loire Valley. We were up early to check out of our Grenoble hotel and commence the 650 kilometre drive to Chinon. It was about a seven hour drive. Pip and Richard picked up a car of their own to do the same drive. And our children, Emma and Sam, Sam′s girlfriend Kirsten, and Mary′s brother Tony W, were also making their way to Chinon. Emma and Tony W were catching a train from Paris, and Sam and Kirsten were making their way from Barcelona via Paris. We were all converging from different locations, to meet at Chateau La Perriere, Chinon. Chinon is a beautiful town in the Loire Valley on the banks of the Vienne River, about 290 kilometres southwest of Paris. A perfect location to relax with family and friends in country France. Well we all arrived at the chateau, and what an absolute treat we had waiting for us. This place is absolutely magnificent! Photos just do not do it justice. It has three levels, six bedrooms, incredible grounds, and is just amazing! It′s an easy three kilometres from the centre of Chinon, with views to the Fortresse Royale in Chinon. We will all be here for a week. Tonight, we set up an alfresco dinner outdoors on a balmy French night, and we just enjoyed our coming together, and exchanged many stories of our recent travels, over much French champagne. It was a late, magic night! 

21 July        Chinon

A nice easy day today, exploring the chateau and the chateau grounds. A very warm day, we were thankful for the great pool area. Some of us ventured into the Sunday Chinon markets, others just stayed put and relaxed. Pip and Richard cooked dinner, chicken and salads, and we all enjoyed dining outdoors on another balmy night. Then we finished the day watching the end of the Tour de France on television, with the grand finale on the Champs-Élysées. 

22 July        Chinon

Today we had a group outing. The eight of us headed off in the two cars to a town called Villandry, a quaint little town, home to Le Chateau de Villandry and surrounding gardens. The chateau was built in the 1500s, and we did a tour of the chateau and gardens, which was fascinating. We then had lunch in a French cafe in the town. From there, we visited a winery on the way back to Chinon, in a town called Azay-le-Rideau. The winery specialised in sparklings produced from local grapes. Needless to say, we took the opportunity to stock up. Another warm day, it was back to our chateau for an afternoon by the pool and croquet. Sam and Kirsten cooked dinner tonight, a superb paella, with sangria. I should say that we have a setting outdoors that is an absolute envy, just outside the front entrance to the chateau with a picture perfect view of the sunflower fields out to the valley. It’s the stuff of French movie country settings, and I doubt there could be better! We wound up the day with a table tennis tournament, with Sam proving to be the champ. 

23 July        Chinon

A little cooler today, we spent the morning exploring Chinon, including The Fortresse Royale de Chinon, a castle overlooking Chinon, and steeped in history dating back to the 11th century. A relaxing afternoon was had at the chateau, followed by dinner at a restaurant in Chinon town. Beautiful French food and wine. 

24 July        Chinon

Another cruisy day in Chinon. After a slow start to the day, most of us visited another winery, just near our chateau. Some beautiful cabernets and a rosé, we just had to stock up a bit more in case we ran out of wine! Then in the afternoon, we visited another beautiful Loire Valley town, Saumur, only 25 kilometres from Chinon. A really picturesque drive to this town, we ended up spending quite a bit of time there. And on the way back to Chinon, we discovered little villages that were home to what were called troglodytes, or caves. There were hundreds of these dating as far back as the 11th century, many used for commercial purposes, many private. We sampled a handful and they were real eye openers, amazing! It was like being in some sort of hobbit town. Then back to the chateau, and a superb meal prepared by Emma and Tony W. Lots of yummy meats, salads, fruit platters. Just superb! 

25 July        Chinon

A relaxed day beginning with a visit to the Chinon Thursday markets in the town centre. Lots of stalls and fantastic food. Sam and I then went for a two and a half hour bike ride out of Chinon, whilst the others had free time visiting a fromagerie, and relaxing by the pool. Then the big finale to the day, and the highlight of the week. My 50th birthday dinner! This was the culmination of much planning under many guises over the years, and what a night it tuned out to be! It was a dinner catered for by our fantastic French caretakers, Patricia and Michel, in the beautiful chateau dining room. Three courses, with the feature being fillet mignon. Superb! It was a night of surprises and lots of fun. Our amazing children, Emma and Sam, arranged a who′s who, of photo collage and video messages, from family and friends dear to me in Australia, the US, Mexico and Ireland. It was sensational! I certainly owe a huge thank you to all who participated in this huge surprise for me, and I will definitely be contacting everyone to give a big thanks. I will forever cherish this. And to be here to celebrate with those that mean so much to Mary and I, capped off just an amazing night and week. A massive thank you to everyone here!

26 July        Chinon

Well it was the day after the night before. A slow start to the day for some. Pip and Richard left us this morning to continue their travels in Italy. We won′t see them now until back in Australia. What great memories we have of our time with them. So then there were six, and after finally moving after lunch, our last outing together was to the village of Fontevraud-l′Abbaye, near Chinon, home to the Fontevraud Abbey, built in the 12th century. This place was fascinating, housing the tomb of Richard The Lionheart, King of England in the 12th century, and his parents. After exploring the Abbey and the village, we returned to the chateau and the pool, followed by our final dinner outdoors to enjoy the incredible views from the chateau grounds. After a final cheers, we turned in for our last night at the chateau.

27 July        La Teuliere

An early start today to pack up and leave the chateau. Emma, Sam and Kirsten were first to leave, driven by me to Tours (50 kilometres from Chinon) to catch a train back to Paris. Emma is continuing her holidays, catching a plane to Spain to meet up with a friend, and three more weeks of travel through Europe. Sam and Kirsten board a plane back to Australia tonight after some final sightseeing in Paris. We now won′t see the children until we return to Australia next year. So then there were three, and Mary, Tony W (Mary′s brother) and I checked out of the chateau. What a magnificent week had by all at the chateau in Chinon. Amazing! Ah well, all good things come to an end, and we are now looking forward to our next destination. So the three of us hit the road for a five hour drive to the Lot region and our cottage, La Grange in the village of La Teuliere. The drive included a stop at the town Limoges, famous for producing porcelain, where Mary had to make a purchase. We arrived at the cottage about 7:00 pm, and found a charming spacious, rustic stone house, that was originally an 18th century barn. Fantastic! And the village of La Teuliere is found high above the upper reaches of the River Dordogne, close to the villages St Cere, Bretenoux and Gagnac-sur-Cere, an excellent position to explore the many surrounding villages and region. We have a week here and it is the perfect spot to chill out after our hectic early weeks. Looking forward to a leisurely week of exploring.

28 July        La Teuliere

Well the three of us commenced our exploring of the Lot region today, nice and slow. We started in St Cere where we found Sunday markets. Very picturesque. Then we went to Bretenoux, which was equally appealing, and we found a small restaurant open for lunch, which being a Sunday, not a lot was open in the afternoon. This proved to be a gem with beautiful food. Then it was off to a town called Beaulieu, which proved to