Sydney, Australia September 2, 2010

Yes, I am home in Sydney. Whilst in Berchtesgaden my journey came to a quick and dismal end. I tripped and fell and broke my right shoulder in 3 places. I NEVER do things by half!! Spent 2 weeks in hospital - I was looked after very well - a couple of days again with my dear friends, then the l o n g flight home. Still don't know how I survived that. But the "Singapore Girls" really looked after me.
My friend Sarah took me to the Doctor this morning then a bit of shopping. Physio is starting on Monday. It will be a long haul and I do not even want to think about what lies ahead of me. There will be another operation in about a years time to remove the plate and screws which now reside in my body.
Being the eternal optimist I always try to see the bright side. I am so blessed to have so many friends who care about me. Sure, there are certain things I cannot do, but so many I can do. I can still write and receive eMails and I can lift the telephone. Calls are welcome!
As for Irene's World Travels in 2010 this journey has come to
THE END

Zagreb

Zagreb is the Capital City of Croatia. One million people live here and it is a very lively city indeed. We had a 'sleep in' this morning and met at 9am for our city tour. The bus took us high above Zagreb to the "political" square. This is where all the government buildings are. We then walked our way through the old city down to the town square. There are truly some magnificent buildings in Zagreb. We then had time for ourselves, but the people who had booked for the optinal tour met at 2pm and we were taken far into the country side to the birthplace of Joseph Tito. He was the leader of the Jugoslav Republic before the fall of the Iron Curtain. The village where he was born has been made into a living Museum. We could go inside the old houses and saw how people lived in the 19th and 20th century. It was very interesting and very hot. In Zagreb 38 in the country 35 degrees. We then carried on further into the Countryside and went for dinner in a lovely old Country Inn. Dinner was delicious - I love this food - well I love food - full stop. We had duck and veal with potatoes and noodles and a salad. All very very nicely done. We arrived back at the Hotel at 8pm, tired but very happy.
This will be my last post for a while. I'll be with my sisters until the middle of August and do not intent to write in my Blog.
If something exciting happens in Berchtesgaden I will let you know. The trip to the Middle East starts August 28th - so watch out for me then.
This has been one fantastic trip and I can recommend it to everybody. And this is where I am signing off.

Bled - Ljubijana - Zagreb

I am now in Zagreb. And what a finish to the Trip. We are in the 5 Star Regent Hotel and this is luxury PLUS. This trip, organized by "Beyond Travel" has fulfilled all of my expectations. We had a wonderful guide, the Hotels were ALL very good. All but one 4 star, and the 3 star at Plitvicka Lakes was comfortable and clean.
But let me continue in Bled. The next morning we were driven around the lake and up to the fortress where we had a wonderful view over the lake with the small island in the middle. After the tour we had free time, but all of the group who had booked in for the extra tour were taken to the lake and then we were rowed, yes rowed to the island. There is a lovely Church on the island and the legend goes, if you ring the bell and make a wish it will come true. All of us were hanging on the rope and wouldn't you know it, I was the one who actually rang the bell. It was hard work, but I do have practise. Thank you St Swithuns! We had to go back to our starting point - yes rowing once again, then we were taken by bus into a little valley with clear streams and abundant wild life. We saw a fox and plenty of trout in the streams. Our guide then produced a bottle of Blueberry liqueur and we all had a sip of the local produce. It was delicious. There were actually blueberries in the bottle. Then at nighttime, still part of the optional tour, we went to a small village to a wine tasting and a real local dinner. Before we went to the restaurant, we had a little walk around town. And wouldn't you know it, there were some local people practising for an event - maybe for the weekend. They sang some local songs and it was enchanting. We clapped and clapped and ask for more. But we had to go for dinner as they were waiting for us.
WELL - the wine was delicious. With it we had some sausage baked into a breadroll and a cheese roll - just wonderful. Then up to the dining room. We had Accordeon Music and the dinner - what else can I say - D E L I C I O U S.
We were home by 10pm tired, but very, very happy.
We left Bled at the usual time at 8 and drove to Ljubijana.
Ljubijana is a lovely town, the capital city of Slowenia. Our guide was born here and the love for his home town came through loud and clear. He walked us through the old part of the city and then we had free time until 1.30 We used it well and saw a lot. It took only 2 hours to reach Zagreb, had to cross the borders into Croatia once again. Needless to say we are now back from Euro to Kuno.
Tomorrow we will explore Zagreb and then we have another optional tour. These tours have been really value for money and if any of you out there consider going to these parts of the world - Beyond Travel it must be.

Bled

It's been a long day today. We left Plitvicka Lakes at 7.45am. On the way to Bled we stopped at a couple of places for a comfort stop. Soon I will reach my limit of taking it all in. So much to see and to learn. Our lunch stop was in Opatija, another beautiful little town in Croatia. From there we drove to Pot something where we visited the most gorgeous limestone caves. We are now in Slowenia, which is part of the common market and it is another currency yet again. These caves are really something. They are 20km long with literally hundreds of caves. We were taken by train underground and then for 2 hours shown some absolutely magnificent Stalagmites and stalagtides. And yes, I do know which is which. Stalagtides grown DOWN, stalagmites UP. Some of these formations were huge. Brilliant white with diamonds sprinkled ev erywhere. It was fabulous. From there is was another hour and a half to our Hotel in Bled. We all have rooms with lovely views over the lake and the castle. Tomorrow it will be a visit to the castle, then the optional tour on the lake itself and then dinner in a little village on the lake. This is optional also, but we are going to "DO" it. Sitting in the bus for such a long time - my back which has not bothered me much these past few days - is complaining and I must go and lie down.
I will keep you posted.

Plitvicka Lakes

We left Split early in the morning, having another stop in a very pretty town which name I just cannot recall at the moment. We are now at Plitvicka Lakes and this is one of the most beatiful places I have been. There are Waterfalls everywhere! Big ones, little ones, and in between. We come to a tranquil lake and there around the corner are more waterfalls. This is a National Park, protected by Unesco. And I can understand why. When we arrived, we checked into our Hotel and half an hour later went on a 3 hour walk around the Park. We are only staying for one night, we will be in Bled in Slowenia tomorrow. The change of currency is giving me a headache. 3 countries, 3 different curencies. Tomorrow it will be the Euro, then back to Kuno in Croatia. This trip is quite hectic. Wake up call in the morning is 6am, suitcases out at 7, leaving at 8 or 7.45am. But we are seeing lot and all is done rather well. I am only glad that we get on so well together. It would have been a nightmare otherwise. I am enjoying myself - soon it will come to the end. I will keep you posted.

Split

It has nothing to do with Banana Split, but you can buy one in a cafe.
After Dubrovnik a bit of a let down, but never the less a town full of history. We drove for 4 hours along the very picturesque dalmatian coast - and yes, the dalmation dogs come from here. The coastline is gorgeous, but the beaches are pepples. There are islands all along the coast and a very pretty country side. We arrived about 3, were checked into our Hotel, I just had 15 minutes to have a shower, then back on the bus as our guide was waiting for us. One thing I find really wonderful. We have audio tours. We all get a little receiver, our guide talks to us and tells us and we do not have to stand close by to understand him. And we could not hear the other guides talking either. We are only here for one night at a wonderful Hotel, called the Atrium. Must be at least 4 stars. So far everything has been perfect. The choice of Hotels could not be faulted and our group is terrific. The next post will probably be from Bled. I am having a ball.

Dubrovnik

I walked 14km today. We drove to Dubrovnik via Mostar another very pretty city in Bosnia. Our Hotel was the Lapad a very elegant 4 star Hotel about 15 minutes by car to the old town. We - my new friend Pam and I - walked around a bit that night, the hotel is right at the harbour, but then we were too tired to go on. The next morning it was an early rise. Our bus took us into town and we had a local guide who took us on a 3 hour walk around the city. We then had free time until 6pm when we had booked on our first optional tour. But about that later. Our guide told us that we absolutely had to walk at least part of the City wall. So after the tour had finished, Pam and I set off. Up and down steps until we had done the complete loop around the city. It was magic. We climbed up everything. Our legs were buckling so we decided to have lunch at one of the very nice restaurants at the harbour. After we had collected ourselves we decided to go over to the Fortress, which is not part of the City wall and climb that. When we finally found it, we were told it was not much further, just 500 odd steps up. That is when we called it quits. I could have done it up, but coming down would have killed me. So we walked back into town and caught the public bus back to the hotel. It stopped right outside our Hotel. We came home at 5pm, exhausted but very happy. Just time for a quick shower and then off on our optional trip. This was dinner at a beach. We were picked up by boat, taken all around the old city - breathtaking views - to the beach. They served the most delicious seafood. Calamary salad and then all kinds of other seafoods with plenty of wine to wash it all down. We met the owner and his Mum who was the cook. The restaurant is 165 steps down from the road and everything has to be brought down by a dumb waiter. It's a milk crate on a string. The lady was cooking in the most basic kitchen - and what a meal she produced! It was nice to get to know the other people in our group. We were 11 from Sarajewo, then in Dubrovnik another 23 joined us. We are a very happy group which is so important. I just loved Dubrovnik.

Sarajewo PPS

Must tell the story - as we were told. We had lunch in a lovely OLD house on the river and the story goes like this. They wanted to build a town hall in Sarajewo. They had aquired all the land except for one small parcel with a house which was owned by an old man. He refused to sell. So the king paid him a visit and persuaded him to sell. But there were certain conditions. He wanted to move his house, as it was, to the new location across the river. So they "clamped" the house, put rope all around it, put it on a float and then 50 horses dragged it across a very shallow river to the new location where it is today - or so the story goes. That is where we had a most delecious lunch.

Sarajewo PS

I forgot. Pam and I were on our way back to the hotel, when we remembered. Pam had a "Flat Charlie" with her. I did see it once in a movie, but did not really think people would do it. But here was Pam with a flat Charlie from her nephew. He had cut out the figure of a person, hand drawn and painted by him. He had ask his aunt to photograph him in different places. So here she was - on a bridge with a very pretty background, holding flat Charlie in her hand when a couple of VERY and I mean VERY handsome young guys walked past and said they would make a much better and nicer picture than flat Charlie. I agreed and did take their picture and have it on chip to prove it. We did have a good laugh and isn't that is what holidays are all about. After the nice meal we had in the house that was moved across the river at lunch time, we just had a bite to eat in the hotel. I had the funniest, but delicious Ceasar salad with a couple of glasses of wine and I am now ready for bed. The bags are packed, wake up call is 6.30 - bags in front of door at 7.15 - we are leaving for Dubrovnik at 8.30
Croatia, here I come!

Sarajewo

I walked about 8km today. We were picked up at 9am for the City tour and told some very interesting facts about Sarajewo. It was here in 1914 that a shot rang out that was heard around the world and started the first World war. Archduke Ferdinand of Austria was shot - we visited the bridge where it happened - and Austria declared war. The rest is history. But did you know that Sarajewo was the first city in the world that had an electric tram system? I could go on and on but I do not want to bore you all to death. There are still buildings in the city that show the bullet holes from the latest war, but the city looks good and is buzzing. The population is 75% muslim, but one would not know it as very few people here wear a headscarf. The tour finished about 12 noon, we were then let loose to have lunch or look around, we then could take the bus back to the hotel at 2.30pm. Pam and I and the couple from New Zealand decided, that we would explore a bit more of the old Market. These are perfectly preserved lanes where the Coppersmith's lived and they still do and sell their goods. There are quite a few gypsies here and we were pestered a lot. Our guide told us that they drive the best cars and live in big houses. Their job, their profession is to steal and beg. Tomorrow we are off to Dubrovnik and I am looking forward to that. On the way we will be visiting Mostar, which is another beautiful city worthwhile a visit. I better go and have a little rest - I am tired.

Montreal

Montreal was special. I visited my dear friend and former neighbour Huguette. She and her brother and sister picked me up from the airport. They are my Canadian family. I stayed with Huguette and we had a ball. We talked and talked and there was never a dull moment. We laughed so much and had so much fun. When I arrived it was lunch time and I was invited to a restaurant "Le Acadamie" which I knew very well and loved. I had my favourite dish, mussels, done in a white wine sauce. I was in heaven! Then on Saturday we had Lobster and Alaskan crab at home. Yummmmmmm. It was the beginning of the Lobster season in Canada. On Sunday I was taken for brunch to the revolving Restaurant in the Delta Hotel in town. Oh Yeah!!!!! On my last day we went to a lovely restaurant in the neighbourhood. Paul, Huguette's nephew joined us with his daughter Erica and they then drove me to the airport. I had a few anxious moments as it was 3pm and the day before a public holiday. The freeway to the airport was a parking lot. But Paul knew his way around and I was at the airport in no time at all. I now know all the backstreets inMontreal!! It was very hard for me to say good bye, but I was so happy that I was able to see them all again.

Washington

We are now in Washington and it is a bit cooler. Good for me - not so good for Silvie. She is always cold if the temp goes below 75
We had a lovely time in Asheville. Caught up with a dear friend whom I met in the Galapagos Islands in 2005 and had kept in touch with all these years.
We met Kenn and his sister and spent 2 days with them. It was a delight. On Monday we drove back to Atlanta and this was a nightmare. We had hired a GPS - we called her LOLA - just to get around in Savannah - which was easy - and then back home to Atlanta to take the car back. LOLA completely and utterly confused us. Her Maps were more than a year old and she did not remember where she lived. We were driving aound in Circles as she insisted that she lived on the same block as a Dairy Queen food outlet. She DID live next door more than a year ago. So we went inside and asked for direction and arrived hot and exhausted at the car rental place. When we complained, we were told that no guarantee was given on how old the maps were. What is the use of hiring a GPS if the maps are out of date? And I mean out of date. They did not charge us for the petrol, because by that time the tank was a quarter empty.
But if every thing goes smooth and without a challenge, what are you going to tell your friends? We stayed in the Westin Hotel, which is VERY nice, for a night and then flew to Washington for a couple of nights in the Marriott. And here I am - writing my journal. Next stop is Montreal.

The Biltmore Estate

Today we "DID" the Biltmore. WOW it is huge. Just have a look at it on Google. We are staying in the Doubletree right next to the Estate, but it is 3 miles from the entrance to the house. So we did take the car. Took a self guided tour so we really could do it at our leisure. We must have walked 10km and more. The house is so big - the bedroom of Mr Vanderbuilt is bigger than my apartment. Some of the wallpaper are inlaid with real gold. Opulence everywhere. It has an indoor pool, a bowling alley a gym everything. 247 rooms and 90 bathrooms. All that for a man and his wife and daughter. It is still in the hands of the Vanderbuilt family, the grandson owns it now - he and his family live in Asheville, but nobody lives on the estate any more. Silvie and I are very tired and will go to bed soon.
Something else I must tell. We arrived yesterday shortly before 3pm in Ashville from Charleston and our room was not ready. We waited until 4 then the manager came and offered us an upgrade in the new tower. We accepted. WRONG!!!! There was a wedding rehersal in the hotel and most of the guests are staying in the new tower. The party continued outside our room well into the morning and we were mighty peeved. The other thing was too, the air conditioning vents were right above our beds and were blowing cold air into our faces all night. We could not turn it off, we would have suffocated. So we asked for our booked room with balcony in the older section. Sorry, could not do,nothing was available.
At breakfast when we wrote our room number on the breakfast order, Silvie wrote "room 535, worst room in the hotel" All over a sudden, there were men swarming around us and we were moved into a lovely room with balcony far away from the ballroom and hopefully no wedding guests will be partying outside our door.
That is is from me today I am tired and will go to bed. Bye

Charleston

Today we did the walking tour and I am in agony. My pelvis is still giving me hell. But I have to grin and bear it. There is no rest for the wicket. The next walk will be the Biltmore Estate and that is walking, walking, walking. Once I am up and going it is not too bad, but getting up is the problem. I am looking forward to a rest in Montreal.
This morning we walked to the Battery and viewed all the majestic homes on the Waterfront. And they are magnificent. Quite a few are for sale, but Silvie and I resisted the impulse. I would not mind living here, but I liked Savannah better. It is smaller and more intimate.
Had a couple of beers - any excuse will do, and it was hot - and I had a lovely prawn salad. They do have nice seafood here. My cholesterol will be through the roof, but then I will not eat another prawn once I hit Europe.
It might be a couple of days for my next report, but I will keep you posted.

Magnolia House

Yesterday we visited Magnolia House, built in 1676 on the Ashley River. It is truly magnificent. As Silvie is the only one doing the driving - they drive on the wrong side of the road here! - we decided to DO a guided tour. And we did not regret it.
So much easier to let somebody else find the way out of Charleston. The plantation is huge. First we had a walking tour with our driver/guide, then onto a little road train to drive around the plantation, seeing the alligators in the swamp and a lot of other wildlife. These plantations were mostly built on swampland, which caused the owners and their family to fall pray to Malaria. But they did figure that out pretty smartly and built summer houses in Charleston which we are going to visit today. It is strictly walking all day today.

Charleston

We have arrived in Charleston. This is Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara Teritory, but we have not met either one of them. They are very well hiddenh indeed!
We arrived at our B & B the Vendue Inn and were greeted like royalty. Due to over booking we were upgraded to a suite each and we are living in the lap of luxery. This makes living so much easier!!!!!
On the way from Savannah we stopped at a little place called Beauford, the locals pronounce it Bewford, and what a pretty place it is. Pat Conroy, the author of "The Prince of Tides" lives here and wrote the book here. We did not see him! Then on to Charlestown. What a gorgeous old city. Every step is "Gone with the Wind" style buildings, just wonderful. Tomorrow we are going on a "Plantation" tour to see how they lived in 'those' days.
We are having a wonderful time. Will keep you posted.

Today we went to Mrs Wilkes dining establishment for lunch. What's so special about that you might ask. Her place is listed in the book " A 1000 places to see before you die" We had to wait outside for more than 1 hour with about a hundred other people. It is first come first served. The restaurant is only open from 11 to 2 for lunch. The food is southern and absolutely delicious. We sat with 8 other people at a big table. All the food is then put onto the table and you help yourself. We had southern fried chicken, black eyed peas, all kinds of other dishes - it was fabulous. When we had finished we had to take our plate and glass and cutlery to the kitchen to keep up the old tradition. It was a lot of fun. The restaurant seats only about 80 people and when we left the queue outside was as long as when we started. When you are in Savannah, you have to go to Mrs Wilkes. Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore did.
Tomorrow we are off to Charlestown. I will keep you posted.

It is nearly midnight and we have just come back from the Pirates Cove. Johnny Depps twin brother was there to welcome us and the food was unbelievable. I just LOVE Savannah. This is a beautiful city and all you folks out there who like to travel put it on your list. I think we all have seen movies of the South with the spanish moss hanging down the trees - well come no further. This is it!!It looks so foreign and so exotic - I just love it.
Must tell you another funny story, forgot to tell it before. When I got off the plane in Vancouver, there was a lady at the gate with a sign in her hand waiting for Leo Schofield. I knew the name, but did not think much about it.
Then in Toronto, at the US immigration, there he was. Leo Schofield. So I smiled at him - now what else can I do? and said - "Oh, here is a friendly face from Sydney - Hi Leo how are you?" Smile smile, Thank you I am fine and then the facial expression
Do I know this woman. If I do - who is she? Should I know her name? It was really quite funny knowing that he had NO idea who I was.And how could he! We both made it through immigration in no time at all - me without help. When I approached the immigration officer I asked him very seriously if the camera - which took my picture - was one that wouold eliminate all wrinkles - and he assured me - with a laugh - that it was.
Well - it is nearly midnight now, time to go to sleep. You are allowed to eMail me or put a response onto my Blog. Go on - don't be shy!!
We might take the cemetary tour tomorrow
Love you all

Made it!!! We are in Savannah. And what a pretty place it is. We arrived yesterday at 3.30 pm. The B & B is situated at one of the pretty squares not far from where all the action is. Walked down to the riverfront last night and participated in Happy Hour. What else. But let me start from the beginning. It was a long but fairly pain free flight. I was on painkillers the whole trip and it did the job. From Vancouver to Toronto - even though I was on the same plane - it became a domestic flight and - smorgasboard. In the section where I was sitting I was the only female passenger. I was too tired to care. I had to pick up my suitcase in Vancover and go through customs and immigration. Then again in Toronto, this time US immigration. But I had to pick up the case and then check it in again. I found a strong young man each time - lucky me - and they are still with me. I gave Silvija the flick and I am now travelling with 2 young men!!!!!! Ha Ha. When I arrived in Atlanta it was midnight and I absolutely fell into bed. Had a good nights sleep and Silvie and I met up the next morning for the 5 hour drive to Savannah. And here we are. Today we walked to the river front again and had a horse and carriage ride through the old histerical oops historical district. We then went off on foot to explore the houses and places more closely. Savannah is so pretty and we are having a ball. The B & B is very nice and comfortable, we have a suite - two rooms with a little garden outside. We are on the first floor. Tonight they are putting on a cheese and winetasting - guess where we are going tonight.
Well that is it for today. I will keep you posted.

June 1, first day of winter. I have done the dirty deed and Vernon is in the cattery. He was NOT happy. My back is still killing me and I am not looking forward to the long flight to Vancouver - Toronto - Atlanta.
But this is the beginning of a very special holidays and I am looking forward to seeing all my friends.
Savannah - here I come!

Hi everybody, I will be leaving Australia on June 2nd and this is where you find my travelogue. Hopefully with pictures.