Day Seventeen: Vienna to Munich

As we left the hotel this morning, Lewis (Justine’s CEO friend from last night) came over to say goodbye. He even offered to carry our bags, but I think Justine was too embarrassed to let him! So we hopped on the bus to take us out of Austria and into merry Germany. After driving for a few minutes we were dazzled by a pink and orange sunset until we passed some mountains and the colour silhouetted behind them.

We drove for a few hours before arriving at Mauthausen concentration camp. Mauthausen was a work camp where prisoners were forced to carry great slabs of granite from the nearby quarry to help for building projects. Many died on the steep stairs, the stairs of death, from sheer exhaustion and collapsing, or a prisoner further up the mountain collapsing and taking the others down in a domino affect. From studying Hitler’s regime to being in the camp, nothing can describe the surreal feeling you get standing in a gas chamber where thousands of people needlessly lost their lives. Everything about the camp was eerie. Beforehand we had watched a video detailing the specific horrors of Mauthausen, and it was a very subdued group that left the theatre and walked slowly through the camp. It was such a confronting and emotional experience, but I feel so enriched for it. Every journalistic bone in my body has flared up, because atrocities like this should not be allowed to happen.

We piled slowly and emotionally back onto the bus after our visit. There was not much talking as we starting the journey, and I slept and read until our next service stop. There was some more stunning scenery as we drove from Austria to Germany before arriving in Munich in the afternoon. Then it was out of the hotel to have a quick look around and buy some souvenirs.

At 6pm we then met to walk to the Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall. We managed to get an entire table, and in the spirit of things Justine and I both had a Radley stein, which is a combination of light beer and lemonade. It still tasted disgusting, so I skulled the majority of it to get it over with. Justine then had another half stein before leaving. We both treated ourselves to German pork sausages with sauerkraut for dinner. Justine and Lee got distracted in the gift shop so when we tried to catch the bus home we managed to see it driving by instead. So it was into a taxi, then down to the hotel bar to play some nice and mature truth or dare. While Justine chickened out, I was made to have a cement mixer (Bailey’s and Raspberry liqueur as there was no cordial) swivelled around in my mouth. It was not very pleasant. Fortunately, tonight was. 

Day Sixteen: Vienna

After doing some washing in the bath tub last night I suddenly realized I should have cold-washed my jeans. That way, there wouldn’t have been big, black drips running the length of the bath. Luckily it came out; I don’t want to know the hotel’s reaction if it hadn’t!

We headed into the city of Vienna for a drive where Megs pointed out various monuments and parliamentary buildings. Then we were off the bus at Maria Theresien Platz, walking towards the Hofburg palace. We saw a monument in memoriam of the Jews that suffered under Hitler’s tyranny, a sobering reminder that we’re visiting the Mauthausen concentration camp tomorrow.

We passed Hotel Sacher then it was off to the three story Swarovski store to pick up some of the prize crystals in their home country. Justine was feeling unwell again so we decided to pick up some familiar food in the form of Austrian McDonald’s. I had a Big Mac, which left a lot to the imagination in terms of juicy, Australian meat.

After our lunch Tiffany, Justine and I headed down to the Imperial Silver Collection, Sisi exhibition and Imperial Apartments held in a museum in the Habsburgs winter palace. We got to use our youth cards for the first time and saved a whole Euro! It was intriguing to learn about the disapproved Empress turned cult figure. Being able to wander around the palace, we saw various furniture, clothes and décor of the royal family. And while there are only so many minutes you can listen to someone talking about plates and cutlery, I found the gift of future in-laws from Louis XV to Maria Theresa quite beautiful. First they exchanged plates, then their children.

After the Sisi Apartment it was off to the Schnaps museum. The Schnaps owner/scientist (come on, he was wearing a lab coat) led us through the company that passes through the generations of his family. We then got to try some of their combinations, including some rocket fuel, absinthe, butterscotch cream, hazelnut cream and Schnaps with gold flecks inside. They were all quite delicious, despite some of the stronger ones burning on the way down. I bought some rocket fuel to keep us occupied for the rest of the trip.

It was then off to the Schoenbrunn palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs. It was huge, larger than the winter home. The three of us walked around the palace and through some of the gardens, but the weather was looking very threatening so we opted to go into the café and warm up with some royal hot chocolate.

While Justine and Tiffany chose to go with some others for a McDonald’s dinner (I know, twice in one day!), Lee, Andrew and I headed across the road to the shopping centre and ate at Lounge 88. The food was actually quite delicious. I wanted to try an Austrian sausage, but seeing as it wasn’t on the menu opted for a chicken wok and rice. It was so good to eat vegetables, even if they were smothered with oil! Then after that it was back to the hotel to sit at the bar for a while. There Justine made friends with a nice British business man. The perks of staying in a business hotel? I think so. 

Day Fifteen: Venice to Vienna

After 5 days in Italy it was time to give the boot the boot and head into Austria. As I snoozed on the bus I suddenly felt the side of my face warm up. And as I opened my eyes I saw us weaving our way past the Dolomite Mountains, sun shining, rivers flowing and white capped mountains rising on every side around us. It was a beautiful sight until we drove into a tunnel and emerged in fog. This pretty much happened the whole day. Fog, tunnel, sunshine. Sunshine, tunnel, fog.

Our first service was a few minutes into Austria, at a beautiful Austrian styled rest stop where I had schnitzel. There we found a plastic horse named Dolly, which Justine insisted that I sat on. I got her back at the next rest stop where we both stood in a blue "Black Car" and then Justine, to our disbelief, managed to fit inside a helicopter. I'm surprised her arms and legs didn't stick out the sides!

We cruised our way into our Vienna hotel, which happens to be a used for a lot of business meetings. But while the pool is empty, there is free wi-fi! We settled in our rooms before getting ready for tonight’s evening entertainment. Off we wandered to our optional activity, beginning with dinner at the Vienna Rathaus, or town hall and home to the mayor. The decor was stunning, and we were treated to three courses; vegetable soup with strips of pancake on top, turkey schnitzel and vanilla strudel. Everything was delicious. I love Austrian food.

Then it was off to see the Vienna Resident Orchestra in concert as they played Wolfgang Mozart and Johann Strauss. I was surprised at how many of the compositions I recognised. The arias were performed by Eva Kumpfmüller and I had shivers down my spine when she was singing, it was simply brilliant. There were also two ballet dancers who performed for some of the waltz numbers. It was astounding. If this is what we got treated to tonight, I can't imagine how wonderful tomorrow is going to be. Let's just hope this rain eases up; we don't want another Nice.

Day Fourteen: Venice

This morning we really had to try to get to the bus on time or we’d miss the ferry to the city of Venice. Venice is made up of 118 islands and its buildings are held up by poles dug into the water’s base. It is quite literally, a floating city. We hopped on the ferry with the other Contiki bus and were off to Piazza San Marco. 

From there we were taken on a walking tour of Venice. We visited the opera house, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and Rialto bridge on the Grand Canal, all while walking from bridged island to island. Flooding 200 days a year, the Venetians have platforms in every street, ready for when they have to walk above the flooded roads.

 After the tour we went to a lace factory where we were shown all the different types of Venetian lace and the intricacy that goes into hand stitching every piece. No wonder there were some pricey tablecloths! Then it was off to an astounding glass blowing demonstration and into a Murano glass shop where they even make glasses that roll back into a standing position after you knock them over. Suitable for after 10pm as the demonstrator said!

We raced to grab a quick bite to eat in the jam packed day before heading off to our Gondola ride. Lee wasn’t too impressed with being on the water, and half our boat wasn’t too impressed with the wine which led to Ashleigh, Tiffany and I sharing two bottles between just the three of us. By the time we got off the Gondola we were a bit shaky in the legs, and not just from the boat ride.

From there we headed to lunch where we grabbed some pasta and pizza and Ash accidentally walked in on someone in the toilet. In all fairness, they hadn’t locked the door. Then Ash, Tiffany and I headed back to the Rialto Bridge while Justine, Amy and Lee did some shopping of their own. It was amazing just to follow the signs in the streets and half lose yourself in the maze of bridges and walkways that is Venice.

We met back in Piazza San Marco to head off to a Venetian dinner. After some antipasto we were treated to four different selections of pasta; risotto, carbonara, gnocchi and pesto. They were all delicious, but we were too full from having a late lunch to truly stuff ourselves. After some lemon sorbet for dessert, it was back onto the ferry that would take us away from the islands of Venice and back to the mainland.

It was a wonderful day. Although not particularly attractive to look at, Venice is amazing in the way it has designed itself over the water. We had some quick drinks and cake for Luke and Leisa’s birthdays, before it was time to pack our bags again for another bus day tomorrow.

Day Thirteen: Rome to Venice

Today was another interesting experience with Italian drivers as Steve tried to back the coach into the bus bay. It just so happened than another coach, with no one ready to go on it, was there. And the other driver could not get into his head that he needed to go past Steve, not just back out of the way of our coach and over an intersection. Needless to say, there was lots of horn honking and Justine even spotted people getting out of their cars to yell at the people in the jam!

So we headed from Rome to Venice with Megs and Steve letting us in on a surprise; we were going to stop off in Verona, the capital of Romeo and Juliet. We drove through Italy to the first service where we found our first hiccup for the day; Justine’s wallet was gone. It wasn’t in her case, backpack, or travel bag. And it was then we had the sinking feeling that it could be at the hotel. So back onto the bus it was to cancel all the cards and try to get back in contact with Rome.

After some worrying, and about three hours driving, we arrived in Verona. We had a quick dodgy job and stumbled across our second hiccup; Justine’s wallet was in her jacket pocket. Apparently she hadn’t heard me ask if it was in any of her pockets before. So while the license and everything was back to normal, she now has no credit card.

While I cackled because she’s never going to live this down, we headed to Juliet’s house. As Romeo and Juliet actually existed (slightly less exaggerated than Shakespeare told it) it was the actual house where Juliet lived, although the balcony, which originally did not exist, is an addition for tourists. While Justine wandered at the back, I went up to touch her left breast, apparently more luck in love. We wandered around Verona some more before heading back to the bus to drive the last leg to Venice.

So here we are, on the mainland of Venice waiting to catch a ferry over tomorrow. I miss Rome’s weather; it’s going to be cold tomorrow.

Day Twelve: Rome and Vatican City

While we could wait for the group and head to the Colosseum at 9, we decided to try and beat the crowds by leaving the hotel around 8.30. We battled with peak hour traffic to catch three trains before arriving at the Colosseum in one piece. There we learnt our first lesson for the day; do not agree to photos with Roman soldiers before you know their price. While the funny and welcoming man approached us with cries of “Barbie” and “Skippy” we were not too pleased with having to pay 10 Euro each for four photos on our own cameras. Thus was our first experience with being ripped off.

Regardless, the Colosseum was spectacular. The bottom is overgrown with different plants left by exotic animals that were brought to show. The outside of it is enormous, but the walls are so thick that once you get inside the stadium is not too overwhelming. It was a surreal experience to finally be inside one of the historic buildings in Rome, especially on the day that marks the Contiki halfway point.

Next up we walked to the Victor Emmanuel Monument and went right up the top where we saw panorama views of the city of Roma. It was a brilliant day, perhaps too brilliant as the sun blinded some of the Eastern views. Next we walked to the Mouth of Truth, which will supposedly bite your hand off if you tell a lie while placing your hand inside. Justine was going to test the theory, but the lines of people watching made it a bit difficult. We walked through the Circo Massimo where old chariot races are held, before making our way to the Vatican City.

After fighting hordes of street vendors we made it into Saint Peters Square and subsequently, another country. We then headed back to Italy for some pizza for lunch, before meeting our tour guide outside the Vatican walls. For the smallest country, the Vatican has some tight security around its museum entrance, with all of us having to go through metal detectors and bag screenings before being allowed inside. It was like a mini airport!

We spent two hours going through the Vatican museum, seeing original Roman statues and Greek copies. There were mosaics everywhere, tapestries and lots of naked men (statues thankfully). Then it was into the Sistine Chapel to view the Last Judgment and ceiling by Michel Angelo, and the walls by a collection of Italian painters. It was smaller than we expected, but considering that every inch is covered with an intricate painting, I think the painters would be pleased it’s not too large. Especially considering we went to St Peters Basilica, the largest church in the world, right after. We saw one of Michel Angelo’s Pieta’s, and I brushed St Peters foot.

Once we left Vatican City to return to Italy we caught the Metro back to the Colosseum where Meg began her non-tour. We walked back up to the Victor Emmanuel monument, before heading over to the Trevi fountain where we both threw a single coin over our left shoulder to help us fall in love. Then it was up to the Spanish steps, which were literally just some steps, and then to the Pantheon and its astounding décor and architecture.

Finally ready for dinner, we settled in a restaurant before realizing it didn’t have what we wanted, and making a run for it. A few shops down and we were settled outside another restaurant where the waiter made us order in Italian! Justine had Bruschetta and a Margarita pizza and I had Spaghetti Carbonara. We then braved the Roman roads by catching a taxi, who insisted he keep up to the people ahead of us. Now THAT was an experience. 

Day Eleven: Florence to Rome

As expected, there were quite a few grey faces this morning when we had to load our bags onto the bus. Probably not a good thing considering the first thing we did was head to have our group photo taken. Sad, seeing as Steve won’t be in it. Though I’m sure we can photoshop him in later!

Then down into the city of Florence it was to go to Leonardo’s Leather Works where we had a very animated guide telling us how to make real leather boxes, and also how to shop for leather without getting ripped off. It’s amazing what retailers can get away with when trying to sell you something. We had a look at the jewelry, which consisted of some 18 carat gold pieces, but it all seemed a little bit out of range, even at factory prices.

Being the capital of the Renaissance, we had a walking tour of Florence that took us through the Piazza della Signoria, last remaining old bridge, crossed intersection and marble Santa Maria Del Fiore, which was the first dome not to be built with a wooden support. Our tour leader was extremely informative, though extremely talkative. We walked to a pizzeria where we had pizza for lunch, which was actually quite disappointing, before walking up to the Academia. But while we made it to the building where the statue of David is held, we didn’t really have enough time to go inside, so we contented ourselves with the replicas lined everywhere and headed back to meet the tour, where we got there just in time. 

Then it was onto the bus with Jorge to head to Rome. We had a service stop halfway through, then arrived in Rome and drove around to see some of the sights, including the Victor Emmanuel monument and Colosseum. After battling our way through more street vendors, we ate an included dinner opposite the Colosseum. On the way to the hotel we stopped in the middle of the Vatican City square, the smallest country in the world, and saw the two lights in the Papal residence that meant that Pope Benedict was home.

It was a long day between packing our bags on the coach and arriving at the hotel, so we opted for an early nights sleep to actually get more than 8 hours.

Day Ten: Nice to Florence

Surprise, surprise, but it was another early morning start today, and some of last nights partiers were feeling a little worse for wear. The weather was almost sunny as we drove out of Nice, a change from yesterday, making it very disappointing that we missed Nice at its peak. I slept most of the first drive, being woken only an hour in to be told we had crossed the border into Italy! 

 

Being very mountainous, we went through a lot of tunnels. It’s amazing how they just cut through the mountains rather than winding all the way up them. We stopped at a ‘Ristop’, the smallest services we’ve seen so far, seeing as it was hidden on the side of a mountain. Back into the bus we piled, for another few hours before arriving in Pisa.

Of all the countries we’ve been in so far, Italy is the worst for street vendors. There was a man waiting at the door of the bus trying to sell us watches. Just walking through the town towards the leaning tower we were flocked by half a dozen street vendors and that was before we’d even gotten into the square. Oddly enough, they saw white people and tried their luck at calling us Lady Gaga. I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a lot more slanted than we realized. Situated in a rather pretty square, it’s the bell tower of the church beside it. Unfortunately, being only a services stop, we weren’t able to climb up it so we amused ourselves with posing for the typical leaning photos instead. We then headed to McDonalds to sample some Italian fast food and have lunch. Pisa is quite a dingy little town, so once away from the square with the tower; it wasn’t all that beautiful to look at.

 

Next stop was Florence and our accommodation for the evening. There we had to part with Steve, who was going straight down to Rome as he had to have some non-driving days, and we picked Jorge up from, literally, the side of the road. After freshening up in the hotel room we went to a traditional Tuscan dinner complete with Italian entertainment. Another four course meal, it consisted of antipasto, pasta for entrée, beef strips for main and chocolate cake for dessert. Add a 3 litre bottle of wine between four girls, champagne, cocktails and imperial shots (Justine had 2, myself 3) and we were ready to head off to Space, a nightclub and karaoke bar. It was a fantastic night, with most of the tour just letting their hair down to have a bit of fun. 

I wonder how fun it will seem tomorrow morning.

Day Nine: Nice and Monaco

Considered by most to be the honeymoon capital of France, Nice has an average of 300 sunny days a year. Despite being 14 degrees outside, today was not one of those days. Although we had the opportunity to sleep in, we braved the drizzle outside and I finally had the opportunity to use the Scotty Dog umbrella I bought in London.

We made our way to the pebbled beach and walked up the promenade towards Le Chateau. Looking towards the mountain, the five of us managed to walk through a miniature lake on the footpath and get ourselves sufficiently wet. Getting lost a bit, we walked through some of the old town and saw the Palais du Justice before finding the 200+ stairs that would take us up the mountain. 

 At the top we were able to see the other side of the water, and the port where there was a considerable amount of expensive looking boats. We also saw the Ruines at the top of Le Chateau and were able to see the archeological site. We made our way back down the mountain and into the old district where we saw the La Cathedrale Saint-Reparate. We stopped off for lunch and all had hot chocolates, which were essentially melted chocolate in a cup and quite delicious. But the crepe maker disappointed us by making our crepes at different times, resulting in about an hours wait while everyone got their lunch.

Next we walked to the main shopping centre so we could find some clothes to wear with the rich and fabulous in Monte Carlo tonight. Justine bought some boots while I helped Andrew shop for suit pants. We got ready in record time, before getting on the bus to go to the Fragonard perfumery in Eze. There we learnt what goes into making perfume, as well as being able to sample some of the unique blends.

Then it was off to another country and we had dinner in Monaco, opposite the Monaco palace! Dinner consisted of four courses; a pizza frittata, asparagus and goats cheese pastry, chicken, and an apple tart for me and ice cream for Justine. Add a couple of glasses of Rose and white wine and it made for a very delectable dinner. 

We went and had photos over the city lights of Monaco and saw the church Grace Kelly was married in before heading over to the Monte Carlo casino to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. It was so fabulous that even the toilet seats spun around and cleaned themselves, after our obligatory tip to the lady waiting out the front of course.

Justine had a Daiquiri and we soaked up the interior of the casino, but neither of us tried out luck on any of the tables. Dave won 400 Euro so we gave him 5 Euro each and walked out of the casino with chips hidden away as souvenirs. Back home was a noisy bus ride, with every one screaming our day song ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry. We called it a night then, going back to the hotel to pack as some of the others were out again. It was a great evening, I felt quite fabulous and special walking around the casino.

Day Eight: Barcelona to Nice

- Elise

Once again, Justine and I were running late this morning. I just don't understand how we can do it; we really try to get prepared for the mornings! Unfortunately, I forgot the hotel key (which was still in my pocket) so had to struggle up the hill to return it. Fortunately, I wasn't mugged on the way. As I walked back towards the bus, puffing and wheezing with this absolutely lovely cough, I saw Megs returning more room keys to the hotel. Should have just let her take ours!

It was another long day of driving today as we wandered back out of Barcelona and into France for the third time. We drove through the Spanish border before our first stop. There, the girls toilet was closed for cleaning, and with a bus ratio of about 40 to 10, it was a very interesting experience for all of us to go into the French men's toilet!

The next three hours flew by as Andrew, Tiffany, Justine and I chatted about our Australian homes. Tiffany will be an expert on Aussie culture by the time she gets back to South Africa! There was another stop, dimmed by the drizzle now haunting our drive, before we hopped back into the bus to visit the honeymoon capital, Nice.

Unfortunately for Justine, Johnny Depp is out of town so she had to entertain herself by having dinner with our little Contiki group. Then it was off for a quiet night with Amy, Andrew, Tiffany and Lee as we were taught how to play Casino poker and blackjack.

Getting ready for Monaco tomorrow night. I'm ready to rub shoulders with the rich and, fingers crossed, famous.

Day Seven: Barcelona

- Elise

Today's aim: do not get mugged in Spain.We awoke as the wake up call went off, Justine wondering what on earth the phone was ringing for before realising. Yet we still managed to be running late for the bus. Megs and Courtney had waited for us while Steve drove around the block!

We did a driving tour of Barcelona, seeing the National Palace as built for the world exhibition, zoo, bull fighting rink, Arc de Triomf (also part of a world exhibition) and Sagrada Familia Basilica as designed by Antoni Gaudi and still being built today. With four facades depicting different stories in the Roman Catholic church, it makes for an interesting yet beautiful spectacle.

Next was a walk through the Gothic district where we walked into the Sant Felip Neri square. During the Spanish Civil War, hundreds of civilians lost their lives in this square where they were executed at point blank range. While the official version tells of a bomb sending shrapnel into the square, bullet holes and craters line the main wall next to, can you believe it, a kindergarten.

Once through the gothic quarter we took a trip down La Rambla, the main shopping street, and walked to the Christopher Columbus monument. There we caught the smallest lift I have ever seen to the top, which wobbled in the wind, and got some great shots of the city and its water ports below. Then back down La Rambla we went, watching the fantastical street performers before stopping for a three course Tapas meal for lunch.

 

After some more window shopping we headed back to the Arc de Triomf and Gaudi designed lamp posts with their naturalistic styles. Then we went to visit another, you guessed it, Gaudi design with La Pedera, before heading back to the hotel. I had a 20 minute siesta and then it was off to the evening entertainment.

Firstly, we drove around Mont Juic where the summer Olympic's were held in 1992. We looked at the stadium and various other buildings designed for the event, before heading to the Spanish Village to see the El Tablao de Carmen Flamenco show. We were treated to dinner, Gazpacho (cold tomato soup), salad, chicken and potatoes, and a delicious dessert that tasted like it had cooked marshmallows on top. The Flamenco dancers were amazing, their feet moved so quickly and we were so close we could see them sweat as the dancing progressed. Unfortunately for some (aka myself in the front row) we could also feel the sweat as they flicked their heads. 

 

As we left, the Festival of Thinking and Free Thought (as we gathered it) was raging on in the streets so we caught a glimpse of Spanish celebrations before heading for another night in. Spain has been entertaining, but very exhausting. My siesta seems to be overdue.

Day Six: Lyon to Barcelona

- Elise

Another early morning today as we made the long trip from France into Spain. We managed to wake up on time and save ourselves the seats in front of the powerpoints to be able to have access to the computer during the trip. As we drove out of Lyon there was some napping before the tell-tale cry of "it's snowing!" And not like it was snowing in Switzerland either; this was real, large, soft pieces of snow falling around our bus as it zoomed through country France. Unfortunately we couldn't stop, but we're hoping to be outside when it snows next time!

We stopped over and saw the Pont du Gard, a Roman Aqueduct that is considered a world heritage site. The views over the river were quite exotic, proof that we really are travelling south of the country.

One book later and we were over the Spanish border and making our second stop off, where Justine and I both bought fluffy bulls called Carlos and Machos respectively. They made friends with Justine's Bernie (the Swiss Saint Bernard) and helped us through the remainder of the 9 hour bus ride as we watched 'Shaun of the Dead'.

We arrived in Barcelona just before dusk, where we had to change buses to be able to get our cases up the narrow road. Some puffing later we arrived at the Catalonia Park Putxet Hotel and retrieved our bags, before going down to a 'farmacia' to find some cough medicine for myself. Then it was off to dinner at the hotel, one of our best included meals so far, before an early night for a busy day tomorrow. I do hope we get a siesta!

Day Five: Lucerne to Lyon

- Elise

Our first non-foggy day came at a good time. As we motored out of stunning Lucerne we could see the sunrise over Mt Pilatus, Lake Lucerne and the beautiful towns, villages and mountains of Switzerland. We had a stop off with a beautiful view and are agreed that the food in Switzerland has exceeded our expectations and taste buds. But that was before we arrived in the gastronomical capital of France: Lyon.

Only spending one night in Lyon, I was pleased at we arrived just after 2pm. Megs and Steve dropped us off near the city centre and we were off to explore. First stop, the beautiful building we’d caught sight of on the way into the city.

Unfortunately, this gorgeous building was up on what we deemed to be the highest land in Lyon, Fourvière Hill. But it was well worth the walk. Not only did it offer fabulous views of the city, but this building happens to be part of a world heritage sight and one of the most visited sanctuaries in the world, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

The interior was different from the Notre Dame, although equally stunning. Ornate designs and mosaics were lined across the roof and walls, and extended into the crypt of Saint-Jean below, and Chapel of the Virgin it was built beside. The reverence to Mary was amazing, heightened by the neon words “Merci Marie” in front of the Basilique, that light up over the city every night. Next door was Lyon’s version of the Eiffel tower, the whole collection a spectacular view on the hill above the city.

We found a more direct route down the hill and stumbled across the most spectacular lolly shop I have ever seen. Brendan, the coke bottle lollies were the size of a business card! After stocking up on sugar, we checked into our hotel, had a nap, and then it was off to sample some delicious French cuisine.

We decided upon Le Laurencin in the cobbled food district, and for 15 euro were delighted to a three course dinner selection, plus wine and appetizer at our own cost. The appetizer was none other than Escargot. We shared a plate of 8 between 7 of us (one did remain uneaten) as we passed the garlic snails around the table and with giggling hysterics, Justine and I managed to force them down. Then it was French Onion Soup for entrée, Beef and a type of Scallop Potato for main, and rich Chocolate Mousse for dessert. The meal was divine, the 8 of us who were there agreed it was the best meal we’ve eaten yet. Then it was back in a taxi for a relatively early night, with a long drive ahead of us tomorrow.

Day Four: Lucerne

- Elise

Being just next to the hotel restaraunt, we didn't really have to worry about sleeping through breakfast today. We rose, ate, and dressed in our winter woolies to go up to Mount Pilatus. Staying in the Kriens region of Lucerne, it wasn't a very long walk to catch the gondola for a 30 minute ride up the mountain.

As we got higher and higher the snow got thicker and thicker. It is really the first real snow we've seen, having not been dirtily pushed to the side of a road or only half covering a paddock. We stepped into our surroundings and the immaturity was on. In went our sledge ride coupons and off we went!

I don't think I have laughed so much since I've been on the trip. Tobogganing down a Swiss mountain is just one thing I can tick off my to-do list. The snow was cold and soft to touch, yet not so much to fall into. We'd barely been there 5 minutes and Justine slipped on the ice (running away from my impending snowball). She's covered in bruises from the day, it's absolutely hilarious. We slipped, we skidded and we nearly took a lot of people out, but it was an amazing experience. Definitely one of my highlights of the trip so far.

Back down the mountain we went, catching a bus to Lucerne to have a cheese fondue lunch. It was delicious, and we even got rosti. Add a hot chocolate to that and the snow melting into my clothes was almost forgotten.

Next was off to the Lion Monument, one of the most beautiful and poignant monuments I've ever seen. It commemorates the 810 Swiss Guards that were slain by French Revolutionists while protecting the castle they didn't know the royal family had escaped. The sadness in the Lion's face is unbelievable; such a beautiful, moving sculpture.

Then it was off to see the Chapel Bridge, complete with some stunning scenery, and a Swiss knife and watch shop. The watches were beautiful; if only I had over $1000 AUS and I'd buy one! We caught the bus back to Kriens and walked to the Mt Pilatus shop as Justine wanted to buy herself a dragon. Tiffany and I stood outside the building trying to catch the faint pieces of snow falling down. It almost looked like rain, but I actually saw it snow a little. And I cannot believe it; the snowflakes actually look like snowflakes!

After a nap and thawing bath (not together of course) we ate dinner at the hotel then headed out to a bar near the centre of Lucerne. Prices were not the greatest, but I managed to get rid of the rest of my Swiss Frank. And now it's off to bed for a drive to Lyon tomorrow, and packing my carry on as that's all we're living out of for a night. This will be interesting.

Day Three: Paris to Lucerne

- Elise

After a late night (and quite a large one for some) it was amazing that we managed to get everyone onto the bus at 9am. There were quite a few bleary eyes as we drove out of Paris and towards Lucerne, nestled in the mountains of Switzerland.

It was quite an uneventual day, with 9 hours of travelling and only two stops. On the road we saw deer and large birds Steve thought might be Kestrals. Megan went through all our optional activities for the tour and Justine and I signed up for every single one. We ticked the FOMO box: fear of missing out.

Megan also organised a meet and greet for everyone and we all stood at the front of the bus and spoke about what we do at home and what we're looking forward to on the trip. It was a good way to get a sense of who everyone is (and remember the names of those we have forgotten).

It was 5pm by the time we arrived in Switzerland and so already dark. We motored on for another hour before arriving in Lucerne. From what I can see so far, the town is beautiful; half up on the hill, the other half down. From our hotel room we can see the lights of the houses up on the hill, it's quite pretty. There is snow on the side of the roads, though we haven't quite had to brave the cold yet.

The hotel is clean, although devastatingly old. Every creak seems sinister and there is a painting of an owl in our room that is less than inviting. Interesting technique, but the red eyes, especially seen through the mirror with the goats head, are quite creepy. I'm glad it's in front of Justine's bed, not mine.

I managed to remember the giant blister I had from Singapore which was still as large as ever. Then it was off to the restaraunt for dinner, literally next door, where we ate vegetable soup, a chicken and pinapple curry on a sort of pastry, and then a mandarin for dessert. We then headed downstairs into the bar where a few of us had quiet drinks with Steve, as it is his driving free day tomorrow.

I've got my thermals out for tomorrow's day in the snow. I can't wait to throw some at Justine, and perhaps even make a snow man. Or an angel. Goodness I'm excited!