Road Block

Well it is fair to say that everything has not gone according to plan and that our road trip has come up against a bit of an unexpected road block, Aunty Jillian has fallen a bit ill. It means a few extra days in Como and an unexpected schedule change. But the Old Dears and myself have it under control and are fairly confident that within a couple of days we will be back on the road to what I consider an improved itinerary (if I do say so myself).

I am travelling with some fairly amazing ladies, and all spirits remain high and positive as we look forward to hitting the road again.

Another Boring Day

Well yesterday was just like the others really, relatively boring, we took a boat all around the lake,saw okay looking docks, then we decided we should stop in Bellagio.  Where I ate this rather bland looking seafood salad and choked down some more fine Italian wine.

Lola had a play in the lake (trying to catch these swans) before we headed back to the flat to watch the sun set with some more of that wine. Really and truly it is a tough life ;)

And it Begins

After a few hours of sleep from the previous night's dinner party, we were able to get out of bed and on the road on time as prescribed by the itinerary.  We had a wee bit of trouble fitting all our luggage, but thanks to my efficient German flat mate, we got it all in (not really sure if we will be able to get it all back in without her).  

We stopped for some breakfast on Lake Lucerne and watched the mist clear off the Lake. We had a short delay while waiting to get through the infamous Gottard tunnel but were still able to make it to Como in time for lunch.  We had a great afternoon followed by a yummy Italian meal.  A lovely start to the tour.

Beginning in Basel

Yesterday was the beginning of the European tour as me and the old dears toured around sunny Basel.  We walked past many of the many museums without a second glance and headed straight to the Rhine...
... for a drink in the very posh Three Kings (do not worry, I did show them a bit of culture taking them through the small red light district-pictures were a bit tricky).  We then headed back to prepare for the second, but larger dinner party.  After, what I think was a lovely meal, the games began. We saw some fabulous acting had loads of giggles and altogether another fabulous evening. It is now very early as we prepare for our big road trip!

The Three Old Dears

I am very excited to say that the three old dears arrived safely yesterday from their various destinations (South Africa, Canada and Barbados). And am especially excited that my first decision in trying to create the best trip ever was the right one. Having all traveled at least 12 hours, plus time differences, I thought it was a bit risky to have even a small dinner party. But I could not have been more wrong.

The three old dears would put most people half their age to shame.  They not only managed to stay awake for the late dinner start, but also managed to drink me dry (no small feat) and stay awake to some ridiculous time.  A big welcome to Di, Aunty Jillian and Aunty Janice, although we managed to cover most topics last night I am sure we will find something else to talk about over the next 18 days, so excited to have you!

Scrubbing

Well I have had quite a few visitors to Basel and I am always worried about making it special but I can say I have never felt this nervous before, it just has to be perfect!  I have been scrubbing, dusting, mopping, re-mopping for the last two days.
The place has not looked so good since, well, since the previous tenants lived here...

Everything is set up and ready to go. Now I am just anxiously awaiting all their arrivals tomorrow, from around the world! Yippee!!

Happy and Sad Canada Day

First, a big huge Happy Canada day to all my Canadian friends around the world! Secondly, a huge thank you to Patrick and Erin for hosting a great Canada Day party. And finally, and with big huge sadness farewell to Mark, who leaves Basel tomorrow bright and early for an exciting new adventure in Quito.

A great day had but now on the way home knowing that Basel will not quite be the same without high five Russo :(