Saturday 7 November 2015

Favourite things about living smack bang in the middle of Europe

One of my favourite things about living smack bang in the middle of Europe..is a family road trip! 
Pack the car, jump in and head off on an adventure. 
We have had weekends in Prague, been to Berlin for a concert, 
gone into France for Lunch and have just returned
 from a fabulous ten day, 5000 kilometre, four country holiday.
I come from the most isolated city in the world, Perth, Western Australia
where it is over 1500 kilometres just to drive out of our state. 
To discover other countries, cultures and food on the road is such a treat!

Aussies on a road trip

First stop was Paris, our eldest daughter had never been and we could not possibly move back to Australia without a family day in Paris.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

It was my birthday, and what better treat than Laduree Macarons under the Eiffel Tower!

Laduree Macarons, Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Next stop was Bordeaux, what a fantastic city which we would have missed if we had just flown to our final destination...beautiful blue skies greeted us.
We walked the streets, had a Bordeaux...or two...in Bordeaux.


When in France, eat macarons...the Creme Brulee macaron in Bordeaux was exceptional!

Creme Brulee Macaron, Bordeaux, France

We discovered the Best. Market. Ever! 
Marche de Quais, so much fresh, local produce, vibrant, alive.
Six freshly shucked oysters and a glass of white wine for €6...yes please.
Locals shopping for the freshest veggies, meat prepared to order, the most gorgeous seafood. 
Lots of tapas, crepes and local treats on offer!

Marche de Quais, Bordeaux, France

Next stop was San Sebastian, Spain!
None of us had ever been to Spain before so it was wonderful to discover a new culture together, 
so lovely wandering around the old town.

San Sebastian, Spain

Stopping off at tapas bars for some taste sensations, soaking up the atmosphere.

Tapas heaven, San Sebastian, Spain

Small morsels of Pintxos/tapas to delight the taste buds!

Tapas heaven, San Sebastian, Spain

A stunning place to reawaken the senses after a long drive, 
there is nothing like the smell of salt in the air to make you feel alive.
San Sebastian, you have made me want to return to Spain and explore... 
I will return for longer than a day next time!

San Sebastian, Spain

Our final destination...Lisbon, Portugal.
Our friends had just moved there and considering both families had previously met up in six other countries, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, England, China and Germany, 
we just had to add Portugal to the list.

We scored a second summer, warm days full of sunshine and blue skies.
So much rich history to discover, friendly locals.

Belem Tower, Lisbon, Portugal

Amazing fresh food, this still warm from the oven, Portuguese Custard Tart
was absolutely divine, I may have sampled a few of these in my time in Lisbon.
It would be rude not to!

Portuguese Custard Tart, Sintra, Portugal

I may have sampled a local wine, with a view!

Wine with a View, Belem, Portugal

Discovered graffiti in the coastal village of Cascais.

Graffiti Cascais, Portugal

A working fishing village, it reminded me of my home town of Fremantle 
but with way more history.

Boat, Cascais, Portugal

Harbour, Cascais, Portugal

We spent a wonderful day, discovering the city of Lisbon, wandering the back streets, 
soaking up the history, the monuments and architecture.

Lisbon Street, Portugal

We discovered another castle!

Saint George's Castle, Lisbon, Portugal

We enjoyed gazing over the beautiful city of Lisbon, vowed to return.

Lisbon, Portugal

Our long drive home was awash with spectacular colour.

Autumn Leaves, France

...and at the end of our drive, our favourite forest welcomed us
home with the wonderful foliage of Autumn!

Autumn Leaves, Frankfurt, Germany

6 comments:

  1. So fun, so wonderful! Miss you all. xoxo

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  2. Utterly, utterly fabulous - and I'm off to Lisbon in a few days so any 'must sees' are welcome!!

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    1. Oh Emma...you will fall in love with Lisbon! Just walking the streets is a treat, cobblestones in patterns, incredible tiles on the walls, monuments and fountains everywhere. The walk to the castle is so interesting when you walk the back streets. The view from the castle is incredible. Cascais was nice, so good to put our feet in the sea, watch the fishermen tending their nets! Sintra and the palace were amazing..the tile work in the palace...wow! Belem tower, the Monastery and surrounds is stunning, so much to see ...and the best place for custard tarts...Pasteis de Belem..ignore the crowds, go in and have one..or two..or three. We 'may' have popped back to buy some for our road trip home ;) #15 tram gets you to Belem from Lisbon. Enjoy!

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  3. Well, that was a whirlwind tour! Have yet to see any of those places. One day!

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    1. It was a whirlwind...and worth every minute...though not quite long enough! Will have to return!

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