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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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

Discovered graffiti in the coastal village of Cascais.

A working fishing village, it reminded me of my home town of Fremantle 

but with way more history.

We spent a wonderful day, discovering the city of Lisbon, wandering the back streets, 

soaking up the history, the monuments and architecture.

We discovered another castle!

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

Our long drive home was awash with spectacular colour.

...and at the end of our drive, our favourite forest welcomed us

home with the wonderful foliage of Autumn!