Category: Europe

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The rock, the Rhine and the climb

Old Town of Koblenz

So it came to pass that the old man and I entered the Middle Rhine gorge and found ourselves at the ancient town of Koblenz on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.  My intentions are rubbery; unlike Switzerland I haven’t been here before, nor is there a set itinerary such as the recently completed wonderful Bavarian tramp.  The basic idea is to explore the sixty-odd kilometre gorge by boat, train or both.

Our lodging is modern and well appointed, with a view of the impressive edifice, Herz-Jesu Kirche (it’s an old, big Church).  The pension is situated near the old town and not far from the two aforementioned rivers; we feel upbeat about our next few days and what they will add to our already impressive cache of sightseeing features and historical learning. 

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Europe 2.0 – die Auflage 1

Presently having a break at Arthurhaus, eating a Bavarian cold meat and cheese plate accompanied by a half litre of their (current) finest – Stiegl.  It’s lunchtime.  More on this soon but first let me retrace our steps several months.

Some context seems appropriate given Europe 1.0 was still in swing as recently as twelve months ago.  Why am I back and how did that pass through supply?

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London Calling

I can smell spring! Confused?  We’re back and re-domiciled in suburban Melbourne.  This last entry is not one written from a place far away and in the modus holidayus (sic); I correspond from the kitchen table in familiar surroundings with mixed feelings of, well at least it’s Spring, tinged with a foreboding of the potential ennui brought about by the grind of routine. Continue reading “London Calling”

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The Italian Job and Other Tasks

When planning our route from Switzerland to Slovenia I had a comfortable overnight train ride in mind; you know, relax, have a couple of drinks and maybe a meal in the dining caboose, followed by a nice kip in a supine position.  Turns out we departed Lucerne at 8pm and travelled some nine hours on a bus in the style of the 703 from Blackburn and piloted by a slightly dodgy pair of Croats who treated red lights and other road rules as suggestions only. Continue reading “The Italian Job and Other Tasks”