Travel Memories
Life out of a suitcase. I don’t think anyone could have suitcases as heavy as ours on our return to New Zealand and it was a great feeling to check them in at Athens airport and say goodbye. There were a lot of children’s books and the grandchildren will be having a few history lessons coming up. Plus, the odd purchase!!. I am tired of my clothes and although they will all get tipped into the washing machine to be ready for summer and get packed again for the 2025 tours, I must remember to leave the warmer clothes behind that were never worn and took up valuable space.
Philip and I have spent time with two wonderful groups this year and it has been so rewarding. We have also spent time discussing what was the best and the disappointments over the past 3 months.
· France definitely has the best bread, but the worst coffee.
· Italy has the best coffee and the worst bread.
· Greece’s coffee was good, the bread OK but their selection of dips – especially taramsalata and aubergine were always delicious.
· Europe unquestionably has the best selection of cheese and charcuterie.
. We were happy with our hotel choices.
· The weeks in the Villa’s are always special and so much fun.
· Every meal planned and cooked by Alessandro was a treat.
· Coffee Culture is certainly everywhere, but the difference is that you rarely see a takeaway, as sitting and enjoying the company is definitely preferred.
· Fresh orange juice in Italy and Greece was a daily treat plus the Aperol Spritz on very hot days. ( of which there were alot )
· Sadly, although we walked well over 10,000 steps most days we both had a considerable weight gain.
How lucky were we to travel with the best tour groups? Enthusiastic, considerate and so much fun.
We have eaten out every day and never tire of experiencing local food. There was homework and research to be done most times and bookings were usually essential. I use the UK Daily Telegraph all the time for recommendations of restaurants and hotels. They also have very good travel articles.
Alessandro is our cooking god in the villas and it staggers me how he finds the best butcher, seafood and locally grown vegetables wherever we are.
I had a conversation with a guy from Portugal and he said they eat out for every meal. European large towns and cities are made up of people living in high-rise apartments and many look exceedingly small. Consequently, street food is cheap, delicious and quick (I am not talking about the fast food we are familiar with) Many people obviously meet family and friends. Apart from plates of chips there seemed to be very little deep frying.
Everyone is talking about climate change. The heat is extreme and rain seems to come in large dumps - rarely.
Gardeners and landscapers are creating stunning gardens with dry-loving plants that will survive with little to no water.
Farmers are having to modify and look at new systems. Solar farms, wind turbines and water storage for irrigation are being used extensively.
However, we live in a world of plastic bins !! All suited for recycling, which is very good. They line the roadsides and many are overflowing which has its issues. Greece has a long way to go with dumping on the sides of the road – and it’s sad to see the disregard for the environment.
We travel to explore and experience other cultures, their historical past, their lifestyle, their food, customs and celebration’s, their beautiful environments and architecture. Sometimes it’s challenging and can be tiring but it’s important to have an open mind to say :
Cake is Ok for breakfast in Italy, they drink beer with pizza, you buy your bread fresh sometimes twice a day in France, and eating dinner at 9 (or later) is perfect when it’s hot. Walking and public transport are how to get around in big cities.
We are back in New Zealand and the winter sunny days in Central Otago are incredible after the chilly frosty mornings. We still have some cutting back to do but there are some signs of bulbs coming through and the Spring garden won’t be too far away. I’m busy ordering seeds, and planting new fruit trees and still need to get the garlic in.
I have been planning and have confirmed the villas and most hotels for tours in 2025.
A proposed itinerary for each of the tours will be available soon. I have had many enquiries for the 2025 tours. I will accept notifications of interest in the tours by email but you do not have to confirm until I can finalise all the accommodation and budgets.
Italy: 2nd – 18th June
Umbria – Villa in Puglia - Abruzzo
France : 2nd July – 19th July
Cote d’ Azur, Villa in the Luberon Provence , Dordogne
I am having difficulty finding time for Turkey at this stage because of the European heat -however, I am considering September!!
Still looking at Victoria in April for Autumn – gardens, food and wine outside
More than happy to receive your feedback,
Judith
