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30 Day Blogging Challenge |
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MIND KEY
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| Take the party to Miami’s waterfront with this 90-minute, evening dance cruise on Biscayne Bay. Admire Miami’s majestic skyline at night while cruising from the Bayside Marketplace to Miami Beach and back. Dance to the latest club hits and songs from a variety of musical styles — on the open-air deck or take a seat inside the air-conditioned cabin — as the resident-professional DJ spins the tunes. This family friendly party has no age minimum. Full-cash bar with beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks is available on board the boat. Woohoo! I am getting my funk on. Following Lyn around the dance floor doing her funky chicken routine- who could follow that! Packaw! Woah that skyline is sparkly, hey where's that chicken gone, 'thud' as I fall deep deep in to sleep on my hotel room floor- snore. |
| August 12th Venice http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails... We have 5 apartments so we'll be split into groups of 5 or 6 per room during our stay in this crazy city. We have a two hour tour scheduled this morning and you have the afternoon to explore on your own after lunch. we need to hook up for our dinner date. https://www.viator.com/tours/Venice/Skip... Dinner is at 7:30 this evening, the wait is going so worth it on this Gondola and Serenade and dinner experience. eel the romance of a classic Venetian experience with a serenaded gondola ride through Venice’s famed canals, capped off by dinner or lunch at a renowned local eatery. Settle into a traditional gondola boat for a 35-minute ride through the Grand Canal and some of the city’s smaller waterways, while onboard musicians provide a passionate soundtrack of Italian ballads. Savor an authentic Venetian meal at the top-rated Hostaria Ai Coristi Restaurant to conclude your enchanted evening or afternoon tour. Highlights 35-minute Venice gondola ride with serenade plus a meal Share a ride on the Grand Canal and glide down smaller canals Listen to a musician and a singer serenade you aboard one of eight gondolas in your flotilla Enjoy a two-course lunch or dinner at Hostaria Ai Coristi Restaurant Read more about Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner - Venice | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Venice/Veni... I have always wanted to go to Venice firstly after seeing, ' Don't look now' a bit scary with the dashing red coated dwarf, or I should say little person, that's what I was told they prefered to be called when I worked with several little people. Years ago I used to hang out with David Rappaport, but I don't recall him specifying. Anyhoo back to the plot, its barley thickening, secondly 'Death in Venice' a masterful film. And I must mention my hours playing tomb raider in the past- I had to guide her through the canals of Venice. It is so amazing to see this architecture up close to walk my feet on the ancient floating streets . The dark alleys, tiny bridges. I walked and walked looking for bits of film in the real. I found an out of the way spot and sat and listened and looked and felt. 'Who would like to have a go?' the gondolier asks as we float off. Lyn bravely heads for the tiller. I watch in anticipation as as Wakeupandlive gesticulates wildly in a fit of laughter and just tips Lyn, in slow motion she goes head first toward the, sad to say, dank, dark, defecated waters. Yike! I internalise as fivesixer, now obviously used to his roll of dragging women out of water, with an heroic air, leaps and intercepts Lyn's waist as it bends over the dark ripples. 'Gotchya!' He breathes. And the beat goes on, as the singer doesn't miss one and carrys on with his aria. Lyn still takes the helm and we all clap, the singer looks confused as he hasn't quite finished yet. We were all ravenous as we shuffled in to our restaurant seating. The opulence of the days surrounding sit heavy on the eye as the pasta sits heavy on the stomach 😋. |
| August 11th Quick grab your breakfast we're off for a full day adventure! Grab your swimsuits and good walking shoes. Explore the Italian Riviera on this day trip to the beautiful Cinque Terre from Florence, with transport between each small town provided. Led by a local guide, discover each fishing village by coach, train and boat, from the beaches of Monterosso to the charming streets of Riomaggiore. Stop for a swim in the turquoise waters and upgrade to include a traditional Italian lunch. Soak up all the character of this UNESCO-listed region before heading back to Florence. Highlights Full-day trip to the Cinque Terre from Florence with transport Discover the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre with your tour leader Travel between destinations by coach, train and boat Soak up the scenic views and distinct character of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Monterosso and Vernazza Enjoy a traditional lunch in quaint Monterosso, if option selected Stop off for a swim in the turquoise waters at one of the area’s beaches Read more about Cinque Terre Day Trip with Transport from Florence - Florence | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Florence/Ci... Dinner is up to you guys, if your hungry after all we've done today. I recommend the Panini Toscani or if you just want a lighter fare the Montecristo has the typical bar fare of meats and cheese platters. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-... We have to be on the train at 8 am, a two hour ride to Venice The tottering coloured buildings shuffling up the hillside are stunning. I see the light dart in and out of the closeted medieval cobbled streets, like a pursued lover. A dark robed man brushes my shoulder, as I turn he seems to half smile,a mid way emotion undecided. I dart my eyes around his face looking for clues, he looms in, his breath hot on my cheek.' You will turn seven.' Oh no, I thought,I am much older than that. My skin must look good in this light. As fast as he arrived, he leaves. At the beach I sink my mind and toes in to its texture and flow forward into the cool blue darting brightness and sparkles ensue. I lay back and wonder, what is to come. Then WakeUpandLive shoots over erratically on the jet ski. I think as I observe the wobbly trajectory,I shall drive. 'Hey, my turn!' We motor off in the distance,until a sharp turn hurls my passenger off in a most comedic manner. I stifle my laughter until I know she hasn't hurt herself or the surprised dolphin! I get back and sink down to sleep, to dream of a dream city I've always wanted to see |
| http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails... Welcome to Bassetto Guesthouse! We are located in Certaldo, in the belly button of Tuscany, a beautiful region of vineyards, olive groves and medieval towns. This is the place where you will find a true taste of Tuscany and the 'bella vita' in an authentic XIVth century setting. We are bringing Tuscany country living to the backpacking world. If you need a relaxing break from the busy cities, then we are the place for you. At Bassetto, you will be able to regather your thoughts while you relax next to our pool or swing the afternoon away in a hammock with a glass of wine in hand and then at night, you can take a walk through a garden while being surrounded by fireflies after you have had a dinner in our wine cellar. Bassetto Guesthouse was formerly a convent of Benedictine monks that was always open to pilgrims passing through. In 1998, our family opened Bassetto Guesthouse again to travelers with the same notion of hospitality as the monks centuries ago. We wanted our guesthouse to be unique in terms of setting and location, a place you would want to return to and somewhere to relax from city life. We accommodate everyone here, from the lovers on their honeymoon in our private rooms to the solo backpacker in our dorm style rooms. Our private rooms and dorms, are separated from each other across the yard, with their own both kitchens and common areas. Explore through landscapes sculpted by sunflowers, rolling hills and farms either on foot, bicycle, and horse. Day trips by train are easy from Certaldo to go exploring the big cities to see the splendors of Florence, Siena, Pisa which are mostly an hour away. We organise and run a number of activities from a fresh pasta cooking class with a local chef to day trips to San Gimignano and wine tour. When the weather is amazing, we can even take you out to Pisa for a day. Bassetto Guesthouse will always make you feel like you won’t want to leave and with our friendly staff, always able to help we are the perfect place to be in Tuscany. There is something for everyone here! We're going to take a fresh pasta making class this morning before we set off to see where Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile and Rossini are buried at the Basilica of Santa Croce and see the museum where Michelangelo's David resides https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_o... http://www.accademia.org/ after a light lunch we are going to the Boboli Gardens http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/b... We are going on late afternoon early evening horseback adventure, with our picnic baskets. We are going to see the city's beauty at sunset from an incredible advantage point. Sleep well my friends we have another busy day ahead of us. My room is truly delightful the pink checked bed spread the cosy 💺,the blue marble dressing table with white porcelain nik naks. Quick sit down and out to look around the grounds . Mmm I have found hammocksville a town I really like to hang out in. 💤 Michelangelo's David looks a bit worried- perhaps he is concerned Lyn is going to kiss him. Tee hee! Amazing gardens . I notice a small boat, I push out and lie back and look at the clear sky I shut my eyes and self cradle in the waves🙋🙋🙋 of relaxation. The sun is setting like an un wobbly orange jelly as I stuff as another mouthful of the homemade pasta some of us made earlier. This is a stunning place the work is really beautiful. |
| I can see Lyn fivesixer stood hanging on for dear life as I speed away with one of the princes 1930 Rolls Royce's -Yee ha! That's the kind of horse 🐴 combined with elegance I'm talking about. Though I'm not sure That any one person should own that many cars! The helicopter ride was so spectacular,the coast line the Mediterranean profile is so distinguished. I tried not to focus on the floating in mid air feeling compounded by the glass bottom, making my feet 👣 float and my head woozy. I love my electric bike 🚲 I think I need one for home I live in a very hilly city. I turn left down a small shaded alley. A humming came from my back pack.I pull out a glowing amber hexagon, it was the box I was given by that mysterious stranger. Why was it doing that? what is it? Is this the time I have to use it? A million questions no time to answer even one, as Lyn comes hurtling around the corner on a segway. (they'd run out of bikes she said - but I wonder) ' I thought we'd lost you.' I place the box back as the glow diminishes. The harbour was so beautiful the chink chink chink of the sailboats remind me of when I used to go sailing with my friend and her uncle. It spurred me on to take my first sailing certificate, anyone else a sailor? I enjoy another wonderful meal. I see Robert DeNiro in the corner an and I look at him, and then to sleep per chance to dream of an explanation of what is going on with that box the mysterious stranger gave me a few days ago. |
| August 8th WOW! Good pick Lyn,on the hotel front, the views are stunning from my balcony. I am loving it here, contemplation all over the place. Love the reception, I think those chandeliers are from a small design house in London,they are very distinctive. I have to say I am getting a jolly good chandelier experience this trip-I may have to join chandeliers anonymous when I get home,if I get withdrawals.😊 At the Oceanographic Museum I liked the tank with feelings best, all those squirmy stone hugging creatures in the palm of your hands. It is nice to get up close and personal rather than staring through glass🐟. One of my favourite experiences. was at the Blue Note, languid leering at the stars and non jarring jazz 🎷 in the ears but notes 🎶 unravelling harmonising with the Moon. Smell of sea and sand sinking me ,I drift off in to sweet repose. |
| Aug 7th-- Breakfast and we're off either hiking or the zoo, fielders choice, both are supposed to be incredible. At just 658 meters high, it might be surprising to learn that Pic St-Loup is one of the most beloved emblems of the city of Montpellier. After all, the Alps are not that far away. But thanks to low vegetation, impressive 300-meter-high cliffs, and a surrounding relief of just 150 meters, Pic St-Loup is very prominent and can be seen from just about everywhere in the Hérault department. It is, by definition, part of the lower end of Massif Central. Because of its micro-climate and unique flora, the mountain is a protected site and houses a thriving population of prey birds. The mountain is a very popular day trip from Montpellier for both curious tourists and serious hikers; there is an old chapel, castle ruins, a hermitage, and a symbolic cross atop the mountain. Not to mention the unobstructed panoramas, which stretch all the way from the Mediterranean Sea to the south to the Cevennes Mountains to the north. The wine produced on the low slopes of Pic St-Loup is some of the most highly-regarded terroirs in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. or take in the Zoolgigue de Montpellier if you would rather take a less strenous option but please note both require a lot of walking. I heard people getting up early but by the time I had got my self up they had left. I decided to set out and head for the hills. The air was so bracing the wind so sweeping my breath so gasping as I climbed. What was that noise? The fluffy cumulus humilis gazing by.☁ Fluffy ephemeral friends I mentally embrace you. The calm and and peace. In the distance I see two figures, one appears to be hiding from the other. Swish and swoop a great big loop and the flying beast falls, wings the size of size, yank! I am up in the sky heading fast out to sea. I shout to the people who don't see me. Wind on my face flattening my cheeks, I look up and spy a beak. At least my 👣 won't get tired. I asked the Eagle to drop me near the hostel ,luckily he spoke Eagleais which is a cross between English and French. I arrived bk refreshed and hungry. I adored the restaurant, the painted walls the generous chandelier's . I tucked in to a lobster dish and a truly delightful salad. I watched as fivesixer furtively came out from his saw hiding place under the table - this must be some new trend I missed. I will 💤 ton...ig....h.......t |
| Day 6 Hope you find some awesome photo moments! Tell us about a photo bomb moment you had today! I am just loving the air conditioning in the van but my dog 🐶 nature shows itself and I press my nose against the window howl inwardly and jump up and open the window and stick my head out and let the wind trail though my long tresses - now that's what I call living! Everyone seems to be snoozing is that Lyn drooling away over there - quick photo 📷 I feel, tee heehee! I embraced wholeheartedly the fresh sweet air in the vineyards and watching everyone getting tipsy. That's me at the bk jumping high as the owner takes a picture 📷 of ua all.😃 Oh yum totally hungry 😋 at the Empanadas club, such a lovely place to lounge around and play Star Trek Monopoly. I feel I boldly went ... I cant rem how to do the name tag for everyone Doh! Has anyone got a copy and paste list perhaps? |
| DAY 5 Wow Big Bird is so intellectual, his discourse on what is consciousness was a thing to behold and the way he ended with a musical note really said it all.. Can you tell me the way to Sesame street ...contains previously unseen profundity. I got a 🍀 lucky cat in china town and was given a small box,by a Mysterious stranger who gruffly greeted me 'ni hao', and shoved the red enameled hexagon in to my pocket. 'You will need this on your journey,you will know when.' Cripes I thought,I've always wanted to be in a mystery - hope it's not the Jessica Fletcher kind! |
| We land in Madrid on 8/2 where we all meet up at Las-Musas, We will be in Madrid until Aug. 4th then we are onto Barcelona, then Montpelier, Monaco, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris ending in London. Hope you are ready for an adventure! You get a red-eye on the 30th back to civilization. I've got things to do in each city, we are traveling by train to each location, we are staying in hostels except for one splurge in Paris where we are staying at a hotel. Your first prompt is packing your backpack and familiarizing yourself with staying at hostels. Have you ever done this before? What do you think they are like? Have you traveled in Europe before, what was it like if you have? If you haven't what are you hoping to explore? this is our first one: http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails... August 1st Prompt I have cycled lazily on a summer afternoon down English country lanes, to arrive at an old building by a river. Shown a room full of bunk beds and lots of other smelly friendly people. In the darkness I struggled to ignore a loud snore, a creak, a moan and in my head a, I wanna go home! I am looking forward to more alien sounds sights and smells(the good ones). I see from the link hostels are a far cry from what they were when I was a teenager. Can just about squeeze this toothpaste down the inside big pocket of my rucsac. Hmmm let's see what shall I do with this shoe? Ah yes, put it on my foot. My mini binoculars always handy, Swiss army knife, incredibly handy, never know when you may get stranded out in the sticks and need to whittle one. Looking forward to good coffee and chocolate in a pavement cafe in old Francais. Wanders off to accordian music and ties a red neck scarf, whilst eating an onion. Now to tackle my clothes...   |
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@ Michelangelo looking worried! It sounds like you had a great day!
