High Speed Trains and Slow Food – Italy and France by Train Part 4: Foodie Florence

After a joyous few days in Venice we hopped back on a high speed train bound for Florence. Although our impression was somewhat sullied by the tour group crowds and hostile locals we enjoyed some delicious food, delightful views and exquisite artwork. Hopefully you feel our sense of wonder and frustration in this section of the the Trip Report. Continue reading High Speed Trains and Slow Food – Italy and France by Train Part 4: Foodie Florence

High Speed Trains and Slow Food – Italy and France by Train Part 2: The Miracle in Milan

We arrived in to Milan’s magnificently grand Centrale station to dark clouds that never lifted for more than the briefest of moments during our time in Milan. That said, the beautiful buildings and delicious dining we experienced certainly lifted the spirits. Continue reading High Speed Trains and Slow Food – Italy and France by Train Part 2: The Miracle in Milan

High Speed Trains and Slow Food – Italy and France by Train: Intro The Trip to France

Introduction And Planning It was 2016 and in May of that year by hook or by crook Anne-So and I were about to celebrate a significant anniversary. It was also a round birthday for Anne-So’s now late mother. That meant that we’d have to combine the two events and as much as I was reluctant to do so at the time, I’m gladder and gladder … Continue reading High Speed Trains and Slow Food – Italy and France by Train: Intro The Trip to France

A Last Minute Bargain To Budapest Part 4: Hills, Photography and Home

Our final day in Budapest began with delicious deep-fried langos from the Great Market. After fuelling up we headed for the Gellert Hills and were wowed by the panoramic view of the City. Before hopping on the plane home we sneaked in Mai Mano House Gallery and the Robert Capa Gallery. The trip finished in the airport lounge sipping Palinka and Unicum for one last blast of beautiful Budapest. Continue reading A Last Minute Bargain To Budapest Part 4: Hills, Photography and Home

A Last Minute Bargain To Budapest Part 3: The City, Old and New

For our second full day in Budapest we decided to liven things up and that wasn’t just by starting out with a full strength coffee! We spent the morning at the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica before visiting the Buda Castle Complex and enjoying the view over the Danube. After a rustic and hearty Hungarian lunch we took a tour of the iconic Parliament building, where we worked up an appetite for some modern Hungarian fine dining at Laci Konyha. What a day! Continue reading A Last Minute Bargain To Budapest Part 3: The City, Old and New

A Last Minute Bargain To Budapest Part 2: Food, Wine and Religion

It was our first full day in beautiful Budapest and we used the morning to get acclimatised. We started off our day at the glorious neoclassical Hungarian National Museum and followed it up with a guided tour of the stunning Great Synagogue. Our afternoon was all about food and drink, some cheap local fare for lunch and a glorious wine tasting to finish off a wonderful day! Continue reading A Last Minute Bargain To Budapest Part 2: Food, Wine and Religion

Coffee In Catalonia Part 4: The Englishman That Went Up A Hill Then Got On Some Fast Trains

It was our last day in Barcelona and we wanted to see it all before our high speed escape by rail. So we did the only logical thing and took the cable car up to the top of Montjuic and lorded it over the magnificent city one last time! Continue reading Coffee In Catalonia Part 4: The Englishman That Went Up A Hill Then Got On Some Fast Trains

A Cheapskate’s Luxury Weekend in Prague Part 4: The King Of The Castle Plans His Retreat

Our final day in Prague began with an epic Italian breakfast at La Bottega Bistroteka that fuelled us up for a mammoth morning of sightseeing. We started our walk to Prague Castle by crossing the Charles Bridge and heading up the hill to the summit. After a leisurely stroll through St. Vitus Cathedral and the castle complex we took the scenic route back down the hill and through the old town for a locally inspired lunch of sausages and trdelnik.

It was then sadly time to head home in Business Class with British Airways which featured one of the weakest in-flight meals I’ve ever eaten. Continue reading A Cheapskate’s Luxury Weekend in Prague Part 4: The King Of The Castle Plans His Retreat

Flying My First Inaugural – London to Ljubljana Part 5: Last Day In Ljubljana

Truth be told we were exhausted from the previous day of sightseeing and face stuffing so enjoying a good nights sleep was an easy enough affair. After getting washed and dressed it was time for breakfast. We popped into the wonderful looking lifts and walked past reception, the barbers shop a handful of conference rooms and into the sister uHotel (as it is now called) … Continue reading Flying My First Inaugural – London to Ljubljana Part 5: Last Day In Ljubljana