Nice (29 Sep - 30 Sep 2008)

The next day we left for Nice, France and check into Villa Saint Exupery which is a hostel and stayed there for 2 days. On the day of arrival we went to the Fruit and Flower market, but its already close and so we walked down to the sea-side. It is not a sandy beach but full of black pebbles. I chose a nice big pebble and took home for sovenir.

The following day, we took the bus to Eze Village and then to Monaco. Eze village is a 12th Century Medieval village and its perch on a hill overlooking the sea. Climbing up the village, there are lots of narrow cobbled path that leads to different part of the village. Some of houses there are converted to souvenirs shops. In front of the church is a little square shaded by olive trees and sitting on one of the benches you can see the panaromic view over the valley and into the village.

After a short tour around Eze village, we catch the next bus to Monte-Carlo. We reach Monaco just in time to see the changing of the guards and there was really a big crowd. The funny thing is, immediately after the event, everyone sort of disperse so fast and the place look empty instantly. After taking a few snaps shot, we walked to the Oceanographic Museum and took the 30 mins tours by a "train-like" bus for 7 euro each round Monaco and also around the F1 race track or shall I call race road . After the tour, we walked along the route and visit the Japanese garden and then along the port with all the yatch at the dock and then to the Monte-arlo casino.

How artistic is the phone booth?

Pisa (28 Sep - 29 Sep 2008)

This camp is the best of the three we stayed. It has a small kitchen on the front porch and a table and chairs. There is also a small fridge inside.

Left Rome around 8.00am for Pisa. We have been travelling from Calais to Rome by avoiding toll roads with no problem. In the beginning we were using non toll road and again it bring us up mountainous small roads. At the end we decided to use the toll road and find that in Italy toll road are quite cheap and there are toll booths where you can pay cash and the route was also scenic and of course, much easier to drive. So we arrive Pisa, quite early before dark and manage to go to the Leaning tower of Pisa which is just about 10 mins from where we are staying. And again we stayed with Magic Europe camping that is Camping Torre Pendente and again got 10% discount. I regretted not buying any leather handbags from here. Its really cheap.

Vatican City (26 Sep 2008)

In Rome, across the Tiber River is the Vatican City. It is the smallest country in the world with a population of 900. When we arrive at St Peter's square, the queue was so long to go into the Vatican city, so we decided just to watch from the outside. I hope to be able to go back to Rome next time and really go visit the Vatican city, but unfortunately I did not throw a coin over my shoulder into the Trevi fountain.

Rome (25 Sep - 28 Sep 2008)

Left Venice on the 25 morning and arrive in Camping Tiber late afternoon. As we stayed with Camping Fusina in Venice, we were offered 20% discount on subsequent Camping grounds with their sister's camp. The camp has a schedule bas to the nearest train station which cost only 1 euro to go into Rome. So the next morning we took the first bus to the station and then to Rome. We went for the hop on and hop off tour bus which is very reasonable because it last for 2 days. So we decided to go one round on the bus before hoping off to our which ever destination we like. So after that, our first stop was the colosseum which is an amphitheater and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It stays partially ruined due to damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attraction and still has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit procession to the amphitheatre.

Trevi Fountain is the most famous and also the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district. Legend has it if you throw a coin over your shoulder with your back to the fountain into the water you will return to Rome.

Go to Tiberina Island, i.e. a very small island in the middle of the Tiber River, cross it to the other side and on your right you will find the food here are quite reasonable. We ordered large piece of pizza for 4 euro and a 3 course meal for only 10 euro.

Venice (22 Sep to 24 Sep 2008)

As Salzburg was cold and time was also running short, we decided to skip Zurich and Milan and instead go straight south to Venice. Again we decided to use toll free roads and the GPS again took us along scenic routes up the mountains. I have no idea where we travel but we do reach Venice at around 6.00pm. In Venice we decided to stay at camping ground as parking is expensive and hotel on Venice itself is also expensive. We stayed at camp Fusina which has their own ferry services to take us across which cost only 20 euro for 3 days of unlimited used.

The route from Salzburg to Venice took us through this mountainous road. As you can see, there are snows on the mountains.

Finally in Venice.

Riding on the gondola don't have to be an expensive affair. Its a short ride, i.e. just across one of the bigger canals, and cost only 1 euro. Well, you still have the experiece of riding on a gondola.

St Mark square. This is where most of the tourist crowd. Wow, its so crowded even off season. And look at the pigeons here, they are bold and will come to hand if you have bread on it.

Salzburg (21 Sep - 22 Sep 2008)

Salzburg is just about 3 hours drive from Vienna. We left Vienna about 8 in the morning and reach Salzburg before noon. Check into the hotel and book ourselves the Sound of Music tour. I guess you know that the Sound of Music was filmed here. I love Salzburg and the place is peaceful and serene. And it got new town and old town. We are staying in the new town and across the river, within walking distance is the old part of town. Most of the activities are in the old town. There is a big square full of shops and at the same time, since we are there on Sunday, there is a flea market as well as fun fare going on.

Across the lake is one of the house used for the filming.

The gazebo in the film. Its locked so we can only see from the outside

Red Bull headquarters. We pass this when the tour took us on a scenic view on the mountains roads. It all glass and surrounded by water. Look very impressive

Must try original strudels.

Vienna (20 Sep - 21 Sep 2008)

Leaving Prague in the late morning and arrive at Vienna around 1.00pm. It was drizzling and since we planned to stay for only one night, there was no time to loose. After checking into the hotel, grab some lunch and we went to Vienna town itself. Got some brochures from the hotel and asking the front desk how to reach the centre itself. Fortunately by the time we reach Vienna town, it has stopped raining. We walked around the city looking for the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus but couldn't find any. It look like a dead town with few people around and its Saturday. I wonder whether there is somewhere, something is going on. Anyway, we explore the town ourselves and almost always end up at the Karlplatz church and that is also our landmark to go back to the hotel.

Karlplatz church in the background

Roses in someone's garden. Look like roses still blooming in Autumn

Honesty the best policy.

Everywhere you see that they put the newspaper in a plastic bag and you just drop the money on the board above. I wonder can you do that in Malaysia!