July 2011

“Bonjour, hallo, hola, ola, bok, ahoj, hei and ciao, hello” to all.

My last newsletter in February explained that Steve and I were taking an extended holiday. It’s very hard to believe that four months have passed since we left for Europe. Like most new experiences ours consisted of highs and lows, but fortunately the highs dominated.

Brief overview of our trip:

We hired a car from Paris and covered around 13000 kilometres in the 13 weeks we were away. Of course the first couple of weeks driving on the other side of the road was nervewracking for Steve, myself and the other drivers, but Steve was amazing really and coped extremely well with the huge volume of traffic, foreign road signs, angry and aggressive drivers, cyclists, motorbike riders and pedestrians.

Every country had it’s for and against but our favourite countries included Croatia, Portugal, Spain and Austria. We visited so many cities and all had their personal appeal but the favourites included Barcelona, Lagos, San Sebastian, Rome, Amsterdam, Brugge, Berlin, Innsbruuck, Vienna, Carcasonne and Dubrovnik. Without a doubt the two cities on the bottom of our list were Tivoli, [outside Rome], and Hamburg. Both were untidy and dirty, although one could see that the local authorities were attempting to change this.

Wonderful experieces included the Plitvice Lakes of Croatia and a boat trip around the Adriatic Islands of North Dalmatia in Croatia; taking the cable car to the top of the Austrian Alps in Innsbruck; a tour of the WW1 battlefields in Ypres [Belgium]; the Eifel Tower in Paris; scenic tours along the Amalfi Coast and the breathtaking Pyrenees Mountains and Rome which was absolutely fabulous. Both of us loved the underground metro systems, the major highways and the inexpensive accomodation, food, alcohol and sightseeing tours throughout Europe.

It was intersting though how our trip panned out. Steve became homesick about 6 weeks into the trip for varying reasons that included a lack of ‘normal’ routine and difficulty with culture, language and food – particularly breakfast where he would have paid anything for a piece of toast! I struggled with certain aspects too. I found the huge crowds and traffic intrusive and exhausting and the cigarette smoke was appaling, although most countries are attempting to enforce anti-smoking laws in restaurants. Both of us missed the comforts of home – family, friends, Oz food, TV with a beer/wine, and our own bed and pillow!

After 8 weeks we discussed our options and both agreed to return home early, at the end of our 13 week European leg, forgoing 4 weeks in the UK. Our decision was influenced by my extremely inflamed right knee which gradually worsened until I succumbed to a walking stick [what a sight!] and medical intervention, which led to a travel insurance claim that enabled me to fly home business class with my knee elevated.

The overall result though, is that we felt very blessed to have had a fabulous 13 week holiday but are super glad to be home in Australia, the best country ever.

Food for thought. In retrospect I have no hesitation in admitting that age was relative to our homesickness and reduced physical ability so my advice to everyone is to travel when as young as possible or, if older, for a shorter time.

Now on to business. Since our return I have undergone knee surgery from which I am recovering. While recovering I am searching for a counselling room to rent on a daily basis, so if anyone knows of a room in central Maroochydore or a little further afield, please let me know. I would really appreciate an email or a phone call if you can assist. I will send out an email when I am fit enough to work and have secured an office.

Wishing you healthy well-being “and a bright and beautiful Winter”

Shirley C.

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