Rob and Sarah Whiteman

Chatsworth with Family

Decided for our first trip out in this Foreign country to visit one of the Iconic sites of this Island realm. Chatsworth House, with its long and ancient history. The seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is set in beautiful parkland in Derbyshire. We were accompanied by Matt and his girlfriend Laura on a very lovely day in the sunshine and explored the Stately Home and it's grounds. This country has a lot to offer, even if the weather is a little unpredictable. A good day was had by all.

The journey back to the UK

Today on Saturday 28th April we began our three day trip across Europe taking us from Slovakia into the Czech Republic then on to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and finally France and Dunkirk where on Monday 30th we took the 6.00 am ferry to Dover and the rain closed in. We arrived back at Thorntons Holt campsite mid afternoon in the rain. We have now been back for a week and have had five days rain already although the sun has shone for the last two days, intermittently. Great to see the family and a few friends again after our ten and a half months away. Still a lot of family to see over the next few weeks and friends old and new to visit. We will put some pictures on the site as soon as we have some to show.

Slovakia and Piestany

We now moved onward to Slovakia and Piestany where Sarah had an appointment with the Dental Clinic. The town stands on a pretty river and was beautifully clean and tidy as all of the East European countries seem to be. We passed a group of infant school children all kitted out in reflective jackets and gloves, picking up litter in the streets. What a great age to teach them to be proud of their environment. Just see that happening in the UK, it would probably be banned by the Health and Safety department of "Do Gooders"

It seemed from talking to locals that the average wages were about 350 euro a month, and they were still smiling. Lovely people and the Clinic and staff at Dental Holidays, Dr Marek and Rob, Daniel and Natalia made us very welcome and did a great job. Would recommend them to anyone. We will definitely be returning to these countries in the very near future. The Autocamping campsite opened early, especially for us as they do not open until 1st May but the owner, Dodo and his man Martin made us very welcome.

Slovenia Hungary and Budapest

We left Venice and Italy behind us and drove through Slovenia on deserted motorways and stayed one night at a lovely site near Maribor with a ski slope in the background. The country was so clean and tidy after Italy it took your breath away. Next day took us across into Hungary and to Urom just outside Budapest.

Another lovely site and again the clean and tidy county side.

We took the bus into Budapest and then decided to be lazy and took the town bus tour around the sites. The old town is delightful with great views of the Danube and all the bridges.The Parliament building and St Matthias church with the fishermans bastion became an obsession of Robs and many pics ensued.

Tomorrow it is off to Slovakia continuing our "Whistle stop" tour on our way back to Blighty for the Summer, we hear it is as good as ever there, ie Raining and cold.

Venice and its islands

Here we are in Venice, and the sun is shining. The first day we took the vaporetta down the Grand Canal to see the sights - The Doges Palace, St Mark's Basilica, The Bridge of Sighs, The Rialto Bridge and Ca Rezzonico, just to mention a few. The whole place is fantastic, so amazing to be in a city without the noise of cars, motorcycles, etc. The quality of the artwork in all of the churches and palaces is astounding.

On the morning of the second day we visited a few more churches and then went over to the island of Murano to visit the glass museum. The afternoon was spent on the islands of Burano, (with its colourful houses) and Torcello with a visit around Santa Maria Dell Assunta founded in AD639.

Tomorrow we leave Italy after six months of Pure enjoyment, notwithstanding the awful roads in the south on our way down in September, which is why we took the ferry back from Sicily to Livorno.

Venice stands out as a highlight as it lived up to all our expectations and more. Sicily is absolutely fabulous and we will return.

So now begins the journey back to the UK via Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany and France.

Watch this space. !!!!!

Last look at the Madonie with Dave and Liane

We took Dave and Liane on a final drive around a track we had ridden back in October into the Madonie mountains. The scenery was just as good as before but we saw it with different clothes on, in its Spring gear.

Sad to think we are leaving in two days time. The five months we have been in Sicily have just flown.

We will definitely be back... SOON.

Return to Mozia

The last day of Mum and Gerry's visit took us back to the salt pans of Trapani with their windmills and the Phoenician island of Mozia. It was the ending of a glorious week with excellent company.