28 August 2006
Köln Versus Düsseldorf
I wanted to tell you all something about Cologne (Köln) and Düsseldorf, where Johnny and Edda live. There is VERY fierce rivalry between these 2 cities, much more so than between say, Perth and Melbourne. Nowhere is this better illustrated than their two beers. In Düseldorf there are many brands including from microbreweries, of a beer called "alt" - meaning "old". Its a nice, darkish, malty ale, and is always served in a short, squat 200ml glass. In Köln there are many brands of a beer called "kölsch" (pronounced 'kerlsh' - yes OK Edda, not quite, but close enough for Australians), which is a much lighter coloured, more bitter ale, always served in a tall, straight 200ml glass. Although Köln (pop 1M) and Düsseldorf (pop 0.6M) are only 50km apart, with the outskirst virtually touching, you CANNOT buy an alt in Köln, or a kölsch in Düsseldorf. In fact, at the big international beer festival in Köln we went to on Saturday, they had beers from all over Germany, Europe and the world (including Australian Hahn, Boags etc) in the 80 or so vendor's stalls. But you could NOT buy an alt from neighbouring Düsseldorf!
Although Johnny and Edda live in Düsseldorf, Edda used to live in Köln and considers herself a Kölner, and refuses to drink alt. Me, I think I prefer the kölsch too.
Edda pointing to her favourite beer, a Kölsch on the right, an alt is on the left. Its better on tap and served in the appropriate glass, but you can also buy in bottles like these.
As Johnny says, Düsseldorf is loved by Düsseldorfers for its architecture and cityscape (see photo of apartment buildings at the harbourfront area), and Köln by Kölners for its culture and lifestyle (or 'mood'). Fascinating stuff.
Düsseldorf cityscape
Although Johnny and Edda live in Düsseldorf, Edda used to live in Köln and considers herself a Kölner, and refuses to drink alt. Me, I think I prefer the kölsch too.
Edda pointing to her favourite beer, a Kölsch on the right, an alt is on the left. Its better on tap and served in the appropriate glass, but you can also buy in bottles like these.
As Johnny says, Düsseldorf is loved by Düsseldorfers for its architecture and cityscape (see photo of apartment buildings at the harbourfront area), and Köln by Kölners for its culture and lifestyle (or 'mood'). Fascinating stuff.
Düsseldorf cityscape
27 August 2006
Photo Update
These are a couple of photos I wanted to add yesterday but couldn´t get them from my camera.
First a random shot from along the Rhine.
Edda and Johnny in their apartment with two of their stick insects.
First a random shot from along the Rhine.
Edda and Johnny in their apartment with two of their stick insects.
23 August 2006
Germany at Last
Finally an update, sorry to all you fans out there who are checking this blog every hour :-).
We made it to Germay. There was an early morning downpour in Dublin when we had to catch the airport bus, and there was no shelter at the bus stop (very pleasant when you are also carrying your luggage). Dublin Airport was absolutely packed to the gunnels, but we made it. A wonderful welcome at Frankfurt airport by Bruni holding up a sign she had made up welcoming us. The Bruni and Dieter proceeded to treat us like honoured guests in their beautiful home in a suburb of Bad Homburg. They even had an Aussie flag flying from their flagpole to welcome us. But the best was yet to come, a fantastic suprise awaited us the next day, when we went down to a marina on the Main (pronounced "mine") River in Frankfurt, and boarded their beautiful 22 ft motor yacht Kapingamarangi for a 3 day cruise up this beautiful, big working river to the beautiful city of Aschaffenburg and back. What a privilage, and thank you so much Bruni and Dieter!
Note the flag, plus the Renault campervan
Johannesburg Castle (Schloß)
We are now on the road in Bruni and Dieter's campervan (wohnmobile), stocked up, again very generously with supplies including food, wine and beer, plus 2 bicycles, from Bruni & Dieter. We have driven along the tight narrow roads along the Rhine River through beautiful villages and riesling vinyards and heaps of castles for the past few days, which has been an amazing sight.
But now we are in Dusseldorf, staying with Johnny and Edda in their apartment. It is fantastic to be here, although we really only travelled together for 4 or 5 days in Malaysia in 2004, it is like we have never been apart. Last night we went into the city and drank beer on the banks of the Rhine, and in the famed "Longest Bar in the World - die Längste Theke der Welt". We finished the night and early morning by dancing in the very cool Pretty Vacant underground indie nightclub. They even played indie Aussie band The Gossip, I was impressed.
Today we will be visiting neighbouring Cologne, or Köln, including the famous cathedral etc, oh, and they just happen to have a beer festival on today!
Oh, I have been reminded to say that we miss Blake and Gemma (and Leo), but understand they couldn`t come with us because they have other commitments!
We made it to Germay. There was an early morning downpour in Dublin when we had to catch the airport bus, and there was no shelter at the bus stop (very pleasant when you are also carrying your luggage). Dublin Airport was absolutely packed to the gunnels, but we made it. A wonderful welcome at Frankfurt airport by Bruni holding up a sign she had made up welcoming us. The Bruni and Dieter proceeded to treat us like honoured guests in their beautiful home in a suburb of Bad Homburg. They even had an Aussie flag flying from their flagpole to welcome us. But the best was yet to come, a fantastic suprise awaited us the next day, when we went down to a marina on the Main (pronounced "mine") River in Frankfurt, and boarded their beautiful 22 ft motor yacht Kapingamarangi for a 3 day cruise up this beautiful, big working river to the beautiful city of Aschaffenburg and back. What a privilage, and thank you so much Bruni and Dieter!
Note the flag, plus the Renault campervan
Johannesburg Castle (Schloß)
We are now on the road in Bruni and Dieter's campervan (wohnmobile), stocked up, again very generously with supplies including food, wine and beer, plus 2 bicycles, from Bruni & Dieter. We have driven along the tight narrow roads along the Rhine River through beautiful villages and riesling vinyards and heaps of castles for the past few days, which has been an amazing sight.
But now we are in Dusseldorf, staying with Johnny and Edda in their apartment. It is fantastic to be here, although we really only travelled together for 4 or 5 days in Malaysia in 2004, it is like we have never been apart. Last night we went into the city and drank beer on the banks of the Rhine, and in the famed "Longest Bar in the World - die Längste Theke der Welt". We finished the night and early morning by dancing in the very cool Pretty Vacant underground indie nightclub. They even played indie Aussie band The Gossip, I was impressed.
Today we will be visiting neighbouring Cologne, or Köln, including the famous cathedral etc, oh, and they just happen to have a beer festival on today!
Oh, I have been reminded to say that we miss Blake and Gemma (and Leo), but understand they couldn`t come with us because they have other commitments!
18 August 2006
Sorry if We're Boring You...
...But judging by the number of comments, this is all a bit dull for most people. Come on, give us some comments you guys! (thanks to those that have already done so.)
We got the flight to Cork in Ireland from Liverpool OK, given the current UK airports security scare. We were able to take a small carry-on bag by then, but we still all had to remove our belts, shoes and everything from our pockets to go through. A bit of a jam!
Ireland has been great, we spent a great boozy night with Will (from work) and Lisa and their friends in Cork. I have developed a taste for Irish stout, in particular Murphy's Draught but also Guinness of course.
We picked up the car and on Tuesday we negotiated the narrow Irish roads and "highways" out west first to Blarney Castle and on to the Dingle peninsular, which is spectacular as you can see in the photo. A FANTASTIC drive, lots of turns, constant gear changes, while surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable! Anderoo would have loved that drive :-)
The next day (Wednesday) we spent searching for some of Gail's roots (no not THOSE ones ;-) ) around the tiny village of Ballynahinch in County Limerick. It was agreat excuse to get off the main roads and see some back blocks of rural Ireland. We even had a cup of tea and a scone in the farmhouse of old Mrs Collins near the tiny village (she was an old family friend of one leg of Gail's family). We serched for gravestones and for property and other links. It was very enjoyable, but only partly fruitful.
Yesterday we arrived in Dublin and are staying until tomorrow morning in a hostel in the centre of the lively Temple Bar area on the south bank of the River Liffey. It is a great scene, but boy, is Ireland expensive - our budget is taking a bit of a beating here. The Guiness "factory" tour was very, very good (see photo), especially as everyone ends up with a pint of Guinness at the end (for me that means 2), to drink from the 7th floor glass observatory bar with fantastic views over Dublin.
We fly very early tomorrow morning to Frankfurt in Germany to meet Bruni and Dieter and to pick up their campervan. We are very excited! So, until then...
We got the flight to Cork in Ireland from Liverpool OK, given the current UK airports security scare. We were able to take a small carry-on bag by then, but we still all had to remove our belts, shoes and everything from our pockets to go through. A bit of a jam!
Ireland has been great, we spent a great boozy night with Will (from work) and Lisa and their friends in Cork. I have developed a taste for Irish stout, in particular Murphy's Draught but also Guinness of course.
We picked up the car and on Tuesday we negotiated the narrow Irish roads and "highways" out west first to Blarney Castle and on to the Dingle peninsular, which is spectacular as you can see in the photo. A FANTASTIC drive, lots of turns, constant gear changes, while surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable! Anderoo would have loved that drive :-)
The next day (Wednesday) we spent searching for some of Gail's roots (no not THOSE ones ;-) ) around the tiny village of Ballynahinch in County Limerick. It was agreat excuse to get off the main roads and see some back blocks of rural Ireland. We even had a cup of tea and a scone in the farmhouse of old Mrs Collins near the tiny village (she was an old family friend of one leg of Gail's family). We serched for gravestones and for property and other links. It was very enjoyable, but only partly fruitful.Yesterday we arrived in Dublin and are staying until tomorrow morning in a hostel in the centre of the lively Temple Bar area on the south bank of the River Liffey. It is a great scene, but boy, is Ireland expensive - our budget is taking a bit of a beating here. The Guiness "factory" tour was very, very good (see photo), especially as everyone ends up with a pint of Guinness at the end (for me that means 2), to drink from the 7th floor glass observatory bar with fantastic views over Dublin.
We fly very early tomorrow morning to Frankfurt in Germany to meet Bruni and Dieter and to pick up their campervan. We are very excited! So, until then...
13 August 2006
Sheffield - Chester
We spent a GREAT time in Sheffield with my sister-in-law Rachel's sister Sue and husband Rae's place. It was fantastic because Rae took us for a brief tour around the Peak district (see photo), had some great food and spent a really nice evening at the local pub with their friends - I was a bit hung over this morning, especially after also finding our way through a big magnum bottle of 1999 Tim Adams shiraz!
We are in Chester right now, we even had a BBQ for dinner with our friend Tanya's partner Graeme in their amazing house on the Dee River (see photo). Graeme of course is an expat Aussie like Tanya.
Off for a day trip to Liverpool tomorrow with Graeme, and back again the next day to fly(?) to Cork in Ireland. The craziness with the hand luggage thing has died down a bit, but you still can't carry anying other than passports and wallets on board. It means we have to trust them with our cameras, my PDA and iAudio MP3 player in the hold!
We are in Chester right now, we even had a BBQ for dinner with our friend Tanya's partner Graeme in their amazing house on the Dee River (see photo). Graeme of course is an expat Aussie like Tanya. Off for a day trip to Liverpool tomorrow with Graeme, and back again the next day to fly(?) to Cork in Ireland. The craziness with the hand luggage thing has died down a bit, but you still can't carry anying other than passports and wallets on board. It means we have to trust them with our cameras, my PDA and iAudio MP3 player in the hold!11 August 2006
The Bath at Bath
The new Thermae Bath Spa at Bath finally opened a few days ago after nearly 3 years of delays. We could not resist being amongst the first IN THE WORLD to experience the same thermal spring water source the Romans used nearly 2000 years ago. Gail, Ian and Lisa in the rooftop thermal pool at Thermae.
10 August 2006
More photos
Gail with Lily, Nick (right) and Zena's friends Fiona, Phil and Helen at the wine bar in Oxford.
Lily and Nick's narrowboat Rye on one of the Oxford canals. The towpath, where horses used to tow these once-working boats, runs parallel alngside as you can see.
09 August 2006
Tow Path Tales
Wed 9 Aug 10am.
We have made it to sunny Bath in SW England, and are staying with Lisa Davey, a very old friend... well, the friendship is old, not necessarily Lisa! We met Lisa when Gail and I first traveled to Nepal in 1991 and have kept in contact ever since. So, we haven't seen each other for 14 years! It has been like we just parted a few months ago, we've had loads of fun, interspersed with our own private walking tour of historic Bath. She has a great Victorian terraced house, walking distance from the centre of Bath. We'll spend the next couple of days here and head on up to Sheffield this Friday.
Prior to Bath we spent a few nights in Oxford, staying with Carrie's sister Lily and her husband Nick, and their gorgeous 11 week old baby girl Zena. Zena is just like her older cousin Maddy was; all she seems to do is sleep or lie quietly and placidly. 11 weeks old and sleeping all night and waking at 8am: it's not natural! Below is a photo of us on Lily and Nick's narrowboat home on the Oxford canal.
I&G.
We have made it to sunny Bath in SW England, and are staying with Lisa Davey, a very old friend... well, the friendship is old, not necessarily Lisa! We met Lisa when Gail and I first traveled to Nepal in 1991 and have kept in contact ever since. So, we haven't seen each other for 14 years! It has been like we just parted a few months ago, we've had loads of fun, interspersed with our own private walking tour of historic Bath. She has a great Victorian terraced house, walking distance from the centre of Bath. We'll spend the next couple of days here and head on up to Sheffield this Friday.
Prior to Bath we spent a few nights in Oxford, staying with Carrie's sister Lily and her husband Nick, and their gorgeous 11 week old baby girl Zena. Zena is just like her older cousin Maddy was; all she seems to do is sleep or lie quietly and placidly. 11 weeks old and sleeping all night and waking at 8am: it's not natural! Below is a photo of us on Lily and Nick's narrowboat home on the Oxford canal.
It was great staying with them, such a great experience spending time on their huge converted narrowboat and meeting some of their friends Fiona & Phil, and Helen. We all went to a great new wine bar in town and had a great night drinking and chatting before getting chucked out at closing time. Lily and Zena took us for a personal tour of amazing Oxford the next day. It is such an unnecessarily beautiful city! No wonder Oxford graduates leave with a sense of superiority, when you see the austere opulence and history of Christ Church, Trinity and the other uni colleges. Lily is on maternity leave from her job at the Oxford Uni Botanical Gardens, so we got a personal tour through these as well, which are both beautiful and informative.
Today we are going to absorb some more of Bath's great character and history, and tomorrow we are going to ride some bikes to more distant sights, inluding some local hills to view Bath in its glory.
I&G.
05 August 2006
Beefeater, London Tower
London Town
We have been really lucky with the weather in London. Only one small shower after we came out of the pub on Wednesday night, other than that it has been fine; sunny even! So our sightseeing has been manic, and we have ticked the boxes for most of the well known attractions. We have to be careful we don't overdo the museums and galleries, but they are so great its hard to resist. We have been interspersing them with treading the boards of Soho, Picadilly, Knightsbridge, and tasting great ales.
Last night we had dinner with Steven and Rachel's friend Vince Morse and his partner Ellie in the restaurant of the pub he owns (in which his flat we are staying in is also located - see photo). It was great, had some great wine and even better food. Wonderful gravlax for entree and slow cooked lamb for main.
Tonight we've decided on Indian for dinner, somewhere in Soho. We have had pub meals the last three nights (including the gastropub meal with Vince and Ellie last night). Yep, food's more expensive, but we expected that.
I had been hoping to find free Wifi hotspots in London where I could sit, say in a cafe, and go online to check email and update this blog for free. I was able to do that in Perth, but I haven't been able to here. Plenty of hotspots, but they are all either firewalled or are pay-as-you-go services. Oh well, this internet cafe off Leicester Square will have to do.
We can't wait to see you guys too, Johnny&Edda.
Hope Wannamal was nice, M&D.
Ray, I don't geddit!
02 August 2006
In London, Still
Made it! London is great, manic and crazy, and of course just a bit different, but awesome. Although totally eaxhausted after arriving 5am on Tuesday, we couldn't resist heading into the city to check it out after moving into our room at Steven's best mate Vince's flat in Ealing. We dragged ourselves back to Ealing by 9pm (5am Perth time).
An obvious photo...
