Well its taken me 49 years but I am finally preparing to visit all the places I have dreamt of in Europe......most of my friends went in their 20's but I focussed on nursing. I will be flying out in about a months time and am excited, exhilerated and ever so slightly nervous...will everything live up to my long held dreams??? we will have to wait and see but I will share my travels with you all.

April 4 I left Australia for my first ever long haul flight. Done the 8-10 hour flights before but never a 20+ hour trip. Given I dont like flying I think I managed remarkably well.

Arrived at Heathrow...HUGE...thank heavens I had someone to pick me up!!!

Am in the UK for 2 weeks before I set off around Europe. Been to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge this week. Met some wonderful people so have a good feeling about this trip.....

April 18- the start of the big European adventure. Must say the 4.30am start was a rude awakening!!! The white cliffs of Dover were not so white....we think due to volcanic ash drifting south. Planes still grounded so we are all happy we are depending on buses. Arrived in PARIS and could hardly contain my excitment. I've dreamed for 40 years to se the Eiffel Tower and now I HAVE FINALLY DONE IT.....both daytime and nighttime....cant describe the feelings, maybe the tears in my eyes told more that I could verbalise.
The Louvre- what can I say that has not been put far more eloquently by others.
The Champs Eleysee- so surreal driving down to the Arc de Triomphe. I simply adored Paris and could have stayed much longer but the tour is off to Avignon.
The countryside heading towards Avignon was truly beautiful.
Barcelona rocks - you can feel the vibrancy and spirit of the people. Flamenco dancing was enthralling. I must see more of Spain.
Nice was nice but the hidden gem was the medieval village of St Paul de Vence. What a magical place, cobblestone streets and alleyways, artwork everywhere you looked in all forms and the lovliest little church where I lit a candle in memory of my Dad. I could have stayed much longer but the tour awaits and its off to the Fragonard perfumery. Dangerous place for me....spent a fortune on their gorgeous scents. Had dinner at a magnificent restaurant overlooking St Paul de Vence and the valley below.
We said farewelll to France and headed into Italy. First stop- the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Biggest surprise for me was that it was surrounded by other buildings as I'd always imagined it to be standing alone.
Florence
Rome
Venice
Vienna
Innsbruck
Salzburg
Lucerne
Need to get my travel notes out to fill in the rest of this diary entry- so many memories to share......

• Travelling Europe
• culture
• adventure