Day 3 – Trondheim

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Woke up this morning to the white stuff, and lots of it! Luckily we packed our salopettes so were well prepared for today’s adventure. Hopefully lost at least a stone today, it’s hard work wading through snow that is at some points up to your knees!

Trondheim was extremely quiet, considering its meant to be a student town. I think they all looked at the window and thought sod that. That for us however meant we had the place to ourselves. We visited Gamble Bybro (old town bridge) which had plenty of pretty Norwegian buildings creating reflections in the water below. The Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, was also specular against the falling snow. I decided to pretend to mess around with my camera so I could earwig on a nearby tour… Cheeky!

On our way back to Richard the sun decided to come out so we were able to capture the same photos, however this time with much better lighting.

On deck today was the tasting of local blue mussels. Anyone who knows me knows how much I hate fish, but decided to give it a go. I’ve had worse things my mouth (skips  😂) but it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. I wouldn’t rush to have another anytime soon though.

Dinner tonight was Rudolph, sorry Santa 🎅

Day 2 – Ålesund

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I survived my first night at sea! The beauty of being tight and having an inside cabin is there is no light whatsoever so I had a perfect sleep.

This morning we sailed to Ålesund which is (apparently) well known for its Art Nouveau architecture. We took the 418 steps to the Fjellstua viewpoint and although it was an absolute bitch of a climb, we were rewarded with some beautiful views across the city and the mountains.

Back down to ground level and we continued our walk and came across one of probably hundreds of churches we will see of this trip. We decided to check out another viewpoint, however when we got there it was being refurbished… Standard!

Back on board our floating home we were treated to more snow capped mountains as we left port for Molde.

Dinner tonight was of course fish 🐠 however we were able to change at least, so I was treated to a lovely bit of pork 🐷

Currently on our way to Trondheim which is one of the places I’m most looking forward to!

Goodnight… From my fold out bed!

The Norwegian adventure begins… Via the National Trust ⛴

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What do you do when you’re 4 hours early for a flight? Find the local trust and have a mooch. Luckily for us there is one just round the corner from Manchester Airport! Quarry bank site is huge so one we will definitely return to, but probably in the summer as it was a little bit dead and crispy today.

So I’m currently sat in out little cabin, or ‘cell’ as I like to call it on my fold out bed and we’ve not long set sail. Luckily dinner tonight was a buffet so I managed to avoid the array of fishy fish. Tomorrow however is when the set menu starts, therefore operation loose a stone also begins.

Berlin – Day 3 🇩🇪

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This morning we had a posh breakfast in the Käfer restaurant next to the Reischtag dome. A gorgeous 3 egg cheesy omelette to start the day, what could be better! The dome itself is a spectacular glass construction giving you fantastic views across the city.

Whilst in the area we also visited the slightly puzzling Holocaust Memorial, the suspiciously similar Homosexual memorial and the rather dead and crispy Tiergarten. We tried to hire one of the ‘Nextbikes’ however the app was slightly confusing, so to avoid another huge fine we locked it back and eventually worked out how to let the app know we had done this.

Ater warming up with a coffee (and sharing the back room with a huge tour group) we headed out to try and ride on the ‘Hi Flyer’. Unfortunately it was too windy but is definitely something we will try to so if we return.

As I wasn’t able to visit Spreepark (I have a weird love for abandoned things) we decided to visit the abandoned airport; Tempelhof Feld. For someone who spends rather a lot of time at airports, it was so exciting to be out on a runway, and something I definitely recommend doing whilst you are here as it’s so easy to get to.

This evening we had a look around the Topography of Terror. This museum is free and you could easily spend a whole day here reading everything, so make sure you put aside enough time. It is also opposite parts of the Berlin Wall.

As we have eaten food from every other cuisine we finally had some proper German food, and it was so so so good. An early night tonight (with a bottle of white) as we leave this wonderful city tomorrow.

Berlin – Day 2 🇩🇪

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This morning we travelled to Potsdam. Big thanks to a very nice man who informed us the train decided to terminate and which new one to get on! The joys of having absolutely no understanding of the language. At least we looked touristy. Had our VALID tickets checked twice today; more than happy to show them this time 😉

The sun was out and the sky was blue which is always a winner when taking photos. Potsdam was very quiet which meant we pretty much had Sanssouci Park to ourselves. Unfortunately due to the time of year (this seems to be becoming a theme) the statues and fountains were boarded up and switched off, but the palaces still looked beautiful, especially against the blue sky.

Back in Berlin we headed for the East Side Gallery. We were rather ravenous by this point so decided to grab a burger at Burgermeister which used to be the local toilet. My first burger was unfortunately hairy, but it was soon replaced and it was absolutely delicious.

Bellies full we walked the length of the East Side Gallery, an absolute must if you are here. Some of the art was questionable, but really interesting to see it all.

We then headed over to Beliner Dom and used our discount card to head to the top. After another set of heart attack steps we made it to the top in time for sunset. The views were beautiful, especially over Alexanderplatz Christmas market. It’s just a shame the city is covered in cranes.

As we were right by the Alexanderplatz market, it was rude to not stop by and grab another Glühwein and festive snack; I really loved the atmosphere at this market. I also realised how awful I am at ice skating, but I eventually managed to let go of the sides!

 

 

Berlin – Day 1 🇩🇪

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A very early start this morning (2am!) for an easy run to the airport. Oh no! Stuck on the delightful M5 for what felt like forever, and we hadn’t even got to Droitwich!

After a few technical issues with the plane (why can’t our trips ever run smoothly) we arrived in Berlin. We dumped our cases at the hotel and headed off for our first tourist attraction; Charlottenburg Palace. After reading the reviews on Trip Advisor we expected the gardens to be empty shells of trees and dried up water fountains, however we were pleasantly surprised. There was still lots of Autumn colours and beautiful reflection shots.

Following this we had an unexpected detour to the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1936 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately we didn’t have much time here as it was about to close, but it was amazing to have the stadium all to ourselves, even though we did get a bollocking for being in the wrong bit.

On our way back to the hotel for our first wee of the day we went through our first experience of a proper German market, and it was beautiful. So many people enjoying all the delicious food and drink on offer. We also stopped off at the Ritter Sports shop; a chocolate lovers haven and so so cheap! I have already scoffed a whole bar. Definitely worth a visit.

After a cheeky charge we headed back out to experience the markets at night. After doing some research we started at the Potsdamer Platz Market; however there wasn’t actually much atmosphere here and decided to quickly move on to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market. This will set you back a whole Euro, but is definitely worth it. Carol singers, Glühwein and Langos (which I discovered in Budapest and is one of the best things to put in your mouth) perfect end to a long but lovely day.

 

Stonehenge

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Today we drove to see the famous stone circle; Stonehenge. Considering it was November, the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was so hot at one point, the coats came off! Something to bear in mind, if you are English National Trust members, you get in for free! Just remember to pre-book.

It’s quite a long walk (just under 2 miles) from the car park up to the stones, so for those who don’t fancy it there is a free shuttle bus. If you don’t mind the walk, you can either follow the road or walk through the neighbouring fields.

As we were incredibly lucky with the weather, the stones looked even more impressive againt the vivid blue sky. Unfortunately you can’t go right up to them but you can get close enough to really appreciate the scale of them. There is so much history here and you can learn about it from guidebooks, audioguides or reading the array of boards around the site.

Obviously after our long walk we had to sample the cafe. My advice is to take your own! Unfortunately is was very busy, very overpriced and very dirty tables. Although it was nice food, it’s not worth the price tag.

Whilst in the area it’s worth checking out the other English Heritage area; Woodhenge. About 10/15 minute drive from Stonehenge it’s another atmospheric Neolithic site. There isn’t much here but if time allows you to, come at sunset as the area looks much more dramatic. The parking is free, although not much of it.

Jackson to Salt Lake City

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Unfortunately the adventure has come to an end and today we’ve travelled back to the airport 😥

Along the way we were treated to our final lot of beautiful fall scenery. First stop was Afton (WY) with the World’s largest Elkhorn arch. We visited the local chocolate shop, however decided not to pay $16 for 2 bits of fudge!!

We stopped off at a view point of Bear Lake, also known as the Carribean of the Rockies. The photos don’t do the vivid blue of the water justice.

Final stop was in Logan for a posh sandwich before arriving in SLC airport. Hopefully the plane snacks will be as epic as the way out and I can finally finish Pretty Woman!

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

He’s found the airport pub (obvs) for a final IPA before the diet starts.

 

Tetons to Jackson

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Another chilly start to the day as we headed back into Yellowstone as a cut-through for the Tetons. We stopped off at West Thumb which is beautiful and well worth the visit. It sits alongside the Yellowstone River and features the Abyss Pool which is approx 53ft deep and is that gorgeous shade of blue that you see on all of the photos.

After leaving the South Side of Yellowstone we headed through Teton National Park on our way to Jackson. The mountain range is stunning; especially with the clear sky and fall colours surrounding them. We had a couple of stops along the way, including the Oxbow Bend and the site where ‘Shane’ was filmed (nope.. Never heard of it either!!) Some more lovely photos to add to my ever expanding collection.

After exiting Teton NP we arrived in Jackson. Right by our hotel is part of the ski slopes (just over 3 months til my ski holiday 😉) and it was lovely to watch all the biker’s do their thing on the mountain. It’s a lovely town full of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as the Elk Antler Arches at each corner in the centre. We even treated ourselves to an ice cream as the sun was out.

Dinner tonight was in the Snake River Brewery. Took on the American sized burger and ginge won the battle. Now feeling incredibly fat.

It’s our last day tomorrow which will be mostly filled with travel as we head back to Salt Lake City for our flight home tomorrow evening.

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Santa has had far too many of ‘Rob Still Sucks’ I’m feeling a night of snoring coming on……

 

Yellowstone National Park

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I am beyond sunburnt today! If this place isn’t on your bucket list.. Get it on there right now! The park is 3500 sq miles so you will find so much to see; from the vivid colours of the many pools, the erupting displays of the Geysers and the abundance of wildlife. It is an outdoor lovers paradise (if only it was National Trust!)

On our way into the park we were incredibly lucky to pass an enormous buffalo herd and there was hundreds on them. What a privilege to see these fantastic animals and their calves in their own environment.

We visited the Fountain Paint Pot area, famous for its reds, yellows and browns. The Grand Prismatic Spring famous for being the largest hot spring in the US and the third largest in the world. And finally the area surrounding Old Faithful.

When we arrived at Old Faithful it was a good hour or so before it was due to erupt. I would recommend going to see the Castle Geyser, about a 15 minute walk from OF. You can get so close to it and it erupts for ages, giving you enough chance to get some photos then actually stand back and watch it in all its glory.

We decided to do things a little bit differently with OF and if you’re able to walk uphill over rocks, trees and other obstacles then I would recommend going to the observation point. I’ll admit the walk was a bit of a bitch, the elevation and thin air made me feel like I was about to have a heart attack!! But stick with it as your are rewarded with the most fantastic views. Whilst watching OF I heard some rustling, and just to the side of us was a Coyote, how amazing! He was very obliging and posed for a photo.

As the group we were with wanted to go back to West Yellowstone town centre and we didn’t (typical) we were dropped off at Madison River and began the 5 mile walk back to the hotel. Again we were treated to more gorgeous colours from the river and the mountain backdrop and it was amazing to be outdoors with all the nature.

I shall sleep well tonight!!

TTFN x

SANTA’S SESH 🎅

Had a couple of beers in the Slippery Otter, best beer selection of the holiday. Got to watch a game of football on the TV, what more could you want.