#happygappy

This beautiful coastal land, and the set of many scenes from Game of Thrones, spoiled us with its with its spectacular views and seascapes. The beaches in Split were wild and salty and the pace at which cocktails were consumed made for an experience like no other. Days were spent on the beaches or walking around the town, among the reck and ruin of the old city. We made our way south toward Dubrovnik by bus and experienced a place beyond dreams. Our time spent in the old city, at the beaches and kayaking around Lokrum island were magical. Croatia, with its love of everything to do with the ocean and views that literally take your breath away, has been placed back on my bucket list because I have in no way seen enough of this amazing country and am in dire need of another trip.

After an unplanned overnight stop in the very pretty coastal town of Genoa, we heading for Cinque Terre where 3 travelers shortly became 5. The tiny town of Riomaggiore became out home and the next three days consisted of visiting the other 4 towns, plenty of cliff jumping, swimming, tanning, hiking and box wine. Gelato was always in mind and we made sure the closest shop was never far away. After relaxing on the beaches and swimming off the Italian coast we made our way to Florence and to a campsite with the best view of the city that climbing towers to see the sights became very quickly unnecessary. Exploring the city and yet more gelato shops turned into more successful days of sightseeing. Games were played, hilarious stories were told and delicious food was consumed before we moved on to the countries capital. Rome was a city so full of history and famous tales of ancient treasures that 3 days was definitely not enough time to fully experience everything. Soon we had however, ticked the Vatican City, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum off our bucket list as well as seeing the city from a tour bus and hearing all about the statues and buildings we passed along the way. It was not long before our Italian adventure had come to an end and a trip to Ancona, on the Italian coast, and a ferry across to Croatia was next on the itinerary.

4 trains later, we arrived in Cannes, France, to be met by the aunt of a fellow traveler. We had not slept in 40 hours and the salty coast was awaiting us. We spent the evening drinking wine and eating French food while lounging on the deck of a yacht. After our first night of good sleep in 3 days we set off for Nice. The pebbled beaches and beautiful buildings made our 2 day stay seem far too short. In that time we managed to get absolutely roasted by the golden sun and enjoyed the coastline as we set off to find a tiny village with, according to our hostel, the "best beach in Nice". It was here that we spent the day with a beach bat in one hand and a book in the other while slowly turning more red with each passing minute. After spending some time at the Nice memorial sight, set up after the recent terrorist attacks, we moved on to Italy with "Pray for Nice" in our minds.

The next stage of our Easter extravaganza was beautiful Belgium! This little country is not just buildings and beer, as one would imagine it, but a stunning country side and quaint towns to put ones heart at rest. Brussels was explored from every angel while food flourished and beer flowed. We tasted the famous Moulle et Frits and were not disappointed by the strange but agreeable combination. Namur and Brugge were also on the to do list and the exploration of both were met with large fascination. The coastline, although cold and grey, was met with a photo taken from every angel and the sight of the sea brought smiles of sunshine from our faces. Belgium was full of family and food as well as full days, great sights and an experience to remember. Thank you little Belgium.

Skiing, Sledging and Snowmen

To live in a place where canals and bicycles fill every waking hour would be an honour.

This bomb of a country, did not disappoint.