This is our last goodbye...

For one last time, we can say Gruezi to you all without it sounding strange,

It has been just on 5 months, many thousands of km's, 10+ countries (most of which where in the last 10 days) and enough language and currency changes to make anyone's head spin. For everyone that has asked we are due to fly out of Zurich at 2230 tomorrow (Wednesday, or Mittwoch if you will) via Hong Kong and will be back in the land of Oz on Friday morning at 1100 ("There's no place like home, there's no place like home").

In our last leg, as most of you will already know, we covered a great deal of ground (somewhere in the vicinity of 5000 km's of plane, train and coach travel) and were lucky to see so many places I never thought I would have the privilege to see. Honestly, we have done just so much it would take me way too long to try and tell you every single place that we have been - so I'm not going to, besides, I'm sure there will be enough stories and photos to keeps us going for weeks after we get back. But there were plenty of highlight moments - I'd like to share just a few with you.

Our stay with Darko and Jess in Edinburgh was awesome. Just one of the many amazing places we were lucky enough to get to (and would have loved to have spent much more time in). Such a true haven for artists of all walks. The real highlight was spending time with our good friends, met some great people, got drunk several times and kilted it up. It also happened to be festival time and we managed to get to see the "1 Man Star Wars Show" - endorsed by none other than George Lucas himself - an absolute corker.

Every city we visited across Eastern Europe was just incredible, and as is across the most of Europe, each has so much history and so many stories to tell (both uplifting and horrendous). Grand architecture, opulent palaces and cathedrals - did I mention history (come on, some of the buildings have been around hundreds upon hundreds of years before the colonisation of Australia - a written description just doesn't really cut it). We walked through the Brandenburg gate, stood upon hallowed ground in Krakow, experienced the full range of emotions at Auschwitz and gazed across the city of Vienna from it's highest point. Everywhere we stayed should have been given much more time, so much more, but I do suppose that that's what these trips are about - a chance to see as many of these places in a short time without spending months trekking around Europe. There are so many places we would love to go back to like Budapest and Vienna [Wien] to name just a few. We ate, drank and stayed in places that made us feel like royalty (places which had often had actual royalty stay there, not to mention the occasional megalomaniacs and multi-millionaires) - we shared our moments of looking completely out of place and times of being treated exceptionally well by brilliant staff like at the Raddison SAS Alcron in Prague. Quite literally 5-star all the way. Despite we even had people in there 80's on this trip, there were only 16 of us which made all the difference and for the most part the company wasn't bad at all. All made even more enjoyable by our tour director James and driver Martin, 2 genuinely good blokes. I don't know if I would personally choose to do a tour like that again, the style of it isn't quite up my ally, but I feel very very lucky to have had the opportunity to do it.

Here comes the hard part. Time to say goodbye to Zurich, Switzerland and Europe. As much as as we are glad to be heading home, we would also be happy to stay - but in this wild and crazy world I guess you can never really know what the future may bring. We have made some good friends, been educated and travelled further and wider than I ever thought possible - taken more photo's than an average bus load of Japanese tourists - and experienced so many things beyond our expectations. I guess that really does bring us to the end. Soon reality of home life will be back in full swing, we'll be making our way around the traps to see you all in due time (I'm sure you'll all hear from us soon enough, one way or another), share some moments, photo's and memories. That means for the most of you the next time you hear from your intrepid travellers our feet will once again be on Australian soil.

For now, farewell to Switzerland and Europe. I don't think either of us will forget the experience, ever. We will see you all again very soon.

As a final note, a massive thanks to everyone who made our home away from home feel like we were welcome - and would be welcomed back too. There are many of you, you know who you are and you all know you are welcome in the land downunder and our home.

Jimi and Ness.

Now its time for travelling!!

Gruezi - its Ness here!

Well, I have now finished work! It's been an amazing experience working here; long and busy but worth it. I've helped get our Europe office up and running and have handed over the reigns to my replacement Mersiha, who will now run the show. Good luck Mersiha!!

So after 4 months, our trip here is nearly over. Though we still have a couple of weeks travelling - well we're making the most of this trip before coming back home! As we may not have access to internet over the next couple of weeks, here's a quick rundown of our trip.

On Wednesday, we fly to Edinburgh (well, via Dusseldorf and Stansted, but eventually into Edinburgh) to visit our friends Darko and Jess for a few days. The Edinburgh Festival is currently on which is great. We'll be fitting in as much sightseeing and festival you possibly can in 2 days.

Then on Saturday (18 AUG), we fly to Budapest to start our trip round Eastern Europe - travelling on one of the coach tours Scenic operates. We overnight in Budapest before meeting the group Sunday morning and travelling to Krakow. Theres only 16 people on the tour, including us, so its a good small group. We spend 2 nights in Krakow and then 2 nights in Warsaw - my mums father was actually Polish so will be interesting to visit this side of my heritage. We will also be visiting Auschwitz - which will be a very hard, moving, sad and a beyond words experience. From Warsaw we go by train to Berlin for 2 nights. Then we travel to Prague for 2 nights and on to Vienna for 1 night, via Cesky Krumlov. So after a whirlwind trip of Eastern Europe, we fly back to Zurich for 1 night before flying HOME! Yes, we finally arrive back in the land of Oz on Friday 31 AUG.

We cant believe how quickly the time has gone. It will be sad to leave, hard to come down and re-adjust once again - but also so good to get home and see you all. So until next time,

Cheers

Ness & Jimi

Note - I added photos below of our trip to Mt Rigi and also the Street Parade that was here on Saturday.

Also, a big shout HELLO to Irene - our wonderful 'Africanbarservicefriendkeeper' at Papa Joes. She's looked after us very very well and even invited us to lunch at her place tomorrow for some traditional African fare.

Irene & Jimi

(yes, Jim finds himself behind a bar wherever he goes!)

Zurich Street Parade

Gruezi!

Well Zurich has surprised us once again. Saturday was the annual Street Parade - and the whole city came to life. It was very similar to the Mardi Gras - a huge dance party across the city, with huge crowds, music, stages, food and beer everywhere. There were many many strange characters with the wildest costumes.

My brother Glenn, who lives in the UK, also came to visit us. So the 3 of us had a great weekend getting caught up in the biggest party of the year!

Cheers,

Ness & Jimi

Bellevue - trams normally run through here...

Just a few people

One of the many many characters of the day (he was even drinking a Foster's Beer!)

Taking a breather

Getting lost in the crowd

Glenn really enjoyed the dance music

Our Trains, Planes & Automobile Adventure to Mt Rigi

Up the hill by Cog-Wheel (the oldest in Europe)

Made it to the top! Mt Rigi is 1800m above sea level

Even saw some gliders take off

View of Zug (at the far end of the lake) - can you see my office??

Lucerne off in the distance

The amazing Swiss Alps.

Mt Titlis on the left - the moutain we visited a few weeks ago & got lost in snow

Now going back down the hill

Down the VERY STEEP hill...

And back to Lucerne by Paddlesteamer

Yes - a hard day at the office!!

A big thank you again to Ursula & Sandra at Bucher Travel.

A year ago they sent me some Swiss Chocolate & a postcard of beautiful Lucerne, which was the perfect incentive for me to want to come to Europe/Switzerland! So to be here now was amazing for me. Plus they looked after us very well on our weekend here.

Danke! Merci! Thanks!

Cheers, Ness & Jimi

Some photos from Lucerne...

The Lion Monument

The Chapel Bridge and Water Tower

The Reuss River

The Musegg Wall

Us at the Stadtkeller Restaurant/Folklore Show

Y'all come back now, ya hear

Trains, Feet, Paddle Steamers, Cog Trains, Cable Cars, Ships and Trains - AKA - A weekend in Lucerne

Gruezi to all once again,

Hope you have the patience to read through this as it is going to be a long tale of adventure, transport, very large beers and a place called Lucerne. For those of you who wish to know, I mentioned we will put up the details of our up coming journey into Eastern Europe - but will leave that for a separate post in the coming days - so be sure to stay tuned.

Another interesting episode in the Ness and Jimi in Europe show has past by. For those of you who haven't been keeping up, fffffffffffft. Just kidding, we spent a fantastic weekend in Lucerene - here's the low down. We arrived by train on Saturday morning to discover a happening, historic and brilliant little city. A massive amount to look at whichever way we turned. We started off in the old town and checked out the shopping strip which is in a very historic area filled with amazing old architechture steeped in history and folklore. The atmosphere was a little on the touristy side but much more laid back and relaxed as compared to city life in Zurich. Eventually we checked into the Hotel Weinhof and decided to take a wander along the lakeside. We had a visit in the Grand Casino in Lucerne - Grand not just being the name only considering the main foyer was all marble floors and columns, chandeliers and the likes. Then in and around the city we visited sites like the famous Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge & Water Tower (built in 1300s), the remaining section of the Musegg Wall and the Reuss River that cuts right through the middle of the city flowing into the lake.
After a large amount of walking we visited the Mr. Pickwicks pub in the old town (officially completing our tour of all of the Pickwicks chains in Switzerland) had a cold bevy and rested 2 pairs of tired feet. Finally we were off to dinner at the Stadtkeller, a Restaurant and Swiss Folklore stage show [Thanks have to go to Ursula at Bucher Travel for the hook-up, which includes the following days adventure as well. I'd tip my hat if I was wearing one]. The evening was quite fun, more than assisted by the 1 litre beers that were being partaken in. The food was marvellous, finally we had a good sampling of traditional Swiss fare. I have never had a goulash that good in my life. The stage show was quite interesting, traditional folk music and instruments - and of course yodelling (which I happened to be pulled on the stage to participate in, if not dodgily - well, there's a 1st for everything). The venue was definitely a tourist attraction, but everyone had a fun night. At this point I should say hello to Faedra, our new found American friend (I must add that she was staying at the Jail Hotel [Gaol for the Aussies]) who we went out with after the show. At that point the rest of the night became a little raucous - I do however remember meeting the Bass Player/Trombonist/Flag Thrower/Alpine Horn playing all-star of the show. Later that evening we stumbled our way back to the hotel.

So, after a somewhat dusty start to Sunday, we jumped on the Paddle Steamer that took us across the lake to Vitznau. The view was just incredible, the whole lake is surrounded by mountains, and the one we were soon about to go up was Mount Rigi 'Queen of the Mountains' (1800m). From Vitznau, we took Europe's oldest Cog-Wheel train up the side of the Mt Rigi some 50 metres shy of the peak. Needless to say the view from there was even more spectacular from down on the lake - we could even see across to the top of Mount Titlis which we had visited some weeks earlier. Not only that, you could see clear across the German border and back down into Lucerne and Zug as well. The weather could not have been better. After doing a little walking we headed a short way back down the Mountain, checking out the tiny little mountainside villages along the way (most of which are definite ski villages in the right season), to catch the cable car back down the other side of the mountain. From Weggis we boarded another ship to take us across the lake once more and back into Lucerne. We decided to grab a little feed before training it once again all the way back to Zurich. OK, now take a breath.

Clearly a grand weekend was had in Lucerne, much more so than initial expectations. Very soon, once they have been sorted, we will post up some of the mass of photo's we managed to take over the weekend. As always - peace, love and kind regards to everybody back home and those who are far from home. Be sure to check back soon to see what's going on in the next few weeks.

Prost,

Jimi and Ness

A sleepy little one horse town.....

Gruezi,

Hello again from Switzerland. Yet another interesting weekend has come and gone, this time we ventured out into the countryside to a small town called Kyburg. Well, maybe there was more than just one horse but with no more strasse than you count on both hands it was definitely sleepy (FYI: The hospitable and friendly locals are known as Kyburgers). The main reason we travelled out to Kyburg was to visit the small castle there. After a light lunch in one of the 2 local cafes, we headed up to the castle. A fair bit smaller than what we saw at Gruyeres but nonetheless impressive. Over 800 years old, there was plenty of the rich history and heritage on display including a comprehensive armoury exhibition. There was even pieces of medieval fire fighting equipment in the main courtyard. We wandered the cellar and attic prison, perused the torture chamber (featuring a genuine Iron Maiden) and strolled the ramparts. Such a fantastic insight into the society and social life of the 18th century.

We also managed to make our way out to the town of Winterhur, the best way to describe it is Winterhur to Zurich is kind of like Newcastle is to Sydney (not that Sydney is anything at all like Zurich). Again, it is a picturesque place with old buildings, churches and such but the most amazing thing is going from tiny countryside towns to suburban areas within less than half an hour. The contrast between the old and new, the divide between country and suburbia is so very clear.

You may remember an earlier post mentioning the Zurich Festival - we recently found out that only happens every 3 years, so we were rather lucky that we happened to be here this year to be part of the city coming to life. This Wednesday, tomorrow for us, is the Switzerland National Day - which we suppose to be the equivalent of Australia Day. The Scenic tours office will be closed and Ness will have the day off so we will be able to see what is happening in and around the city. One of the oddities we have come across is the sales of Fireworks by vendors on the strasse around the place, something we have never seen back home.

That's about it from us now and, as always, we hope everyone back in Aus. is doing well. I hope soon to give you all the details of the Eastern Europe tour we will be on (chances are we won't have a chance to blog whilst we're on the road) so you have some idea of where we will be gallivanting in Europe. As is usual we'll leave you with a few photos from our recent adventures....

Kyburg Castle

Nessy in the Belfry

The Armoury

Part of the old well in the courtyard

Until next time, don't forget where you parked your tractor. Peace and regards as always,

Jim and Ness.

The Grottoes of Hell...

Gruezi to all once again,

Been a little while since the last post and again there has, as always, been plenty going on over here in Zurich. Ness and I are both keeping well, one of us still working hard as usual, and have had a few interesting weekends as well as our usual style of misadventure.

Last Saturday we made our way out to the town of Baden not more than 20 minutes out of Zurich by train. It is definitely a sleepy little town but has a big community of international business and such in and around the area. Baden also boasts a fairly well known Casino, The Grand Casino Baden - a very fine, but very upmarket establishment with everything you would imagine a casino to offer. The strasse around town are much the same as what we have become used to in Europe; cobblestones, small winding strasse and very very old architecture. We also found ourselves, and maybe just a little bit lost ourselves, at an 'English' pub by the name of Pickwick's (cue the situational joke: 2 Aussies, an American named Gary and a Swiss born Italian named after his Russian grandfather - Igor, walk into a bar...... guess you had to be there) - a chain that has other venues in both Zurich and Zug. On Sunday we had a nice easy day, found ourselves yet another 'English' pub here in Zurich, Admiral Nelsons', then headed off to the movies to see the 3rd installment of Pirates of The Caribbean (for those of you who haven't seen it, it is worth it just for the fantastic cameo appearance by none other than the great Keith Richards).

This weekend we had a very quiet Saturday as 2 very sore heads were rested after a rather riotous Friday evening, gruesome details shall be omitted. Sunday we headed out to find Hollgrotten, a subterranean cave much like Aus's Jenolan Caves, just outside of Zug. It was eventually found, after some confusing directions, and definitely worth the trip. Found in the mid 1800's the name Hollgrotten translates literally to Hell Grottoes. In the vicinity of 30,000 some years old, the natural formations of strange stalactites and stalagmites creates a feel of a Geigeresque landscape. Bizarre shapes and figures jut from the walls and ceilings, often giving to the names of the certain areas within such as the Nymphs Source and the Magic Lock (the German versions of these names have around twenty syllables more than the translation). Every now and then you get a glimpse that reminds you of the true beauty and power of nature and the world we live in, this was definitely one of those moments. Here come the photos...

A little bit of Baden

Why getting lost is easy (if you can't make it out Hollgrotten is apparently in both directions, another sign had it in 3 directions... Hmmmm, signposts)

In the Hell Grottoes (cue Grieg's "Hall of The Mountain King" - it was a Peer Gynt moment, my slow careful footsteps after smacking my head once or twice)

'Tites grow down 'mites grow up (or at least I think they do...)

What in just the right light and shade looked like a strange Gnome or Orc (Hail to all WoW and LOTR fans [who yelled NERD from the background?])

That brings you up to date with our follies over here, for the moment at least, but there is plenty more to come for us yet. We hope that everyone back home is doing well, while you all freeze in abnormally cold weather we are right in the middle of summer and the temperature keeps creeping up and up. The time for us to head home is every so quickly creeping up on us but there is still much more travel and sights to come.


For now we bid you all a fond farewell, until next time,

Peace and regards,

Jim and Ness

When in Switzerland.... Bathe in Cheese!

Gruezi once again,

Well, it has been another eventful weekend here in sunny, rainy, windy, boiling and freezing Switzerland. This weekend was the annual Zurich Festival, which is a bit like Queen's Day in Amsterdam, and what is usually a relatively quiet city bursts into life with over 2 million people cramming into Zurich. Near to half of the city turns into a carnival. You find everything you'd expect of a carnival; rides, bands, market stalls, a plethora of food stalls (meat on a stick was one of my favourite features) and a mass of bars, stages and music of all sorts from Hip-Hop to Bavarian knee-slapping jaunts. There were quite a few rather spectacular moments such as Friday and Saturday nights fireworks, stunt planes over the lake, motocross demos and plenty of other things going on all to entertain all ages. The festivities started on Friday and continued through to Sunday, so we spent most of Friday night and all day Saturday eating, drinking and just wandering the city and enjoying the atmosphere of it all. Zurich finally proved itself to me as knowing how to party - and I was impressed.

Sunday was a different story. Being it was the last day to use the rail pass we had, we decided to go to Mount Titlis (yeah, I giggled too). From Zurich we went to Lucerne, Lucerne down to Engelberg and then from Engelberg to just on 10,000 feet above sea level. Finally I had my chance to 'see' a real snow capped alpine mountain, close up. To get up the mountain you take a series of cable cars that ascend to the highest peak. The 1st a little 6 person cable car, the 2nd fits 80 people and the 3rd is the Titlis Rotair (the world's 1st revolving cable car - very cool if not a little disconcerting at the same time). Unfortunately, our Mountain disappeared in cloud and rain not too long after we got there, but for a brief moment we were on top of the world. We threw a few snowballs, trudged around in the snow for a bit getting rather wet and cold - all in all, it was pretty dam fun. I stood in real snow for the 1st time ever, the furthest from the ground I have ever been and caused my general brand of mischief by licking a glacial wall - as you do. I'd love to see a place like that in full swing during ski season but, again, it was one of those opportunities I'd never thought I'd have....

Like having a snowball thrown at me....

or disappearing into the clouds....

and being in a place like this....

and this.

Other than continuing our adventures through Europe, we are both keeping well - Ness is of course working hard and I've spent my morning entering data from tour surveys (the things we do for a buck). We hope everyone back home is all good, but here's a special shout out to my little mate Sammy - Uncle Jim and Aunty Ness are thinking of you. On that note, we shall love you and leave you, we'll be sure to have a few more photos from our weekend on the blog soon, but until next time,

Peace and Regards to all,

Jimi and Ness.

Oh, I nearly forgot, if you suffer from bad skin - come over to Switzerland and soak the pain away in a tub filled with whey. No way - way. Is there anything they don't do with milk products over here - maybe that is a question that shouldn't be asked.

Photos from Avignon....

Just a few of the photos from our trip to the south of France....

...In Avignon

The imposing Pont du Gard

The Palais des Papes

"Sur Le Pont des Avignon" (Pont St. Benezet)

Rue de Avignon

More to follow soon....

Where am I? Parlez Vous Anglais? Quoi?

Gruezi, Bonjour, Dag, Hey et Guten something or other.............................. What language do I speak again, I'm so confused,

Well, we made it all the way to France and some of the most spectacular countryside I have ever smacked my little eyes on. Before I get too far ahead of myself I am just going to let you all know that I'm only going to do a part of this blog entry {which turned out to be much more than he said he would!} and my sweetness is going to give the finer details of all the 'proper' place names, relatives and French connections for all of the Francais family and the rest of you back home. Who writes what here should be fairly obvious, so if you read this and only hear my voice in the back of our mind please do check back soon for the updated version. So keep in mind that the spaces {ummm what spaces??} that are in this account will of course be filled.

After a long train journey from Switzerland to Geneve, an even longer car ride from Geneve through to Mazan (Merci Beaucoup Cathy) we were in southern France. What an amazingly breathtaking place it is; rolling hills, lavender fields and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Apart from the land being very dry, which is an all too familiar sight, the colours and scents of Provence and area are a pleasurable assault on the senses. To me this was only really a small taste at what France has to offer, but we were really there for a connection to heritage and family.

Although I did feel like the proverbial duck out of water, I was made to feel incredibly welcome by everyone I met. Besides, I am used to being the novelty everywhere I go. Friday night, after running around some time after we arrived, we had a traditional family dinner (with a large extended family of 16) in Le Pontet. Most of the evening I spent saying "Wee" and nodding a lot, that said though there were quite a few at the table who enjoyed my thick Aussie vernacular. I got to experience 1st hand what I consider to be true European hospitality. I also had the pleasure of eating Le Soupe au Pistou, a regional specialty that's kind of a brothy soup filled with pasta, veg and served with pesto - mmmmmmmmm (Merci Beaucoup Denise, Tres Bien). There was cheeses and breads, wines and beers - more fare than you can poke a baguette at. Dinner lasted about 4 hours, by then everyone was filled to the brim and ready for a good nights sleep.

Saturday, which was rapidly becoming very hot, we headed into the amazing city of Avignon. I thought the Chateau de Gruyeres was impressive, but this was just beyond belief - the stories I heard, and pictures in my mind of Avignon clearly didn't match what I was to see. The entire city has a rampart wall around it, and from the way we approached the city, the Palais des Papes (Palace of The Popes) loomed over the wall of the city. Soon after came into view the famous Le Pont Saint-Benezet (Le Pont d'Avignon). Being the oldest city in France, everything in sight had some major historical significance. In all honesty, there is no possible way I can do this place justice in words and it would probably take me a long time to do so (but I do hope some of the photos we post will give a sense of the beauty and stature of Avignon). Just after midday we were treated to a traditional French lunch (of about 5 courses, including assorted pate and roasted lamb) courtesy of Cathy's mum, Christiane (Encore, Merci Beaucoup). After which we wandered a little more of the rues of Avignon, walked out onto the famous pont and then headed out of the city to visit the Pont du Gard - a truly incredible aquaduct constructed by the Roman empire (entirely without the use of mortar) some 1900 years ago and spans the gorge over the Gardon river just outside the city Nimes.

After yours truly prepared dinner that evening for Cathy and the kids (Bonjour, Nicolas and Gladys), with a little help, we were taken back into the city of Avignon to see the city by night and the Koala Bar (recommended by Cathy). This was Jimi's moment to shine, as I walked in I discovered the punters at the bar playing a game of name that artist and song. At the start I just stood back enjoying a few glasses of Leffe and the tunes until Cathy began to egg me on (all in good fun), "come on Jim, you're good at music!" The story goes the group of locals near to us had been playing all night and collecting their 'Tokens' (Pistachio nuts) in order to get to 7 and score a free Pastis - in the matter of the 40 minutes I was in the bar I managed to nail 6 tracks in a row and the competition was on. The tables were turned by the bartender then playing a few french and dance songs which stumped me right up until I heard Jamiroquai - after that I proceeded to call no less than a dozen plus songs in a row, which received a tremendously cool reception from the 20 odd patrons in the club. This led to me being shouted several drinks, making a few very cool friends (Merci, 'Jeff' and crew) and leaving with the offer of a strip tease (which, no, I did not take up). For a short moment I had made a very impressive mark on the city of Avignon and its locals. Having good reasons to make our way, we headed once again to see the Palais des Papes by night and eventually made our way back home.

Sunday morning, we were taken to see Josette and Yvon (Nana's sister and husband) just outside of Avignon. Again, I did a lot of nodding and "Wee"ing, but it apparently made a lovely old pair of people very happy - and I guess that's really all that counts. Like the rest of our trip, it was a whirlwind visit but several people were very happy to see the both of us in the home towns of the family. After a quick bite of lunch, several more Au Revoirs and dropping the kids off we headed back to Geneve, onto a train again and back into Zurich by 9:30....... Now I can take a breath.

I did enjoy my time, I did feel a little out of place but very welcome and if given the opportunity I would happily go back. To all of you that made my stay feel homely I thank you in my tongue - Grouse Mate, Avignon (and Provence) you Rock.

To everyone back home, I hope you enjoyed my account, as I said earlier stay tuned for Ness's addition to this entry and some photos from the journey.

Gros (sloppy) Bisous,

Jimi and Ness

Up and down and back again...

Gruezi everyone,

Well yet another misadventure to share with you. We made it into Amsterdam at near to midnight on Thursday, about 2 odd hours later than we expected, after yet another delayed flight. Checked straight in at our hotel (NH Amsterdam, right near Leidesplein) and ducked out for a night cap before hitting the hay. Early Friday morning, Ness and I went out to Den Hague to sort out her work Visa, have a wander around the city and check out the sights. We also discovered there an exhibition/installation of modern Australian art works right in the middle of the city which was rather cool. All pieces/installations were very modern, some with a distinct Aus flavour - others just obscure sculptures and works. We spent most of the day in The Hague and were back in Amsterdam by 3 that afternoon. Being that we were very restricted by time we didn't have much of a chance to go any real distance further, but it was good to see The Hague as we hadn't been there before anyway. Late Friday afternoon it decided to absolutely dump down rain so we ended up finding ourselves a restaurant and spent most of the night eating and drinking.

We had to be at the airport by 1pm on Saturday, so again time wasn't really there to be going too far. Probably a good thing though because once again that morning it poured down rain. We transferred out to the airport, looked around for a while, back on another delayed flight and back to Zurich again by just on 5pm. Now that's what I call a flying visit.

Sunday was relatively quiet, but a brilliant sunny day, so once again we headed down to the lake - which is the thing most people do of a Sunday. We didn't know until we got there, but there was a triathlon in Zurich city so there were quite a lot of people around putting in the hard yards. We on the other hand decided to take a more leisurely pace and took a little paddle boat on the lake and sat out on the water for a while. Such a hard life.

Next weekend we're on a train down to Geneva, being picked up from there and then driving out to Avignon to spend the weekend with Ness's family. Lots more travel ahead, at least I have never had a train been delayed, well not for 2 hours anyway. A big HELLO to everyone back home, hope everything is coming up roses. Until next time,

Peace and Kind Regards,

Jimi and Ness

2007: A Place Oddity

Gruezi once again,

Going to try and keep this entry short, I've got a pile of surveys waiting in front of me that have to be done. Well, another much anticipated moment has come and gone - This Saturday we had the privilege of seeing the Stanley Kubrick Exhibition (Inside the Mind of a Visionary Filmmaker) which some of you may remember me mentioning before. The exhibition itself was so very comprehensive, beginning from his very early days of photography and photojournalism right through to the very last of his films (I refer to A.I. and not Eyes Wide Shut - a debate still had by fans of Kubrick). Every film had an entire section dedicated to it displaying pieces such as HAL's 'eye' from 2001, Jack's axe from The Shining and even the bomb from Dr. Strangelove. There were scripts with hand written corrections and notes, media installations with interviews from people whom Kubrick worked with, stills and story boards, original conceptual art, original costumes from A Clockwork Orange.............. An amazing collection and insight into Kubrick's incredible and ground breaking works. As part of the experience we were also able to see 2001: A Space Odyssey for the first time in a cinema on the big screen - the only way it should be seen. This is another one of those moments that my words can barely do justice to what I had the privilege to see - which is a perfect segway into the next part of this story.

On Sunday, which was coincidentally the World Inline Championship here in Zurich, Ness and I decided to attempt to make our way to the top of Uetliberg, the highest point in Zurich over 900 metres above sea level. After a misadventurous start, specifically going every which way but the right way and then choosing the hardest walking trail almost vertically up the side of the mountain, we made it on foot all the way to the summit. Always the hard way. From the top there is a clear 360 degree view right across Zurich, we were lucky to have a beautifully clear day and could even see the snow capped Alps way off in the distance. The view was simply breathtaking and worth every ounce of foot slogging, sweat dripping effort. We of course have photos to prove it.

A few views from Uetliberg, the top of Zurich

This Thursday we're off to Amsterdam for a couple of days and next weekend, if everything goes to plan, we're on our way to Avignon to see Ness's family. Despite Zurich seems a bit smaller and quieter then Amsterdam we're still managing to have some form of (mis)adventure every chance we get. But for now, I'd better be getting some work done, so until next time,

Tun Sie nicht nichts, das wir nicht tun würden,

Jimi and Ness

Update from Switzerland

Gruezi everyone,

Well the news to hand is it looks like we're going to be here right up until the end of August now. Ness has been asked to stay on a little while longer to help train some of the new Scenic Europe office staff. She has also been offered a famil on one of the Eastern Europe Scenic tours, it has been more than generously offered to me to accompany her. Such a damn shame, getting made to stay here longer in Europe, Ha! Ness also plans to take a little time off as well in which we hope upon hope to make it over to the UK - when the crew visited us here, it was offered that if we could make it we would have a place to stay a few nights in Edinburgh. It also looks like we're heading back to Amsterdam next weekend to sort some form of issue with Ness's work visa, it's nothing major, but apparently she has to do what needs to be done in person. So far none of these plans are set in stone, except of course the weekend back to Amsterdam, but more than likely we will be staying on for that extra amount of time regardless. Sedge (yes, it is Brett, but old habits die hard) and the lovely Dana have very kindly agreed to keep the home fires burning back in the field, so a big shout out to those two for taking care of business back home (Break a leg my old mate). Well, that's about it for now, we'll keep you all posted as the details are finalised. Hope you don’t miss us too much. :P

Love, peace and regards,

Jimi and Ness

This is a call out to all the expecting ladies, there are a few of you now, we both hope all is going along well and both Mum's and Bub's are happy and healthy. Love to you all.

Chateau de Gruyeres (aka Chateau St. Germain aka The Castle)

The Castle

Yours truly on the Castle rampart

The imposing Castle (Southern face)

Massive plaque to the left of the main entrance into the Castle Courtyard

Inside the main Courtyard looking up into the galleries

View of the Western face of the Castle

Gruyeres and Chateau de Gruyers

Before I start, the whole Chateau/St. Germain (Castle) shares the same name, in this post I'm referring to the Chateau as the whole area and not just the Castle itself.......

Ness on the Ramparts of the Chateau

Entry archway into the Chateau

The main street and old well (now a fountain) of the Chateau

The main street of the Chateau

The main area of the township Gruyeres viewed from the Chateau