Mark and Maria’s 2025 uk/Europe (2026)

13/08/2025

Well we are finally back in the Southern Hemisphere relaxing in Sydney Airport as we acclimatise after leaving London at 32 deg Celsius . As long as you keep to the shade it was pretty tolerable . However the small Parks all over east London were populated with sunbathers many in their bikinis !!
We left Newcastle by train to London - we finally experienced the dreaded train delays many mentioned and arrived about 2.5 hours later than expected in London . Nevertheless less we enjoyed travelling through the English countryside and towns on the way . We had fun spotting the historic churches and the pryories etc along the way which many towns are built around . We were sad to leave Paul and Suzzanne we had a great time and they certainly shared their countryside with us .
We safely made our way back to Mama Shelter our well loved accomodation in London .
The next day was as jam packed as all our days - visiting Greenwich ( didn’t stay there long ) We had a Quick Look at the Cutty Sark and then on to the uber boat to Battersea . This was a lovely ride along the Thames - a cruise ship was berthed on moorings midway on the Thames as the guests were visiting Greenwich .
We arrived in Battersea in the heat so found a bar on the waterfront for a cold beer . Discovered our Blake Cousins had visited the same place the day before so just missed them .
Anyone visiting London should definitely visit here and the power station lift 109 . An outstanding reconstruction of a building that was dramatic in architecture as well as useful - used to supply much of London with coal fired power till the 80s
Much of the building is stylish shops and the top level is apartments . People like Harry Stiles, Gordon Ramsay and the Beckhams have places here -
On The 109 tour you get to go in a restored smoke stack way above the building and get the best views of London and the surrounding area - way more fun than the London eye!!( We looked down on that )
After Battersea we crossed the Thames and into Chelsea and met up with our LaHood cousins who currently live in London . Was a fabulous night . They are so grown up now - their mum and dad would be so proud of the lives they are leading - I am and I was only the babysitter whilst I was at Uni!
The next day Tuesday we left London and will eventually be back in Picton !!
Such a great time but always happy to be home !!!
Despite the weather

10/08/2025

Sunday 9 August 2025 . Been a few days since I caught up and thought about our latest adventures .
We headed up the North East Coast of England and stayed at Alnmouth experiencing the best seafood - and plenty of it and accessible to buy for the locals . Much harder to find this variety of shellfish and fish in NZ but this coast prides itself on this industry.
We finally passed thru the Scottish border - I went looking for my passport but my hosts just smiled as we drove past a sign that said Welcome to Scotland !!!
The landscape along the highway to Edinburgh was reminiscent of Dunedin way so can see why it’s called Little Edinburgh . I was pinching myself that we were even here . Edinburgh was in the height of one of the major events of the year - The Edinburgh Fringe Festival -200,000 visitors in the area plus us !!! It was an amazing vibe !!! Also The Edinburgh Tsttoo which was sold out .
One thing about the UK and Edinburgh is the queues and waiting times . Kiwis are not used to that ( and I don’t want to be ) Even in the small towns we went to 4 or 5 dinner places before we found somewhere that could take us in the evenings - I’m thinking no one cooks here .
On the way back from Scotland to Newcastle we stopped in Melrose - a tiny old village in Scotland . It was quaint and we finally found an Italian to eat at - all the pubs were full !!! Melrose was all stone buildings and cute retailers , in 1967 the All Blacks played here - the rugby park was small maybe the size of Picton’s Pavillion ( actually that was bigger ) maybe more like Moutere rugby club size . They were led in those days by Brian Lochore - I’m sure they would have had a great old time here !!!
We crossed the Scottish border as the sun was going down in Scotland and the moon was rising over England . All that marked this border crossing was a rock that would have been round for centuries just saying England ( photos below)
Once back in Newcastle went to the supermarket in Newcastle on Tyne - (a big one not like the superettes we had used till now ) Gees that was like a mix of KMart and a Large NZ supermarket mixed together and do cheap . I just went on a scenic tour around the supermarket while Suzanne did the actual shopping .
The rest of Saturday we drove down to Durham and stopped at a re enacted village called Beamish .
www.beamish .org.uk
Well worth a visit - it re enacts the history of the area which is built on coal mining . Shows the hard lives the miners and their families endured and the way things evolved to improve the quality of life . It was a common thing for them to have many children as many died but they were also required to be working at an early age as miners hard often reached their life expectancy in their 40 s . If they couldn’t work they just got chucked out of their houses unless their kids could support and look after them. Many couples once not working would go to the nearest bridge and jump off together as no other options.
Buildings include 1913 miners cottage - the mine owners and professional homes alongside too. Actors were in each telling the stories and dressed traditionally . Also trains and old buses in action , the village shops etc as well as the miners pension cottages they started to build to give miners a house at the end of their working life . Also starting a 1950s village too and in these houses there were many treasures I remember from growing up and some I still have . This was all one man’s dream to preserve the memories of the area and he had done a great job - we spent 5 hours there and could have stayed longer !!! Another good day of steps .
Today we head back to London - we will
Miss this Northumberland Area and look forward to coming back.

07/08/2025

Wow it’s Thursday 7 August and we have had some time in London and are now being hosted in the North East of the UK -Newcastle and Northumberland by Gabby’s parents -Paul and Suzzanne who live up this way .
We made the most of our time in London by negotiating the buses from our favourite residence of Mama Shelter to the War Rooms of London. They were so interesting we could have stayed there all day . Winston Churchill was quite the character . All this intrigue going on 10 metres underground . The rooms had all the strategic planning for the war going on from 1940-1945 and up to 500 people working underground . It never got a direct hit from the bombs so the structure was never tested to its limits !!! But would have been pretty scary nonetheless with the flying bombs going off all over London .
Yesterday we negotiated our way via the trains to kings cross station and boarded the express train to Newcastle on Tyne - what an elegant looking city with a blend of the very old and new . Gabby’s sister Lizzie was even doing a competitive run around the Thyne when we arrived and so we joined the crowds to cheer her on . Travelling even further North Today the history unfolded even more and many structures date back to the 12th century when the Scot’s were invading this part of England . The coastline of the Northsea was ruggedly beautiful with many holiday makers enjoying the Sandy beaches ( reminded me of Brighton in CHCH) - it actually would have been a marginal beach dip for most of us as the water was pretty cold !!!
As part of our journey day it kept us busy castle spotting until we drove back to Alnmouth where we are staying tonight

04/08/2025

Monday afternoon 4 August 2025 and contemplating our time in Europe as we wait at Menorca Airport to travel to London - only about a 2 hour flight .
Menorca you have been a blast - so different to the Greek Islands so much more touristy but small coves of authentic life .
The Menorca Port of Mahón is one of the busiest Ports in Europe - casual berthing on the main marinas for a boat is 50-100 Euros a day so lucrative for the ports .
Menorca historically was a much fought over island due to its fabulous inland harbours . Britain and France have also claimed sovereignty here at times . Many areas around the island show signs of the fortresses used by the ruling country to protect their sovereignty . We visited lots of coves and beaches . We found a beautiful rock cove near Ciutadella at the other end of the island from where we were staying . At many of the sandy beaches were package holiday resorts with thousands of people - we drove straight out of these. ( Brits come here a lot on these packages ) we didn’t really see any English speaking it was mostly Spanish and they were very friendly . We tried the local tapas - delicious and finally had a paella last night - Mark preferred Diamond Rice risotto !!!
Today we went looking for Elton John and Richard Bransons holiday homes in Calla Llonga. Many beautiful homes here - but we couldn’t be sure which were there ones.
Highlights of Menorca
Weather - a bit cooler than Greece and a lovely breeze
Rocky swimming coves
Shopping and Spanish menorca shies esp
Seafood
Views everywhere

PS leaving Menorca airport to the Uk was the easiest and most relaxed airport we have been though so far

04/08/2025

Highest point on Menorca Mont El Toro

02/08/2025

We have arrived in Menorca another island off the coast of Spain . Much much bigger than the Greek Islands with a population of 100,000 compared with less than 1000. It was a long journey getting here . Firstly we caught a ferry from Folegandros which picked up at a few more islands on the way to Athens - a 5 hour ferry trip . Again the disembark and embark process for cars and people was quick at some islands down to ten minutes turn around !!!
Then we overnighted in Athens - I would have liked to spend a few days here but we left early with an hour ride to the airport and travelling to Menorca via Barcelona . We flew Vueling a Spanish airline and they were good Finally arrived around 6 pm . We were going to stay in the city and use public transport but the island is quite big and public transport sparse so booked the cheapest car we could a fiat bambina ( about 50 euros per day ) and got upgraded to a Skoda SUV - a lot more comfortable .
We arrived tired at the apartment and though it was spacious and located in the city it had no supplies so couldn’t even make a cuppa !! It was a big tired too like us but we have now settled in and got used to being in the city compared to the country and it has its advantages .
Yesterday was our first full day here . We negotiated our way around to beaches and an amazing cave restaurant again - many photos to come The highlight of our day . We finally around 4 pm found a beach to settle at - Bon Su - it was packed though but a great time to swim . We sneaked to find some covered lounges on the Beach . Evie and I swum and Mark held the lounges . Twice a guy came up to get money for the lounges and Mark pretended to be asleep !! Then we scarpered off . Spain charges for everything - at the hotel no supplies and have to pay for pool towels even though they supply the pool !! We sneaked some off the laundry pile when the cleaner wasn’t looking !!!
Last night we strolled down the street to the centre of the city for tapas - about 8 pm so getting a bit more European with our evening dining ( graduated from 6 pm) The town is a cluster of lanes and squares with outdoor dining and retail shops sharing the space - it was very vibrant but different to the waterfront and marina area a block from our hotel and where we had dined the previous night .
Looking forward to today as we try to get to the other end of the island !!! Again another glorious 30 degrees

30/07/2025

It’s Wednesday 30 July 2025
Well Folegrandos you have been amazing - we have had a laid back week here - our most challenging tasks being - which beach today or where shall we watch the sunset ? Each day we would have a snack at a cafe testing the Greek salads or specialty of the house . We had dinner one night at the Folegranfos Winery and did a tasting -red , white or Rose . Very different to NZ wine .
Our accommodation had been fabulous supplying all the basics for any food we want to prepare as part of the service so we have mostly eaten here . With a tasting of goods each day at a local . Only about 200 locals winter over on this island as it is a very harsh island in the winter but they stay to hold the fort . Most share there lives between Athens and here (5 hr ferry trip away )
Subsistence living is the norm here only living on what they can grow but now ships are bringing in goods as the island has more visitors so things are changing ,
Water is all brought in on the ships or collected as rainwater in big cisterns . Our accommodation pumps water from the sea and desalinates it but still can’t drink from the taps . They supplied us a large amount of bottled water as we drink heaps ,
We are departing to day for the city of Athens - it doesn’t get the breeze like this island so I’m sure we will Notice the heat difference . Will be sad to leave but hope I will get back here sometime and stay longer and merge to the local
Life style .

26/07/2025

Saturday morning here 26 July ( Sat evening in good ole NZ )
We have left Paros which had amazing beaches and restaurants to the relative quiet of an Island far away -Folegandos . Very very different islands . Paros delivered to the tourists and was easy to be at , Folegrandos has 765 population and is very laid back but very friendly people . The landscape is like being in the Mexican desert . Coming over was an adventure on the waters - - about 3 x the distance of cookstrait return crossing (end of South Island to Makara) in a small watertaxi in a 1.5 metre chop . ( Mark loved it !!) We stopped at a couple of islands for an Agean sea swim - outstanding ! We did an outstanding nose dive in the chop and the boat filled with water like a whirlpool bath - skipper should be grateful we are seasoned boat people I know a few who would have freaked out !!! We couldn’t see any land at this stage but it was a good boat so we felt ok .
On Paros we hired ATVs for a day and went right round the island - it was hot work so here at Folegrandos where you need transport we have a cute car - much more suitable in the heat -

23/07/2025

Chaos of ferry loading Mykonos. 18 mins to unload cars and people and then reload with people shouting instructions only in Greek

7 Ferry berths and 18 mins to load and unload - incredible

23/07/2025

Been a busy couple of days travelling from London to The Greek Islands. As I sit here now I ponder all the crazies that came from here ( ooops I mean historic philosophers ) they must have had their brains stimulated by the heat . It’s 8am Wednesday and already 25 deg expecting a dry 33 this afternoon.
The travel from London was a journey in itself . We did so well on our own navigating 4 trains from London superb to Gatwick -that was fun and enjoyable . Settled in to a wetherspoons at Gatwick and waited for Evie - then to Easy Jet!! They them selves were ok but we had a 2 hour wait on the tarmac as weather delays were affecting departure spots and we had to wait for a clearance . Flight itself ok but arriving into Mykonos 2 hours late at 10 pm most staff had left for the night so nearly 2 hours just to get a passport stamped - fully mannual system. We arrived at our studio accommodation. It was down a series of alleyways near little Venice beach . I would have lost my cool by now but Evie tracked us in the alleyways of units and shops to the required blue door . Next morning we walked 2 minutes to little Venice for breakfast and a stroll round the quirky shops in the area- lots of beautiful garments and jewellery .
Next we mastered the Ferry from Mykonos to Paros in the heat !!!
At old port Mykonos big ferries and sleek catamarans are backing in and out all day - no terminals , or waiting areas just work out which is your ferry just jump on before it takes off - chaotic but again Evie’s cool head got us through !! 1200 people unloaded and reloaded in 18 minutes - WOW
Paros is beautiful . We are in Naoussa - a small area away from the main port town. We are close to the sea and close to the village of Agioi Anargyroi .
Lots of restaurants bakeries and cafes .
Our accomodation has the all essential pool and air conditioning . Very compact but well designed
It’s 8.30am and 25 deg so off for a swim before it hits the mid 30s this avo . Very pleasant. We are settled here for a few days now

Mark and Maria’s 2025 uk/Europe

13/08/2025

10/08/2025

07/08/2025

04/08/2025

04/08/2025

02/08/2025

30/07/2025

26/07/2025

23/07/2025

23/07/2025

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