Yesterday we went to Versailles which, in accordance with it's reputation was very impressive in its display of ostentatious wealth. These European palaces and cathedrals usually make me sympathize for the poor wretched serfs of that time that had to fund these projects. In France however, there was a resultant revolutionary sting in the tail. At the end of the day my legs explained to me that they had had enough and wanted to go home. They were however shout...

Seeing Paris is an exercise in perambulation which leaves a legacy of sore and tired feet. We have bought a five day pass on all public transport and whenever the opportunity presents itself we jump onto a metro train or bus. However to work the system best one needs to understand the language, which in my case is not possible. However Tony has a marvelous book on walks in Paris and this morning we followed one that led us through the Latin quarter on the South ...

Arrived in Paris this afternoon via the amazing Eurostar Express Train from London to Paris. This took all of two hours and fifteen minutes to complete the journey with the train reaching speeds of 295 kph at times. I must admint to a few disquiet moments wondering what would happen if it derailed at that speed!! Think I will stick to air transport as it is MUCH safer!! It was sad leaving the boat after 12 days. We had got to know the crew quite well and they...

Arrived in cold and rain in Gothenburg, Sweden. The last place that we will dock at before Harwich in England, where we disembark. Boo Hoo. We decided that with the rain and the fact that this place is an industrial port that we would spend a quiet day at the ship. We did walk around part of the harbour to see some of the big windmill generators that have been erected here, and saw the Volvo museum as Gothenburg is the home of Volvo. We met the captain last e...

Tallinn is an unknown gem. It is the capital of Estonia which few people know. It is the very antithisis of Russia as the people are very friendly and the stores are excellent and not too expensive. It is a 'can do' society, which I suppose happens when you are small and want to make a mark. The weather was good which also helps - 32 degrees at midday. And while we were enjoying the hot weather at 60 degrees North of the equator, we gave a thought to all the p...