We visited the medieval city of Bruges today, primarily to visit the Ice Palace attraction. The Ice Palace holds a collection of sculptures made from, yes you guessed it, ice; based on different themes, stories and art. My favourite sculptures were the ones based on the world of Harry Potter. They built a schoolroom out of the ice, complete with Harry, Dumbledore and Hedwig. Funnily enough, Hagrid was missing - not enough ice perhaps for a giant?! There were scen...

We head to Valkenburg today to see the famed Christmas caves and do some Crimbo shopping. It costs about 3.75 euros for adults and 2 for kids. The entrance to the caves is gorgeous, in a tiny 'village' with a huge nativity scene and Father Christmas and Rudolph with their sleigh on top of the huts. Surrounding huts sell bratwursts and hot chocolate, perfect winter fuel. The caves are quite stunning, huge height and width which you could easily get lost i...

Well I should be in Australia now, but I am in Europe instead - long story, don't ask (really don't ask) and I'm going to Belgium and Holland to visit family and see what the Christmas markets have to offer. Tonight we visit Mons to see the winter wonderland created around the Grand Place including market and ice skating rink. Beautifully decorated with traditional Christmas scenes and huge fairy tale characters brought to life from bushes. Lovely little ...

Red Light District We finally reach Amsterdam which is somewhat bittersweet as it means the tour will soon be over, however, I have been really look forward to Amsterdam(age).For once we are in a hotel and have a 'luxury' meal. Oh the joy of broccoli and carrots after two weeks without so much as a pea!!The bedrooms still leave a lot to be desired, but at least there are clean towels.Oh the joy! Anyway, back to Amsterdam.We spend our first night going to see ...

Ciao people, In Rome at last which I have been really looking forward to. We go on a night tour first and visit, amongst other things, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps (which I tripped up quite literally). The Pantheon is amazing, a remarkable piece of architecture and so old. Would like to see it in the daylight and have a proper wander round. The Spanish Steps are pretty cool. Italians meet here before a big night out and it is a great place...