Gutted

I was heartbroken tonight, leaving my sister behind. She has such a special place in my own little family: a best friend to me, she gets on so well with my husband and my daughter adores her.

This time it felt different leaving her behind and while I tried to soothe the frantic crying from my little girl, I shed a few tears myself. I see no sweet in the sorrow of parting.

Its been a fantastic week. We have rested, talked, played and eaten ice cream. Kyra is walking so fast its practically a run, but still falls if you let go of her hand. She adores swimming, just like her mommy.

Now we're heading back to Slovinia. It's going to be a long nights drive.
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Beach

This is Kyra's first beach holiday and its a winner so far. She loves the water and squeals with delight at the mere sight of the water.
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Sreser, Croatia

My sister's boyfriends family has a house here, far away from crowds, from commercialism and from business. There's little to do and for once that is perfect.
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Slovinia

Trying to avoid the toll roads we ended up seeing much more of Slovenia than we bargained on.
Its a very luscious and green landscape filled with beautiful scenery and at 8am on a Saturday, few people.

Not a country I know much about, sadly but it too looks like a walkers paradise!
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Switzerland

The mountain above the campsite. Beautiful area for nature lovers with loads of walks, paragliding and so on but not much else. We had to drive back to Italy to do grocery shopping!
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Driving

Doing another all nighter, Switzerland to Croatia via Italy and Slovenia. Kyra sleeps a good 10 or so hours so getting as much of the drive done as we can makes sense.

Didn't realise we'd be going over so many mountain passes though. Slow going.

Its pretty amazing how many villages are built on the sides of Alpine mountains and even more amazing how old they are and how on earth their economies survive.
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Bye bye Switzerland

I know not where the white road runs
Nor what the blue hills are,
But man can have the sun for friend
And for his guide a star.

- extract from Wander-thirst, Gerald Gould
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Gelatoria

The great love affair Italians have with ice cream does not reflect in the stature of the people. I guess if you have the option at any time you're less overwhelmed by its presence?

At any rate, I had one this morning and the guy gave Kyra a mini cone with yogurt , which she handled like an old pro!
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Lecco

Martin is working so Kyra and I have gone for a walk: Italy has a special place in my heart, and the whole Lake Como area more specifically. Perhaps I feel my ancestors here, but something in my spirit stirs when I breathe the air here
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All Change Again

So, if anyone other than my mom and dad ever read this, heed my warning: when they say 'don't drive in Itay' they mean it! We spent hours trying to get through the traffic in Milan and had no hope of getting to our campsite in Switzerland.

As a result we ended up in a hotel way out of our price range for this trip, at a highly reduced rate, compliments of Laterooms.com!

Instead of camping in Switzerland, we're in a four star hotel in Lecco with a balcony and a view of Lake Como. A king sized bed, a bath/shower, aircon and buffet breakfast.

I know. Them's the knocks. But don't worry about us - we'll get over it ;0)

Change of Plans

We were headed to the Italian Riviera, but the heat and the low speed limit have changed our plans. We're changing direction and heading to Switzerland. I can live this way.
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Another Favourite

With the radio off,the aircon off and the windows open, the silence is phenomenal, and broken only by the sound of cowbells on the grazing cattle
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Favourite thing

My favourite thing about the Alps must be the beautiful pockets of wild flowers along the way. I think there must be upwards of20 different species.

They made me think about life, and about how those frozen, stark, barren and tough times prepare us and make us appreciate the beautiful times. The months of cold and wet and dark make firtile soil.
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Alpe d'Huez

With 20 switchbacks this mountain rises 1800m. The view is fantastic and the air is thin.

Cyclists visit the many pubs and restaurants for refreshment after their long climb. Their faces glow with sweat and pride.

We eat a late lunch at a patisserie then slink away shamefacedly to take our journey back by car.
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French Alps

I don't know what madness drives a man to cycle these roads but I know that the beauty does not escape the man that drives them.

This is beauty and splendor and majesty.
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Breakfast

After a night of no sleep, we had a late by camper standards but early by ours night last night. Slept pretty well, waking only when it became cold enough to climb in under the duvet.

Kyra is a super star when it comes to camping. She's used to sleeping in our bed, so she sleeps quietly and comfortably.

Martin had work for today, so he is at the cafe down the road using the wifi.

I'm making brunch from last night's BBQ left overs.

Pancetta, chippolata, mushroom, onion, tomato all from local sources are full of nourishing flavour. Mixed with bright yellow yolked eggs for a quick omelet, nothing else is required. We have no wastage and we are satisfied
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