Mia and Her Collection: Venice - Nice - Toulouse - Paris - Rotterdam

Mia and Her Collection: Venice - Nice - Toulouse - Paris - Rotterdam: It was our 25 Year Wedding Anniversary!!! Should I have expected 25 roses from my husband? Not gonna happen, my husband is not really...

Venice - Nice - Toulouse - Paris - Rotterdam

It was our 25 Year Wedding Anniversary!!!

Should I have expected 25 roses from my husband? Not gonna happen, my husband is not really a genuinely romantic kind of man. Every other anniversary we always ended up eating out at a restaurant, like any other day :)

But he said yes to one of my dreams:) ... a European adventure that is!!!


DAY 1 - Buon Giorno Venice

We finally arrived in Venice after about an 11 hour flight from New York City via Amsterdam.
Venice was our first visit. The city is known for their beautiful grand canals, where you can take a scenic gondola ride, as well as their architecture such as the San Marco Basilica. During our stay, we did not stay in Venice but instead, opted for the Hotel Plaza in Mestre which is only 10 minutes away from Piazzale Roma, Venice. We didn't really mind staying there, because we spent all of our time in Venice and only stayed in Mestre for the purpose of sleeping.

From our hotel we took a bus and arrived at Piazzale Roma. Just about everyone enter the city using public transportation other than water taxi has to enter through Piazzale Roma, which is a bus station/train station/parking lot (but it sure does sound super fancy). As soon as we stepped out into Venice, we felt the cultural awakening. WELCOME TO VENICE!!  In order to explore the lagoons and canals in an inexpensive way, we took the vaporetto (water bus) line 1 to San Marco Square which took us about 40 minutes to get there, but it was worth the view on the enchanting Venetian palaces of the past centuries. -- No we didn't take a gondola for 3 reasons. One, they are quite expensive. Two, as I stated before, my husband isn't very romantic. Three, I'm almost positive, especially after this trip, that my husband isn't a fan of boats.

Piazalle Roma

Grand Canal

Vaporetto

A Gondola along the Grand Canal

Santa Maria De La Salute

We passed the famed Rialto Bridge, one of the most photographed places in Venice. Such a unique design compared to the other bridges in Venice. The bridge itself makes a great picture.

The famous Rialto Bridge

San Marco Square is beautiful, surrounded by nice restaurants, street vendors, shops, but San Marco Basilica and The Campanile (bell tower) is a sight to behold and it's just a great place to take pictures. The sound of music was playing and yes, the Piazza could have been one huge dance floor. Though it was a bit chilly when we were there, we still enjoyed walking through the square.

San Marco Square

San Marco Square

Found a perfect cafe around San Marco Square.

Yes! They do sell fake brand, lots of them around Venice.

On the way back to Piazzale Roma, instead of taking the vaporetto we took a walk and simply lost ourselves. We explored aimlessly through the narrow, cobblestone streets and alleys where you can find lots of small restaurants and local shops. We admired the magnificent cathedrals and palaces over the city's romantic renaissance architecture and meandered over the charming bridges while contemplating the intriguing sculptures along the way.

One of the many bridges

The alley

Passing the famous Rialto Bridge,  the view was magnificent. Well worth the stairs up:) We couldn't resist a stop at a restaurant and to have some linguine and white clam sauce. Of course when traveling to Europe, opt for the house red wine which is dirt cheap compare to a bottle of water... Now that is a culture shock!

View from the bridge of the restaurant we picked.

Linguine and white clam sauce with house wine

DAY 2 - MURANO ISLAND

The island of Murano is just a short vaporetto trip from Venice. So, the second day we went to visit Murano. The island itself is much like Venice, with colorful buildings lining the waterfront. We went to a factory store and saw how the artists worked their magic with glassware. Their showroom also features authentic pieces at varying prices depending on the size and uniqueness of the design.

The island of Murano

The artist

DAY 3 - NICE, FRANCE

We took Trenitalia from Santa Lucia Venice to Milan and then changed trains to Ventimiglia. The train was packed with people standing along the aisles. Thank God we purchased our tickets and booked a seats ahead of time.  It took us about 7 hours to get there and transfered to another train toward Nice. The views along the French Riviera are stunning with mountains coursing skyward on one side, and the blue Mediterranean sea on the other side. Overall, if you like to enjoy the landscape, Eurail is the best way to travel, but if you're short on time, it's best to take an airplane.

Bonjour!

Nice, known as The Capital of Cote D'Azur, situated between mountains and the Mediterranean sea at the heart of the glamourous French Riviera, makes it our second perfect holiday destination. We got our charming small hotel in the heart of Nice, called Hotel Univers, a block away from Place Massena and Rue de France with its plentiful of restaurants, cafes and shops to choose. The weather was lovely, perfect for walking around and seeing the sights. We spent the first day just wandering around Promenade des Anglais and Rue de France.  Pictures really don't do it justice, it really is one of those places that you have to see with your own eyes.

Promenade des Anglais

Rue de France

Place Massena is the center of Nice. It's an attractive square surrounded by shops and restaurants which are concentrated along the Rue Massena and Rue de France.


DAY 4 - MONACO

We went to explore what may be Monaco's most striking, historically-significant palace and casino. We took bus no. 100 from Nice to Monaco. It cost us just 1 Euro per person, thanks to our good friend who told us not to take a costly tour bus.  It was very crowded but the bus rides along the coastline with a beautiful view of the Cote d'Azure, the French Riviera.

View from the bus overlooking Promenade des Anglais.

We were dropped at Place de Moulins right across from the famous Casino de Monte Carlo. The casino looks very gorgeous from the outside. We sat at the cafe outside Monte Carlo Casino which we found as a great place to hang out just to admire the passing Ferraris, Porches, Bentleys, etc.

Monte Carlo Casino

We hopped on a local bus to the Palace of Monaco which is home to the Grimaldi family, located on a hill above the harbor. Part of the Palace was open for tours which gave us the opportunity to see the lavish interiors.  In my opinion, this Palace is not one of Europe's most elegant castles, but still very much interesting.  Outside the Palace we found neat piles of cannonballs and we sat down and enjoyed a panoramic view of the entire city.

In front of Palace of Monaco

View from the Palace

Another view from the palace

We stayed half a day in Monaco which wasn't enough. We went back to Nice to visit the Old Nice area. When we were strolled down Old Nice, we came across an open air market full of restaurants and bistros. We found out that the place was called Cours Saleya. Its a large open market place where they sell flowers, fruits, vegs, meats etc, in the morning, but in the after noon, the restaurants, bistros and creperies that flank both sides of the market expand outwards, setting out their tables under the striped awnings. We checked menus that were offered to us by waiter/waitresses who tried their best to make us eat at their restaurant. The prices really weren't that bad considering the norm for Nice. It was an enjoyable area to have dinner.

Oh, and what I like about Nice, the people speak two languages, Italian and French.


DAY 5 - TOULOUSE, FRANCE

The next day we took a train from Nice to Toulouse, France.
In Toulouse, I planned on meeting up with my old high school friend Lina and her husband Denis. Lina and I had lost contact for about 35 years but started talking again through facebook. After exchanging our contact numbers, I found out that she now lives in Toulouse. Toulouse is located in between Nice and Paris, so, instead of going straight to Paris, I made plans to visit her in Toulouse. She said she would be delighted to meet me and my husband and would love it if we stayed over dans leur maison. So, on day 5 she and her husband picked us up at the train station. They are very kind people, especially Lina's husband Denis, whom we had just met that day however, he made us feel like we knew him our whole lives. That day he acted as our tour guide and took us straight to Place du Capitole and surrounding area. The weather had some rain showers, but we took the opportunity to take lots of pictures at the plaza. The plaza is filled with beautiful architecture and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and stores around the area.

We exchanged some historical information on how we got to where we are, after-all, 35 years is a very long time. It was nostalgic talking about life back in the old Cendana Caltex Rumbai school to how we chose our path of life and families. But for the most part, it felt like we had always been two friends who live nearby each other and were just catching up. We also met their two good looking grown up children, and had dinner together .... beautiful family!!!

Priceless!!!

DAY 6 - ST. EMILION, BORDEAUX & DUNE DU PYLA

Next visit was St. Emilion, one of the most historic and scenic wine areas in the Bordeaux region.
Perched on top of the steep limestone slopes which many of the region's finest vineyards are situated,
it took us about 2.5 hours to get there. The town has great views with natural settings of utmost beauty in the valley. We strolled along the ancient cobblestone streets and took a breathtaking panoramic view from Place du Clocher. We walked around the old church, ruins, and wash houses, but everywhere you go you'll see a wine store. There is something charming about this medieval city and we enjoyed the beautiful weather and atmosphere.

Imagine a landscape of breath-taking beauty

Lunch and wine tasting at Chateau La Rose C'otes Rol, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2001

Wine stores everywhere

French delicacy food Foie Gras (liver of an overfed duck) 

Breathtaking panoramic view

Bought some wines and Bordeaux prestige dessert called Lemoine Canele

After we left St. Emilion, we took another hour drive to Dune du Pyla.  It is said to be the highest dune in Europe with a unique landscape and an incredible panoramic view over the coast.  Not knowing what to expect (and not expecting to go up), we climbed the sandy dune which our bare feet kept sinking into. Voila ....  finally at the top, we were rewarded with an amazing 360 view. Since it was early May, it was unexpectedly cool up there.

Up up we go

On the way down

We loved the time we spent in Toulouse and was so happy for the hospitality that Lina and Denis provided us. We hope to see them again soon, merci beaucoup et au revoir :)


DAY 7 - VOILA PARIS

From Toulouse we flew on an EasyJet Airline to Paris Charles De Gaule. EasyJet Air is a budget airline that flies throughout Europe, but has very strict regulations with bags. From the airport we caught the Air France bus that stopped right next to our rented apartment at Place de L'Etoile, the 40 minutes ride cost only 12 euros per person. It was great having our stop just right at the corner of Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the center of the Place de l"Etoile. Place de l"Etoille or Square of the Star is a very large traffic circle. It is the meeting point of twelve avenues including the famous Champs-Elysees.

We rented our apartment from www.Wimdu.com. Sometimes, staying in a cute Parisian apartment is much better than in a hotel, this time was no different. The apartment had a kitchen, though we didn't really use it other than for boiling water and to store some snacks in the refrigerator. There were just too many restaurants around every corner, so why bother cooking:))

After dropping off our luggage at the apartment, we took a stroll along Champs-Elysees in the rain. Thank God our apartment host had provided us with 2 solid umbrellas.

Pl De La Condorde

The famous boulevard is a nice walk after visiting the Arc de Triomphe - the wide strolling area is littered with expensive shops of the most expensive brands you can think along with restaurants and cafes. Well, I actually didn't find this place too particularly interesting, probably because the shops are a bit above my price range and there's far too many panhandlers and solicitors? We did it just to say we've done it and we got to experience the infamous street.


DAY 8 - Voila CHATEAU DE VERSAILES

Off we went to Versailles. We took a metro and transfered to an RER C train toward Versailles. As soon as we got off the train, we purchased our palace admissions from a third party company on the walk toward the palace. It did cost a little more than to purchase at the palace, but it sure saved us so much time.
Versailles is freaking gorgeous .... awesome ....  and was undoubtedly the best part of my time in Paris. The front entrance of the chateau is made entirely of gold and the sheer size of the building and the amount of gold used is unbelievable. We walked through the different chambers and the extravagant hall of mirrors with open jaws .... (just kidding, but I imagine that's what was running through my mind). The gardens too are equally impressive. The scenery is just breath taking.

The entrance

The Park

Overlooking Grand Trianon

The Hall of Mirrors

Chapel ceiling 

Words can't describe it ... And my pictures don't do it justice!

We spent most of the day in Versailles and then took the train back to Paris. We decided to check out Paris' nightlife in the area called the Latin's Quarter, near Notre Dame. This place looked more like the Village in New York City, but much cuter. Latin's Quarter is a nice place with their charming little streets. Lots of bookstores and cafes, filled with inexpensive restaurants. Sorbonne University lay just around the corner. It really is a great place to see a different side of Paris.


DAY 9 - AROUND SEINE RIVER

Obviously the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must see in Paris, and we set this date to explore this tower. Just to find out that there was a mile long line with people eager to go up. Not willing to wait on the line we decided not to go up. I know ... :((((.... but I was quite happy to take lots of pictures around. I am sure it is well worth the wait, but I will come again some other time and purchase the ticket online.

We walked toward the Seine river and took lots of pictures before hopping on the Batobus, or river bus. Batobus is an excellent alternative way to view all the major sights in Paris. This river bus service stops at eight spots along the river starting from Eiffel, Musee d'Orsay, Saint Germain des Pres, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hotel de Ville, Louvre and Champs-Elysees.  It is a great way to get from one attraction to another attraction in Paris along the Seine. France has so much to offer beyond Paris, that it gets difficult to choose where to go next, but we made it stop at Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame and Louvre.

I don't remember what was in my head at Batobus

Musee d'Orsay, formerly a railroad station, is located on the left bank of the Seine river and is home to France's largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art including masterpieces by big names such Van Gogh, Monet, etc. The Musee d'Orsay is by no means a hidden gem of Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral is absolutely breathtaking in its size and grandeur. I am not Catholic, but we admired the skills of people back in the day in terms of artworks and architectures. It is an amazing piece of history. Just not sure why there is a bunch of gargoyles on the top of the cathedral?

Its a shame that we couldn't get into the museum. We came late and the museum was about to close in an hour and  thirty minutes. But looking at the glass pyramid was enough for us.

The Louvre entrance

The view from Jardin des Tuileries

Ohh we made it to Moulin Rouge too

DAY 10 - GROETEN VAN ROTTERDAM


We took another train from Gare Du Nord towards Rotterdam, Netherlands. Surprisingly we got our seats next to another Indonesian group from Allianze Insurance company. It was nice to meet people who speak the same language in a foreign land. We chatted, laughed and got better acquainted during the 2.5 hour ride.  And here we thought the whole cabin would be just for us ... :))

Rotterdam was our last stop in Europe, we picked Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam, because I wanted to meet my cousin Inge and her family that I had never met. We haven't seen each other for about 7 years and at the time, she was still single. Now she's married to a Dutch man named Arno and has 2 beautiful daughters, Arinda and Alexa. When we finally met at the train station, we were all so excited! They took us to their newly renovated penthouse, and my oh my, it is a lovely home and they're a lovely family.

Two adorable nieces

DAY 11 - WALKING TOUR ROTTERDAM

After having a Holland breakfast made by meneer Arno, they took us on a walking tour. Rotterdam is a modern, industrial city and home to the largest sea port in Europe. Our walk started from Popenburg area toward the SS Rotterdam. On the way there, we passed Laurenskerk and the statue of Desiderius Erasmus (the renaissance humanist).

The statue of Erasmus

Than we passed a mall called "Koopgoot" an underground shopping center.

The entrance of Gootkoop

Passing the sculpture of City Without Heart which was built as a memorial to the destruction of the city center by the Germans in the World War II

De Verwoeste Stad (The Destroyed City) sculpture

We strolled along the canal until we were closed to the Erasmus Bridge. We took our first break before we cross the bridge at the Grand Cafe Prachtig.

Overlooking the Erasmus Bridge

In this picture we were already on the other side of the bridge. Not sure how many miles we've been walking. 

Cheers

 After we strolled over the bridge, we went passed Hotel New York. This building was the former headquarter building of the Holland American Line Steamship.

in front of used to be HQ of HAL

We finally reached our destination at "SS Rotterdam", the giant float hotel. This prestigious flagship of Holland American Line today permanently docked as a hotel and museum at Katendrecht in the very heart of Rotterdam.

We had our lunch at the deck of the ship. One could only imagine this ship powering across the Atlantic back in the 50's. Loved the deck with the views of the port and city.

On the way back to the city center of Rotterdam, we took a water taxi, and it was a perfect end to our visit of this amazing historical ship. 

Kubus house in the background

As we proceeded home, we passed this interesting yellow cube houses on the Blaak area, people do live in this confused looking tilted cube. Just looking at them makes me wonder what living inside would be like.

A walking tour really does offers an excellent opportunity to experience Rotterdam first hand. Rotterdam is such a different city, unlike other European city I saw, its architectures here is very new due to the fact the city was flattened during the world war II.

Finally, our adventure ends here, and I hope there will be another adventure that I can share with all of you. All that is left to say is thank you to Arno, Inge and kids, it was not the time we spend together that really matters, but the moment together that makes a memory. Love you guys!

TOT ZIENS EN DANK U WEL

Till then!

Thank you for reading, and may you have a blessed day.