Full House

No rest for the wicked. So happy to have welcomed a few visitors this past week. Our friend JC, who lives in London, took a few trains down to spend four days with us and my pal Chelsea, from back home, just headed home after a week with us. All four of us were able to see Lyon and visit nearby Annecy for some final "swimming off the paddle boats" before we lose the heat. Then, this past weekend, Chelsea and I spent a romantic weekend in Paris. As per usual; check out the highlights!

JC and Joel go for the GRANDE box of churros after burning some cals swimming in Lac D'Annecy.

Below, Chels soaks up the Lyon lifestyle.

We spent an afternoon grazing the Louvre Museum; now a Parisian highlight for me.

And of course, the classic ten minutes sitting in the Champ de Mars staring up at the Eiffel Tower.

Thanks so much for making the trek out to Lyon you two, what a great week!

Joel & Amy

GREECE!

Hey, folks.

I was hoping to post a video of our trip to Greece but I'm having some technical issues with my computer so I've decided to post some of our favourite pictures! There are so many highlights to share so lets start with our first stop, Greece's capital city of ATHENS.

We spent a full day touring Athens before boarding our first ferry to Santorini island. We ran the track at the Olympic Stadium, climbed the rocky outcrop to see the Acropolis up close and browsed the Acropolis Museum. Lots of great history in this city.

(Left: Out front of the Olympic Stadium)

(Right: Joel enjoys the view of the city from the Acropolis Hill)

(Below: One of the many pork gyros consumed; Greece has THE BEST food. I could not eat enough Greek yogurt and honey, I already miss their morning frappes)

 
                       

Next we headed out to the gorgeous Santorini Island for five days of camping. Lots of hiking and soaking up the views were on the agenda.....check and check!

We could not have been more impressed by this destination.

(Right: Arriving by ferry to Santorini Island)

(Below: Our tiny home, away from home, we were pleasantly surprised by how cool we stayed at night considering the blistering heat we experienced during the day) @ Santorini Camping in Thira.

Our first hike of the trip took us from the centre of the island to the Northern tip and the tiny village of Oia. At the end of the rocky 12km jaunt we discovered a pool bar that overlooked the Ocean, a perfect reward to a hard days work. Santorini never disappoints!

(Right: Joel looks out at our destination)

From Santorini's old port we took a short excursion in a pirate boat to the Santorini Volcano and hot springs.

(Left: Joel takes advantage of the hot spring's healing properties)

Next we took a speed-ferry to the Island of Crete where we did some more camping near the city of Hiraklion. Lots of rocky beaches to relax on here.

(Right: Soaking in the warm pools on the Northern shore)

Below you'll see us on a day-trip into the city to see the Old Port and visit the Palace Ruins of Knossos.

For our next, and sadly final stop, we took a bus West to Chania. A very tourist-friendly zone where you can "check out the shops" for hours on end. We stayed amongst the harbour-front restaurants in the old port and took one final bus to the top of the Samaria Gourge where we hiked another 14km down to Crete's Southern shore. 

(Above: Joel waves goodbye to Crete as we prep for our ferry back to Athens)

(Right: Stopping for a water break in Samaria Gorge National Park)

We were more than pleased with our trip to Greece. The combination of antiquity, mountainous hiking, relaxing beaches, stunning views and palatable dishes was perfect for Joel's summer vacation from work and my......well.....vacation from vacation. 

*We welcome you to click on the images to see a larger version.

THANKS everyone, hope to post some footage of the trip soon!

Joel & Amy

Back from the Greek Islands

What a trip!!! Lots of pictures and videos to get through but here are a few teaser photos. Please enjoy.

Running the track at the Olympic Stadium in Athens

The Acropolis of Athens

Santorini Island

The Samaria Gorge on the Island of Crete.

Check back soon!

Joel & Amy

More from Cinque Terre

Deux Baguettes - Cliff Jumping from PaddyRumble on Vimeo.

Cinque Terre with Laura Bamsey

Last week we welcomed our first summer visitor, Joel's sister, Laura. Squeezing us in between London and Iceland we were happy to show her around Lyon before road tripping to Cinque Terre (or five lands) Italy. We stayed in La Spezia and took a train into Cinque Terre each day to check out the string of five gorgeous villages along the coast of the Mediterranean. To get between the villages you could take additional trains, hike, kayak or take a ferry. On the first day we chose the challenging yet picturesque hiking trails but our legs had had it on the second day so we explored the rocky caves in a kayak. An unbelievable spot for those looking for an active vacation.

Tasting the Lyonnaise creme caramel.

Taking a break on the rocks after day-one's first hike.

Looking back at our first stop from our second hike of the day.

Bon Voyage, Laura!

It was a pleasure travelling, eating pizza and drinking Limoncello with you.

Joel & Amy

Tour de France

Joel greeting JC at the L'Arc de Triomphe after
his 290km trek from London.

 What an exciting couple of weeks we've had  as the Tour de France passed through Lyon and we chased it up to Paris to see the final stage!

On Saturday, July 13th they passed right in front of our apartment as we waited anxiously on the curb and the sponsors drove by throwing out sample products and Tour paraphernalia. All riders passed within 8 min, but still, very exciting.

On Sunday, July 21st we made our way to Paris to catch the finish. It was pretty entertaining to watch the final 40km as they sped by us 10 times before crossing the finish line. With no media connection it was interesting to see who was in the lead each time they lapped through and who started to fall behind. 

Our pal JC cycled down from London the morning of the race to spend the day with us and observe the action. Definitely a thrilling day (even for those of us who are a little wide-eyed). Will be sure to catch it again next year.

We found a great spot to watch the race at the 1km mark.

Joel climbed up on a street light to get this shot, shows how close the riders got to the crowd as they picked up speed.
(watch your toes!)

THANKS GUYZZZZ...

Joel & Amy

Bastille Day in Lyon

This past Sunday, July 14th was Bastille Day (or La Fete Nationale) here in France, when they celebrate the uprising of their modern nation. Celebrations are held all over France and here in Lyon there are a series of Fireman's Balls and fireworks all weekend.

We made our way down to the edge of the Rhone River to view Sunday's fireworks with the rest of the city. Then, on our way home, we dodged additional fireworks amongst the crowds as kids set off spectacles of their own. Sometimes sideways, sometimes right at you, no rules, regulations or security in sight, everyone just does what they want, this is France!

THANKS

Joel & Amy