Europe Trip Day 1 (7 May 2011)

Drama at O R Tambo with Andre's passport- we almost missed our flight to Zurich I had zero time to duty free shop and as I board I am so mad that I tell Andre that he owes me some duty free perfume for all the stress that has just happened. Poor guy it was harder for him than me. Some case in 1995 where he was supposed to be a witness in Springs - Lord have mercy we had moved to Cape town and clearly this one fell through the cracks of the court system. Anyhow they let us go and said we would have to sort it out on our arrival back.

Flight to Zurich was quite cramped watched two movies dozing in between. Yummy Swiss chocolates. Once we landed we had 1 and a half hours to board our next flight to Barcelona. It was an easy transfer - Flight to Barcelona was comfortable and the Swiss Alps were stunning so glad I had a window seat.

We transfered by coach from a stunning Barcelona Airport which was colourful and so spacious. Arrived at the port at about 9am and after checking our luggage we left to hit the La Ramblas.
What a colourful and vibrant city. Amazing architecture, the statue people were unbelieveable. We bought souvoniers for Ashleigh Jason and Jesse, after much bargaining. Fed the birds at the fountains and then headed back towards the Port our feet aching feeling exhausted and happy to check into our cabin.

Ship is more amazing than we had imagined.I am so impressed with the attention to detail, the personal and friendliness of the staff. We slept until it was time to sail and then went up to the main deck to watch the sails go up to majestic music it was such fun.

Then we went to have some free spa treatments and then it was off to dinner where we met Gary and Daphna from Woodmead. Nice fun Jewish couple getting married in November who shared about all their difficulties in planning a Kosher wedding.

After dinner it was off to the lounge where we danced and listened to the band. I tried my luck at the casino and finally at mid night we headed off to bed.

11 May 2011

So we have done Barcelona, Parlma de Majorca our day at sea which was so relaxing i lost all track of time and day. Currently at the local childrens library in St Tropez. Our ship anchored and then we hopped on a little ferry boat to get to shore. The old town is very beautiful and clean shop owners wipe the window sills there is not a speck of dust. This is my kind of town, so clean I could live here. The locals dress up to have coffee nothing shabby in this town. The weather is magnificent. Andre and I are about to set off to find the Old Cathederal will later ferry back to the boat for lunch and some watersports and then will ferry back to experience the night life of St Tropez. Havent managed to hook up with Brad and Angelina yet they are probably still sleeping.

6 May 2011 - 19 Hours

All Packed and ready to go

6 May 2011

So I can finally say we are leaving tomorrow. Last night we had a dinner with our close circle of friends. Nicky and avril and Clarissa and Randal. It was so special and we were given a good bag send off complete with a Mens health mag for Andre and an Oprah Mag for me. Lots of nice pamper goodies and in our true friendship style causing many laughs it came with two condoms!!!

Andre and I are very excited. We feel incredibly spoilt by this and are really grateful to God for this awesome blessing. I will try to update my blog everyday so those of you who are keen to come along and experience the journey with us just follow my blog and come and enjoy the tastes and smells and sights of the Mediterranean. See you Barcelona ~ Ole!

4 May 2011

So 3 more sleeps and Andy and I will be jetting off to Switzerland and then whisked to Bracelona to board the Windsurf. Our long awaited trip is just 72 hours away. In true Debbie style I am almost 100% packed just the last few things to chuck together, tomorrow I need to purchase some Euros...urgh the exchange rate is sad!!!!

It all feels quite surreal today I got rid of any sign of silver hair thanks to my stylist Nicky Edwards - you are the best friend ever( Nix that fleeting moment where I thought I would just leave the grey) was just that a fleeting moment. I love the way it turned out. Now just need to do my feet and nails and I will feel completely ready for my 2nd honey moon!!!

Just got to finish my April month end tomorrow and wrap up some outstanding legal work and I will be fully in holiday mode!

So without further adieu its off to work I go, Good night and will blog again when I only have 24hrs to go!!!! Oh my word I cant even think it without getting the hugest grin on my face

2nd May 2011

5 days before we embark on our trip. Difficult to describe how I feel. There is alot to be accomplished this week before I can breathe a sigh of relief and say Bon Voyage!!

I do feel incredibly happy though there is a lightness of step in my spirit. I look back on 20 years with Andre and am so grateful of the place we find ourselves at now. We have worked hard to give our kids the best education that we could afford them and we have worked hard through many times of adversity.

I am grateful for friends like Nicky and Avril who will be looking after my boys and keeping an eye on Ashleigh at varsity. I feel that I will get on the plane and not have to be worried at all. I mean I don't even feel guilty about being in Portifino on Jasons birthday because I know Avs and Nix will make it so awesome for him.

Being in community has amazing advantages, we have Carey house sitting for us and on Jason B day Garret will be looking after Jason and 9 friends as they have a sleep over and breakfast on the night of his birthday.

I guess before we know it the long awaited trip will be over but for now I am not thinking about that. I look forward to going and creating some awesome memories with Andre and hoping that this trip will be the first of many as the travel bug bites my husband.

The next one I am already planning in my heart and it will include our kids... but for now lets focus on this one!

When we get back I will arrange a soup and rolls evening for those of you who are keen to watch and come check out the pages I will have scrapped!!!

So this is just two pictures of La ramblas in Barcelona our first stop !!!!

1 May 2011 A Glimpse of my trip