Day 29 - Valencia (Museums)

Sundays are perfect for going through museums, because most of them are for free ✌️
So we took that chance and while we are still here in Valencia for the last few days, we came to see the few places we haven't visited yet. 
We started with Silk Exchange, which our guide from the few days ago suggested to visit. 
La Almoina was ruins from old roman Valencia. It was quite amazing how something can still be found from between 1-9 centuries 😳 they only discovered it 10-15 years ago 👍🏻 worth a visit definitely. 
That's museums done for Valencia 😊 already need to start planning where we go next.

Portas Serranas

Day 27/28 - Valencia

Lazy days in Valencia with not much to say. Just enjoying the food, cafes, restaurants and beach!

4 weeks completed since we left home, which feels like a lifetime away. We're still not even half way (in terms of miles) in our trip and still quite far
from my hometown in the South of Portugal.

Day 26 - Science museum and Oceanographic

14/7/2016

Today we spent all day in Oceanographic and science museum. It was an awesome experience. Aquarium so big it took us like 4hours to walk through it. We saw everything from the sea world, except dolphin show 😳which only started later. 
After that we were starving so we went for big lunch. Really big all you can eat lunch... Just to get energy for another 3-4 hour tour through science museum.
I can't even describe everything, but you could try all sorts of things starting from light illusions to playing a game where you move a ball with your mind. How cool is that. 😂
In the end we have spent over 8 hours between two museums. 🙈 
So tired now, I can't even write anything that make sense so I will just add pics ✌️

Day 25 - Facebook page

It is always a huge problem to upload pictures and create blog posts so we've decided to create a facebook page to upload pics and short updates as it is a lot easier to do it from the phone and better for our families/friends to follow (which is the purpose of this blog), although we will still carry on with the blog!

https://www.facebook.com/the2vvanderers

Day 25 - Valencia (walking tour)

Today we decided to do a walking tour, starting at 10:30am in Valencia city center. Lazy Laima took ages to leave the bed and had to run all the way from metro station until the meeting point making it just on time. Surprisingly, there was only 4 persons in the tour (including the 2 of us) and it was almost like a private tour.

It was very interesting to understand how the city was born and the influence of the different occupations during the centuries. Muslims, Romans, Barbarians, etc.. all left their marks in the city, and it's still possible to see the different layers through the old town.

We also tried Horchata during the tour, a Valencian typical drink made from a special type of nut only grown here (they say), sugar and water. It is not bad, refreshing which is nice in this weather but probably not something I would have again.

trying horchata

We finished the tour in Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas,  an amazing building still very well preserved showing the luxury in which the nobelty lived during those ages. You can walk through each room and imagine how would it be to live in such a magnifique place. There's also the largest ceramic collection in Spain inside, but the building itself was the most impressive

.

Today the weather was perfect to walk around the city, some clouds and around 27 degrees made a perfect walk enjoying the city. Of course 27 degrees was enough for Laima to be cold and wishing to have long sleeve! 

Laima asking for trousers and long sleeve because it was too cold...

Days 22/23/24 - Valencia

After 3 weeks on the road we arrived at Valencia, where we are staying at friends house until 19/7. It was a nice feeling to take a nap in sofa watching tv after all this time...

Valencia has been a very positive surprise with amazing buildings, stunning architecture and great atmosphere on the streets. The weather has been nice, sometimes too hot during the day but at night it's just perfect.

These days have been more quiet for us than the past 3 weeks, trying to recharge our batteries, doing some walk through the city center, shopping, eating out and sleeping more than usual.

The city of arts and science seems amazing, incredible buildings but we have not been in the museum/oceanographic yet. We are planning to visit it later on.

Yesterday we went to the beach, it was veryyy busy as a typical city beach will be in middle of July, but the water was like tea. Sooo good! :D The night ended watching The Troupers (ABBA covers) in the Palau de la Musica.

Day 21 - Benicassim

view from our home!

Today we completed 3 weeks on the road with Shelly. 4 countries (Uk, France, Switzerland and Spain), more than 2000km and many cities/towns/villages visited.

Yesterday at night for the first time I had problems in sleeping because it was too hot, even with our "bedroom" window open it felt like there was no air outside. Also being parked in the middle of Salou we could not have all the windows open.

This morning started with some exercise to burn all the sweets that Laima is eating here (chocolats, ice creams, cookies). We did some running near the beach, pull ups (or i tried at least) and then go swim in the ocean. Perfect start of the day for me!

After breakfast we just left Salou to Benicassim, driving for 2 hours and arriving at lunch time. The all afternoon was spent in the beach, the water temperaure is just amazing and this beach was surprisingly quiet and nice.

Still managed to have time and energy to go for a bike ride (mtb) in the mountains near where we ate staying. It's an area called Desierto de Las Palmas, and it truly seems like a desert. It was already after 7pm and my gps was still showing above 30 degrees.

Now enjoying a dinner outside with a great mountain view behind!

Day 20 - Salou

Today we went for a quick swim in the campsite and we had to leave at 12.
We headed to Tarragona. It was quite a long drive. When we arrived we just went for a quick walk by the beach and decided to drive a bit more. We ended up in Salou. Very touristic, but nice place. There were no aires so we just found a quiet street and parked there. It turned out not so be so quiet, as even the tourist train passed by.
Went for a walk through the town and on the way back got lost and couldn't find our Shelly for ages. All the streets are quite similar and we didn't have any maps to see.
After dinner we went to town again, and saw the very lively beach in the evening, which was very nice, and finally not too hot to be outside. While walking we stopped near a fountain to take some pictures, and realized that there are a lot of people gathering around it and waiting for something. Then in just a few seconds the fountain and lights show started. So on time. It was very nice and went on for like 20 min.

Day 18 Barcelona (404 - Page not found)

404 - Page not found

By accident we deleted this page, no drafts or anything saved and it was too long ago to write it again.

Day 19 - Laaaazy

We are lazy today. We decided yesterday that we will stay in this campsite for one more night. So today we actually didn't do much. In the morning we went to swimming pool, later came back for lunch. And then again went to beach. Water in the beach is very nice and warm. We didn't stay there long, because Fabio got a big sunburn on his belly and chest, because he is so brave and he doesn't need sun cream.
In the campsite they had Sangria making class today, so we went there. Even thought all the class was very chaotic, our Sangria came out nice enough.
Today was Portugal - Wales game, which we went to watch later, and they won yey.
We are so lazy today, that that's all we have done.

Day 17 - Muito GIROna and Laima's Birthday

After our first night in Spanish solo we went to Girona to spend the morning. Old part of town is very nice, absolutely gorgeous and colorful buildings and a ciry full of life. Lots of people, cafes, shops, restaurants everywhere. The Cathedral is also quite impressive, even though we only saw it from outside.

We also did some shopping and finally bought walking sandals! And they are so confortable and fresh that I doubt I will be one day without them. After Girona we set off close to Barcelona, to stay in a campsite in Mataró. Spent the whole afternoon just relaxing in the swimming pool and reading.

Dinner out to celebrate Laima's birthday, try some Spanish tapas & canas and tomorrow we are coming to Barcelona! 

Day 17 - Muito GIROna and Laima's Birthday

After our first night in Spanish solo we went to Girona to spend the morning. Old part of town is very nice, absolutely gorgeous and colorful buildings and a ciry full of life. Lots of people, cafes, shops, restaurants everywhere. The Cathedral is also quite impressive, even though we only saw it from outside.

We also did some shopping and finally bought walking sandals! And they are so confortable and fresh that I doubt I will be one day without them. After Girona we set off close to Barcelona, to stay in a campsite in Mataró. Spent the whole afternoon just relaxing in the swimming pool and reading.

Dinner out to celebrate Laima's birthday, try some Spanish tapas & canas and tomorrow we are coming to Barcelona! 

Day 16 - Perpignan to Spain

A little from yesterday night. We went to the local party, as the music was so loud that we rather enjoy it then. There were a couple of musicians, that were playing almost everything from rock to hip-hop music. and very knows songs. Also the beer and wine was so cheap there, and we even got to keep the glasses with the name of the village on it.

We didn't stay there till the end, but they were playing till after 2am.
Big lie in this morning, specially for Fabio, while I was doing yoga outside, he was still snoring.
Our plan today was to go to Perpignan and stay near by. We did go, but as it's Sunday, everything seemed to be closed, and also nothing much else to see.

So to use our time efficiently Fabio is trying to teach me Portuguese. Bonitas palmeiras and bonitas casas was pretty much all of our conversation.
After visiting Perpignan we decided to go to Spain, and stay near Girona.
So we are in Spain now, YEY! Staying overnight in a lovely and quiet village just outside Girona, named Quart. Very nice houses and wonderful place for bike riding. Now I understand why is Girona so popular for cyclists. About an hour ride in nice hilly roads and I barely saw a car! Heaven!

Day 15 - Carcassone

Today started very well with a short bike ride (about an hour) in the flat roads near the beach in Montpellier, followed by some time in the beach and the first swim of the year. Yeyy it was great to be parked just 100 metres from the beach.

After we had a long drive to Carcassone, with a brake for lunch in McDonalds and some shopping. Shame on us, but after 2 weeks we couldn't resist to mac.

Carcassone has a medieval city wihin the walls of the castle. The biggest and most amazing castle I've been, on top of a small hill with views over the town. Lots of shops with chocolates, sweets, souvenirs and restaurants inside the walls which was a bit of a deception. I was expecting to find more about the history. The town itself, outside of the castle is nothing special. Some nice buildings and an old bridge. We were planning to stay overnight but outside the walls it didn't really appealed to us and  we decided to move on. Searching out aires book we found a nice one, added the coordinates to the gps, drove through some small roads in the middle of vineyards to arrive in a village which wasn't the one we were expecting. Was the gps wrong? Nope! We just added coordinates of the next one.. And completely by accident come to this lovely space right beside the village party!  Time to go and see if they allow us in the party!

Day 14 - Beach finally

As we woke up in the place that we only saw in the dark, first thing I wanted to see - where we are!!!
It was a nice and sunny Marine. We had quick breakfast and we were back on the road. This time, finally, heading to beach.
We arrived in an aire that was by the campsite, so - paid, but it was very nice. Included everything we need and just 5 min walk to beach. It was near Montpellier.
When we arrived it was still too hot to go to beach, so we put our chairs out and read our books in the nice shadow under the tree. After 5 min though, I went to bed, and fell asleep immediately. While Fabio was reading his book in every free moment he had that day. Addicted.
We didn't do much that day, just relaxing and enjoying the beach. Perfect spot for that.

Day 11 / 12 / 13 - out of Alps.

We haven't posted anything for a few days, because we are lazy and busy with doing nothing. :)
After Annecy it seemed like nothing can beat those views, so we headed south. On day 11 we went to Chambery, had a coffee and moved on. Basically we drove quite a lot these days, because as it turns out I do not like Alps. In fact I felt very claustrophobic and just wanted to get out of there. Sad news for Fabio, because he loved it there.
We spent a night in Grenoble and moved on to go to Carpentras next day. It was a very long drive, with some very picturesque views as we were leaving Alps.


In Carpentras Fabio went for a long cycling ride all the way up to Mont Ventoux, nearly 2000 metres high.
While Fabio was cycling I went to explore the town.
After lunch on day 12 we went to Avignon. Very nice city. Old town looks so historic, which was secluded with walls. It was also very busy with tourists and a big part of it was for shopping ( looked like very good shopping place, with a lot of independent boutiques).
We found the best spot in town to park Shelly. By the river with a view to old town - perfect. There were some people during the day having lunch and just enjoying the sun. So we joined and took our chairs out and had dinner there. In the evening we finally could watch a Portugal - Poland game in a nice outside cafe. Portugal won. YEY.
As we were going back to our van we realized that the beautiful place has become very dodgy. Fool of strange people in cars. Literary all car park was with cars with some guys in (doing whatever they are doing), but it felt so dodgy and uncomfortable, that we left immediately. We looked up on our Aires book and found something just 30 min away. It was already way after mid night though. As we arrived in the small quiet village, a French couple stopped us in the Aire. We could not understand a word, but I guess someone had just broke into their van through the window. So they were packing their stuff up and leaving. We thought, that is not where we want to stay, so we found another place quickly and went there - Arlas. It was nearly 1am already as we arrived there and noticed the same dodgy scene as in Avignon. Guys sitting in the cars, looking like waiting for something. We didn't even stop there and went on. Next closest Aire 50 min away. So we went. Finally arrived in a small village near Marine, with lots of other motorhomes there. We felt safe now, So we stayed. It was nearly 3am already, but at least we can sleep peacefully.

Day 10 - Annecy

What an amazing place this is. Fantastic mountain and lake views and a nice old town. One of the nicest places I've ever visited.

col du Semnoz (1670m)

After breakfast decided to go cycling and climb the Col du Semnoz from Annecy, 450m high to 1670m in about 17km. Though! Made a "friend" on the way up, a French guy which didn't speak English at all. I can't speak French either but somehow we understood each other with 3 simple words. Difficile! Magnifique! Amazing! We cycled together for over an hour just to get to the top. It was cold up there, 24º in Annecy and only 8º in the top. Massive difference.

We spent the afternoon in Annecy, walking around the town and spending a lot of time around the lake just enjoying the views and weather. Absolutely amazing views and the color of the water is unreal.

I wish the pics could show how nice this place is!

Our day ended with a bbq, grilled steak and beer and now writing this quick post.

Day 9 - Geneva

Woke up this morning at 7am when the local church was ringing bells for at least 3 minutes... on  a Sunday. And then again every half an hour. Lesson learn here - don't stay near church.

Our plan for today was to go to Geneva, as it was just 30 min bus drive from where we stayed. 

We arrived in Geneva, and almost the first thing that we noticed was how many Portuguese flags are everywhere. Later on we also found many Portuguese restaurants and cafes. Fabio felt like home. haha. 

Geneva is very nice, specially around the lake of course. We walked for quite a long time by the lake, and we still couldn't stop being amazed on how beautiful it is and the water so clear and blue. And the best part - peaceful. It seemed almost strange that city so big is so quiet. 

At lunch we went to small restaurant, and had  the most expensive panini that I've ever had. 

When we came back to our little village, Shelly was waiting for us with a little note on it, that says that this is not a campsite. Oh well. So we left and came to Annecy. Another insanely beautiful lake in the city and we get to stay in campsite, just near by it. We decided to stay in a campsite to take a little break from driving and also we need to wash our clothes. haha

Day 8 - The Storm

Couldn't write this post yesterday, but better late than never.

At the end of day 7, around 11PM after we finish our bbq dinner outside, write our blog posts and just ready to go to bed, a massive storm came to hit us. Thunders and lightning, strong winds and torrential rain. Wind calmed down early, but thunders and rain just kept all night. It was a big adventure because we were plugged in to electricity in the aire, using socket extension, eu-uk adapter plus all kind of adapters, as there was 4 vans plugged in to only 2 places. The rain and wind was so strong, that even if it was under some kind of roof, the extension was getting hit by the rain.It felt quite dangerous and I had to go in the rain and unplug it from our van. Laima was quite afraid, and said she would never sleep in this weather. Just started watching a movie and problem solved, she was sleeping in 10 min even with a big noise caused by the rain. 

Next morning we bought a  fresh baguette, had a nice breakfast and set off. The first half an hour driving we realized how big the storm was, lots of branches destroyed, even trees completely broken, sheds and green houses ruined. A lot of damage but nothing on us. 

After about an hour driving we finally had our first contact with the Alps. What a great experience! We drove into Nantua, which is a town surrounded by mountains and a lake, Amazing scenery but the town didn't really seemed that nice. We were planning to overnight there but decided to move on. Dozens of Portuguese flags everywhere in this little town though. I still had time for a quick 1h20 bike ride, my first contact with serious mountains, went up to 800m and it was incredible.

When we left Nantua, we were planning to overnight in St Juliens Genevois, a town right in the border with Switzerland where we could easily visit Geneve the next day. Again we changed plans. The town was awful, we just entered a car park and there was cars with the 4 tyres off, probably stolen. We just left the town and set the gps to a small village nearby, Neydens. What a great choice, just parked in a nice place, with good great views and very quite (apart from the school party full of kids until around 10pm). The best was, there was a direct bus straight into Geneve from there taking only around 30 min.

Day 7 - Dijon

Woke up this morning with the sad news of UK leaving  EU, but while everyone is talking about that we went for an early morning run and exercise near the Lac du Kir. Yesterday when we arrived there we could order baguette or croissant for the next morning, so today we had a fresh baguette at 9am waiting for us. How nice.

After breakfast we walked to Dijon center, at least 30 min walk each way. But the town is nice and busy with lots of touristic places to visit and shops. I couldn't resist and bought two little jars of Dijon mustard. We didn't have much time there, as we had to check out before 12 pm. And also it was still so hot. 

Weather news were promising rain and thunder, so we got headed forward to find a place to stay tonight.

Stoped in the middle of vineyards to have lunch with surrounded by great views and then headed south to a town called Chalon Sur Saoni where we were planning to stay overnight. It didn't seem like a friendly or interesting place at all, so we just had coffee and changed our plans trying to find a nicer place. We ended up in a very small village, Sornay, lovely aire with only 3 other motorhomes arounds us, free water, services and even electricty.



Weather is still nice, some clouds around promising rain, but still warm. We still had time for a bbq chicken and beer.

Tomorrow we'll keep heading South, getting closer to where we want to be for a while, the Alps region. I already have some big mountains at sight.