ms-havachat travel blog 11 - Algarve, Portugal, Part III - Sightseeing

We flew direct from Dublin to Faro for our 10 night summer holiday. It's less than two hours which is brilliant (perfect for city breaks and long weekends).

We asked he Hilton Vilamoura to organise a hire car/taxi to meet us and bring us to the resort (€36). which is about a 35 minute drive from Faro which saved us hassling with transport. We enjoyed looking at the surrounding areas as we drove. Our driver was very chatty about what we were seeing, and made several recommendations for restaurants, tours etc.

Vilamoura is one of Europe's largest private tourist areas, which simply means that the proprietors of the hotels, apartments, villa's and shops 'own' the area and pay a levy for want of  a better word for its upkeep, marketing etc. I'm sure there's more to it, but that's the gist of what the driver told us. You can tell something's going on there. As soon as you enter the area it's greener, lusher, quieter.

You know when you arrive.

With world class golf courses, hotels and resorts across 3, 4 and 5 star ratings, self service apartments, villas, mansions, marina's etc, there's something literally for every budget and taste. Yet, the area doesn't feel crowded or over populated with buildings or people (we were there in June, so July, August and September would be very different)

There are miles and miles of beaches, fabulous coastline and waterparks. We could not get over how many or how big these water parks were. And zoos. There's several zoos. And marine parks. I'm not a shopper so didn't bother going to the shopping centre, but I was told by a lady by the pool I was chatting with, it was great.

You can quickly understand why the Algarve is the perfect family summer destination. In fact, it doesn't get that cold in winter, so it's really an all-year-round playground.

The deal with this summer holiday was we would spend the whole time in the same place. No schlepping around with cases. We would swim, read and relax. G would play a few games of golf; MissM would swim, and we would do 'some' sightseeing.

Simple map to give you an idea of places we went.

Our driver told us that the markets in Quateria were worth going to on a Wednesday, so off I went, leaving G and MissM to have some daddy/daughter time in the pool. Not quite sure how to say this but the taxi driver either took me to the wrong markets OR they were very disappointing.

Lots of imitation handbags being sold as "Portugal's finest quality', hand sewn linen, shoes, and underwear. It was hilarious watching women try on bra's over their t-shirts or sundresses and asking their friends 'what to you think'. I tried several times to take a sneak-pic but wasn't quick enough.

It's not somewhere I'd recommend, but I would recommend checking out the beautiful, long beach at Albufeira.

Albufeira Beach, courtesy of someone else via Google images.

My pics from the market.

The Hilton offered suggestions for all sorts of sightseeing on land and water. After careful consideration we opted for a half day tour to Silves and Monchique with Follow Me Tours. As MissM said to someone who asked her how the afternoon tour was, we learned a lot about the vegetation and not much else.

Maybe our expectations were to high?

Silves is the formal capital of Portugal with a rich history.  We certainly didn't experience that. What they should have said was 'we'll spend an hour here, of which 15-20 minutes will be taken up with walking to/from the Church and Castle up a very VERY steep, slippery slope that we recommend you only do if you are sturdy on your feet, and don't have a pram/stroller. If you want to enter the Church or the Castle there is a small fee that is not included in your tour, so please make sure you have change. As it'll be very hot, if you want a drink, we recommend take-away as you probably won't have time to sit and enjoy it'

We schlepped up the hill, in the heat. We paid the entrance fee to the Castle opting no to go inside the Church. The views from the Castle were lovely, but the Castle itself was disappointing. We bought a cold drink on the way down the hill, then had to wait for the coach to return to the meeting spot as it was late!

Walking up the hill to the Church and Castle (my pic)

The Castle (that's my back)

The Church

Inside the Castle

Thank goodness the coach was air conditioned and comfortable as the drive to the next destination was about 40 minutes (G rekons we spent more  time in the bus than exploring)

Monchique is the highest point on the Algarve and the winding road up thru the hills is pleasant enough. Our guide knew EVERYTHING about EVERY tree and shrub and shared it all with us; the most interesting thing we learned was about the cork trees, and how the are cut every 4-6 years to ensure an average thickness of cork is cut; and they way the people (we still aren't sure who cuts/owns the cork trees as they grow wild) know when the tree was last cut is by painting the last two numbers of the year they were last cut so 14 means 2014, 09, 2009 etc.

Atop Monchique - not much else here to show you

When we got back to the hotel, G organised for a hire car to be delivered and we decided to self guide over the weekend.

Early Saturday morning we took off to explore Albufeira, and the coast. We learnt on the tour that the oranges grown in Portugal are too small by EU standards for export, so they are all kept for domestic sale. The JUICE from the small oranges is very sweet and this is exported instead. The tomatoes grown in the north of the country are too big by EU standards for export, so they are all sold to Heinz and made into Ketchup (even tho it was kinda boring, we did listen to the guide)

Anyhow, back to Saturday's adventure .........................

I was thoroughly entertained by the orange sellers on the side of the road. They were every few meters, with their umbreallas to shade them from the sun, their iPhones to help them wile away the hours, and of course bags of oranges. G amused me by stopping every so often to allow me to take photo's  (I was thinking of you and this chat)

Here's a few pics of the beaches

Imagine how busy this would be in high tourist season!

We went back to the hotel around 4pm for a much needed swim to cool off, and had room service for dinner.

Sunday we headed to Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe. You must be prepared with sunhat, cream, sturdy walking shoes as there's no shade and you need to walk over rocky ground to get to the very edge of Europe.

G and I literally stood on the edge of the continent to take some photos, not thinking for a minute 'anything could happen'. MissM kept asking us to come back ...... we made sure she was a safe distance back but we just kept clicking. In hindsight we were bloody stupid, but the photos are amazing!

Every time we see a map of Europe we know we've stood THERE,
on the very pointy bit.

Up close and personal with the edge of Europe

That's me, taking another great photo over the edge.

We then drove to Lagos and walked around Forte de Ponta Bender. Not much to see, but the views were great and the walk around the perimeter of the Forte gave us opportunity to stretch our legs (you still your hat and suncream, still no shade). We were in awe of the fisherman as the cliffs were very high; and the vegetation was very unusual and pretty.

MissM is a great tourist! She loves reading the boards.

G and MissM watching the fisherman casting their lines down the cliffs

More stunning coastline  we never tired of it

Cool photo, eh?

Going home ........

When we were at Cape St Vincent, MissM bought a keyring for her collection with a unifold postcard of places; she asked G if we could go to Ponta de Piedade, so we did.

Oh My Goodness.

Mother Nature really outdid herself here.

We absolutely HAVE to come back here and do a coastline cruise, and kayak between the caves. I would think, if you were here peak tourist season you would be well advised to BOOK your tours before arriving as this place is one of THE places to visit on the Algarve coast.

Our self drive weekend was a huge success.

The hire car and sat nav worked like a charm; G felt comfortable driving on what we call the wrong side of the road; and we were at our leisure to stay and explore places for as long as we wanted and not be dictated to.

There are probably lots of places we didn't see, but that's ok. We thoroughly enjoyed what we did, and when we go back for a second visit, we'll do a bit more.

Monday was our final all day pool session, while G played his last game of golf in the afternoon.

Tuesday we caught the plane back to Dublin and our summer holiday was a memory .............. thank goodness for our 683 photos which I'm now sorting to make an album with the online mypublisher (another chat)

With friendship
x

ms-havachat Travel Blog 9: Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal - Part I The Hotel.

Hilton Vilamoura - stock photo via Google. Thank you :)

Summer (school) holidays in the northern hemisphere are very long, and for us, even longer.

MissM finished school for the year on May 28, and won't return til last week in August. The majority of schools in Ireland, UK and Europe will finish towards the end of June.

The only advantage is June is less expensive, less crowded and slightly cooler for travelling.

This year we opted for a full on R&R, sit-by-the-pool, do not much else kinda break, with a little bit of cultural sightseeing thrown in to stop me going bonkers.

After much consideration we decided on the Algarve region of Portugal.

The Hilton Vilamoura was great. Not sure of your expectation of the Hilton properties, but we expected excellent service, above average accommodation, elegant surroundings and that's exactly what happened.

We opted for a 2 bedroom apartment, rather than a hotel room for the first time and now we've done it, we will do so as often as possible. It worked so well. Friends have done serviced apartments on holidays for years, and we do it when we visit Sydney, but I was never convinced for a h-o-l-i-d-a-y that it would work, but it did.

The lounge room was a generous size, with a huge TV and storage unit (not sure what holiday makers would put in there. It was low and long with oodles of drawers); the L-shaped lounge was comfy to spread out on. The balcony stretched across this room and the second bedroom and overlooked the golf course. The breeze thru the place once the sun set was divine!

Lounge leading onto balcony overlooking golf course

Once we unpacked and settled in, we walked to the local supermarket and stocked up on the basics for breakfast and lunch. After that, we hit the pool!

We woke at our leisure and had breakfast in our pjs before getting ready for the pool. We took full advantage of the air conditioning at lunch time with a mid-day break from the sun and a light, healthy lunch.  The wine from the supermarket was cheaper than the mini-bar too, which is always a plus.

We had room service a couple of nights, and the trolley fitted nicely in the dining area of the room, while we sat at the table. The meals from room service were delicious and beautifully presented, and the best part was there was no washing up.

Well equipped kitchen.

The bedrooms were good sizes, with built in wardrobes, with LOTS of hangers (this is always a pet hate of mine in hotels, there's never enough hangers), chest of drawers, and full length mirrors. The master bedroom had an ensuite, and the second bedroom had a small bathroom opposite. Each room had a TV (MissM loved having TV to herself), and the stereo worked through out the apartment.

Comfy master bedroom.

The apartment was fully serviced every day.

There are several pools at Hilton Vilamoura; a general pool; a romantic pool (just means no kids allowed), a teenagers pool (slightly deeper than the general pool with waterfalls to muck around under), a baby/toddler pool (well positioned under a permanent hut for shade), and a very clever, full size pool undercover, with the side open to the general pool area which meant swimming under full shade but not in an indoor environment which can be stuffy.

The ground were full of summer flowers and very pretty. There were secluded seating areas if you wanted to still quietly and read, or be in the sun but away from the noise of the pool (which, when were were there wasn't that busy).

The pool staff were very helpful with extra umbrella's when asked.

Each night, from 7pm the hotel provided a courtesy shuttle bus to Vilamoura Marina - the restaurant hub of the area. We ate here most nights, and enjoyed each meal ( leave that for a separate chat)

The concierge helped G organise several games of golf on various courses. He thoroughly enjoyed each game. Apparently the Algarve is known for it's courses.  (I don't play, so I can only repeat what I'm told). He returned each evening with a huge smile, which is all that matters.

We hired a car for the weekend and went to Cape St Vincent, loving the coastal scenery, and a few other places (will chat and post pics separately)

My pic :)

My pic :)

So MissM had her days in the pool. G had his golf and I had my culture - very happy 3-some.

The only thing we thought we'd do, and didn't was drive to Lisbon ....... it was about an 5 hour round trip, which we thought for a day with sightseeing thrown in was too much. Just means we have to go back for a long weekend.

I would thoroughly recommend Hilton Vilamoura for a family holiday based on our experience. We booked the hotel and airfares as a package thru expedia.ie which worked out much cheaper than doing them separately; the hotel kindly organised for pick up from airport (€36)

Where are you going for your summer vacation?

Have you ever done a serviced apartment, what did you think?

How to you ensure everyone's likes and interests are taken care of on holidays?

With friendship
x

Tips for Successful Summer Holidays

I'm going out on a limb here, with my Tips For Successful Summer Holidays. There's a few reasons.

1. We have one child.
2. That child is a self contained girl who's just as happy to have a PJ day as she is to go out.
3. We are a single income family with a good disposable income.

So I have no idea what it's like to juggle a full time (or part time job), with 8+ weeks of summer school holidays with 2+ kids, on limited income.

However, that being said, after several l-o-n-g, near disastrous attempts of 8+ weeks of holidays, with few friends around to hang out with (while living in Yokohama, or working friends in Winchester) we finally nailed one.

This summer holiday has been pretty darn good. It's also the first summer that we've not had guests staying with us.

Keep in mind, despite this being our second time in Dublin, we still spend a lot of time researching what's going on over school holidays and asking friends as it takes time to learn what's available in a new city.

Most of our friends here work, so kids are off to grandparents for weeks at a time, or to an aunts place to hang out with cousins, or they are away on long summer vacations.  Our expat friends all but disappear 'home' for summer. Some of our Irish friends have holiday homes in Spain, Wexford and other places and decamp.

The weather had been fantastic which has made a huge difference!!!!!!!! It's been a lovely summer in Dublin.

We're 9 weeks into it and still friends which is saying something when it's 24/7 with a 10 year old.

Here are my tips (really it's how we approached this summer vacation with success)

• PLAN AHEAD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
• Research online and make a list of ALL the free stuff that's going on over summer
• Investigate Summer Day Camps and email friends if their kids would like to join yours (you can share drop off and pick up)
• Some camps offer discounts when 2+ kids are booked in together.
• Check out GroupOn offers, or 2for1 offers, discount offers especially for school holidays.
• Pinterest has great ideas for creative fun/play.
• Be A Tourist in your own city; what do they see/do while in town?
• Check out Hop On Hop Off bus options
• Go to Tourist Office and find out what's on 
• Meet with other mums/dads over coffee and compare notes; work out whose able to take leave from work when and help each other out with child minding, or which camps their kids are going into/when; buddy up on craft supplies/ideas; schedule picnic dates, play dates, sleep overs etc.
• 
  
• GET THE KIDS INVOLVED
• Invite them to create a Wish List of stuff they'd like to do. Let them be as creative and wild as they like .... you can bring them back to earth soon enough.
• You and your partner create a wish list too :)
• Suggestions for your lists:
• Library
• Museum
• Art Galleries
• Science Museums
• Local Parks and Playgrounds (picnics are good fun too)
• Bowling
• Check out Rail travel deals and 'catch a train' 
• Summer release movies (check out any school holiday movie deals)
• Putt Putt
• Special Daddy/Daughter or Mother/Son days
• Special Daddy/son or Mother/daughter days
• Check out National Trust or Heritage organisations
• Fun day trips to explore other parts of town
• Cooking days at home
• Movie marathons with a theme (Netflix is great for this)
• Public swimming pools 
• Reorganise a bedroom
• Plant up the garden
• Craft days - lots of websites showing you how to make your own paints, or play dough, cut up magazines and newspapers, collect empty toilet rolls, or cling wrap rolls, wrapping paper etc for projects.
• Catch the local bus on a round-trip to see where on earth it goes
• PJ days are vital.
• Zoo or farm visits
• Stay at Home Days
• While it's not that much fun, clean out wardrobes and cupboards. It's a perfect time as you're home, and the kids can help; you can make it fun!
• Compare ALL lists at the table with various coloured markers
• Highlight the ideas that are common to everyone - these are obviously keepers and depending on budget required to fulfil them can be negotiated
• Then in descending order, highlight in different colours the rest of the suggestions.
• The least suggested items may not get bumped completely, but can be done with the other sibling is off with a friend.
• Some stuff you can do more than once, others not at all ......... but at least you've all had some input into the decision making process
• Have some things booked into the diary BEFORE the holidays even start so that you have stuff to look forward to
• Sleep overs with friends whose parents might also be juggling work/kids might appreciate a swap of kids for a few nights mid-week.
• Book a Summer Day camp
• If you are fortunate to afford more than one summer day camp, try to have a week's break between them thereby spreading out the fun (and finances)
• Remember you don't have to be busy outside the house every day. 
• A morning out/afternoon at home.
• A day out, next day home.
• A friend over one day - home alone the next.
• As summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere tend to be rather long, about half way thru the holidays, the kids can start doing 30 minutes of chosen 'something' - reading, write a vacation dairy, work thru some maths, do a few science experiments. The brain's as muscle and it needs to be worked.
• Some Sydney families I knew thru the toyshop would purchase a HUGE puzzle every summer holidays (six weeks December-January) and the entire family and any friends who visited would be encouraged to participate in the puzzle.
• Do stuff out of the ordinary - MissM was so surprised when I suggested she have a really long cool bath at 11am just for fun. 
• Encourage boredom! 
• It gives rise to creative thinking to solve the problem
• It's healthy to be 'bored' aka, chilled, relaxed, free of responsibility
• Remember to get your hair done and have a quiet coffee 
• When the kids are invited to a friends for a play date, make the most of your 'free' time
• Be honest with your friend - I'll have your kid/s if you have mine for a day as there's things I just need to do.
• Do the grocery shopping online to avoid tantrums in the supermarket. Let's face it, it's a horrid way to spend time and the kids shouldn't have to be inflicted with it every week of the holidays.
• You're also entitled to a 'holiday'
• Take home made lunches and drinks with you as it's much more economical than buying lunch out all the time. 
• Pack snacks too as the cost of these mounts up very quickly.
• Avoid fast food options! And not just over summer holidays.
• Pack a picnic blanket in the car so that when you are out'n'about you can stop and have a pleasant lunch.
• Be honest with the kid/s when you feel you need time out from them (and them from you). Take 30 minutes for a quiet hot coffee in the sitting room while they are playing; or read a few pages of your book on the bed.
• A really great idea that worked so very well in Yokohama, but not so well in Winchester was a closed FB group, and people would let others know what they were doing and have an open invitation to join them.
• They could suggest ideas, new discoveries, recommendations etc.
• Make plans to meet 'at Starbucks at 10am to take the train to ........'
• Shout out if the mum needed a break for a few hours

We've hosted a craft morning and lunch with 6 friends from school; been to the movies, visited Chester Beatty Library, gone to the park a few times, she's gone to 2 summer day camps, had lots of pj days at home; cleaned out her wardrobe (she's grown lots!), re organised her room (moved her bed into a new position, which meant book cases had to move), baked cakes'n'cookies, she's watched hours of how to make loom bands on youtube, been on play dates, had friends over .........  read, done a bit of bridging work for school,  taken up knitting (again)

We're just over the half way mark and still friends, so yeah us.

Hope you're coping too and having fun,

With friendship

x

What are your 5 Tips for a Successful Holiday at Home with the Kids?

Share your coping secrets.

Travel Blog No 10 - Yeah for Pacsafe

When one sets of on an adventure these days, you really need to make sure you keep your wits about you. There are signs in most major cities warning of pick pockets. Sadly we all know someone who's had some mishap occur, regardless how careful they were.

Not only do we have to worry about being pick pocketed, but now days, it's having information lifted from mobile phones and credit cards! Identity theft is a huge global problem.

As we planned our trip to Italy, I knew that I needed to invest in a safer bag and without sounding corny, I knew which one to buy, thanks to MsB from Sydney.

When MsB visited us in the UK, she had a really lovely compact shoulder bag which was like Mary Poppins bag.

While there was no light stand inside, there was a small umbrella, water bottle, maps, passport, sunglasses, small make up case and wallet.

"It's a PacSafe" she said proudly.

"A what" I asked.

She went on to explain and then I Googled it. Well, it's just the best thing to be developed since the lowering of air fares.

This isn't a paid endorsement (gosh, how I wish ms-havachat was able to attract that sort of attention), but I'm super happy to recommend them anyways.

I tried buying online, but the exchange rates (it's a US site) were making them very expensive. I was lucky enough to find mine in Sydney and have to say, it's the best investment.

This is my Pacsafe bag.

I wore it every single day for the past 18 days on our Italian Summer Adventure.

The reason I love it are many:

• LIGHT WEIGHT - even with two bottle of water, two pairs of sunglasses, a wallet, tissues, wipes and maps.
• EASY TO WEAR - with a tendency for back and neck issues the bag was so easy to wear I didn't experience any pain at all.
• POCKETS GALORE - made it easy to find phone, makeup, wallet, pen etc. 
• SAFE - each zip clipped and locked into a safe mode which meant I could relax even on crowded trains that no one could unzip the bag.
• WASHABLE - easily to wipe down any dirt or dust that might have hit the fabric
• ATTRACTIVE - it might be a mini backpack-style bag, but it didn't look like one.
• UNISEX - G was happy to wear it on a few occasions (when I was busy with camera case)

The website explains all the safety features, so I won't.

Suffice to say, I'll be buying the smaller handbag Pacsafe for our next holiday (the only negative of this one was it was a bit cumbersome at night)

If you are about to travel, domestically or overseas, invest in a Pacsafe before you go, you won't be disappointed.

Have you had the misfortune of being pick pocketed?

What safety tips do you employ while on holidays?

It's Back to Reality

Our Italian Summer Adventure is over and we are left with incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

Have to say, everything went to plan which is great.

All our hotels were as described online so there were no surprises, tho the last one wasn't as good as it could have been.

The tours we booked were very enjoyable and we'd happily recommend them.

No one got sick. No one got hurt. There were no interruptions from work.

We've 1,618 photo's to sort thru (again cos we've culled them once when we uploaded them) and pop into albums. It's going to be a family affair for sure as I usually do the initial creation and writing, then G reviews before we send them off to be published.

Now I'm on the new MacBook Air and the iPhoto app has been updated (my laptop WAS several years old) there's a really good selection of albums and layouts to choose from, tho MyPublisher is very good and has regular sales promotions so think we'll stick with MyPublisher.

Bags are unpacked and things are away.

The garden's been watered and looks happier for it.

The various books we bought have had JUNE 2014 inscribed on the inside covers.

MissM has found a place on her memory table for her the new additions.

The sun is shining.

Several loads of washing have been done already, while a few are ready to be folded, tho I'm not ready to fold them (from that perspective, I'm still very much on holidays)

Just completed an online grocery shop for delivery tomorrow.

Ordered MissM's 4th class school books online.

Skyped with Mum.

Every window is open to the fresh air and sunshine (did I mention it's SUNNY)

G's back to work with over 500 emails to attend to.

I didn't have that many, but there were a few waiting to be dealt with.

MissM's in the cool of the lounge room watching TV and playing.

G has a massage booked for tomorrow night.

MissM has a friend over tomorrow.

Gardeners here Saturday morning.



It's always nice to go away, but it's just as nice to come home to your comfy bed (and my cousin said,  your own toilet).

I was looking forward to a change of clothes and shoes, of not carrying around my travel bag across my body and maintaining an even body temperature.

MissM was missing her TV shows, and her toys (she's still a kid at heart which is lovely), and G just wanted his comfy bed.

We all slept really really well last night in our own comfy beds, and now it's back to reality and planning the next vacation (ssshh don't tell G, he'll freak out)

What's your 'return from holiday' routine?

What do you miss the most about home when you're away?

What do you do with all the photos you take?

With friendship
x

Travel Blog No 8 - Pompeii

Who'd not heard of Pompeii?

I've dreamed of visiting this place since I first learned about it in school.

My desire was stronger after seeing an exhibition that was touring Australia.

It's taken a long time to get here, and I'm so grateful.

When we started planning this trip, we worked out a way to get south enough to visit Pompeii.

After a very disappointing attempt (which is over and done with so not going to labour the point), we got there on our second booking via the hotel with the local travel agent.


I have no words to describe how it felt to SEE the outer wall of this incredible city.

I have no words to describe how it felt to WALK on the same cobble stones as chariots raced through.

There are no words to share with you what emotions fill you as you sit down in the amphitheatre.

How can you explain the gladiators school arena?

What must it have been like to go to the Forum and do your banking or vote in an election, or go to the market?

The raw sadness that envelopes you when you see, for the first time a cast of a person who lost their life that night, cowering from the ash and dust that filled the air.

G, MissM and I, and goodness knows how many millions of others have walked in the streets, and houses, and temples and business areas of the city of Pompeii, home to thousands ... then it's gone.

In an instant.

Mother Nature took it all away.

What's left is a true GLOBAL treasure.

We learnt so much.

We felt more.

We've talked about it ... and probably will continue to do so for a long while to come, and when MissM comes to study it in school one day, she'll know first hand what it was like.

Entry to Pompeii is €11 per person, school age kids are free, as are senior citizens and various EU categories.

There's one restaurant behind the Forum, so it's best to take bottles of water with you, and something to nosh on the way as the shop is very expensive and crowded as you can imagine.

We saw people sitting in the shade of columns, having a packed lunch which was a good idea if you can keep the food cold as it's extremely hot!

There's no way a wheel chair or pram could survive the cobble stones; flip flops are a safety hazard. Very comfortable, solid walking shoes and a hat (or parasol) are absolute musts.

Sadly none of the images used in this blog are ours. The hotels' WIFI is slow and won't let me upload pics but we have the exact same ones!

If you ever get a chance to visit Pompeii, you simply must


With friendship
x

Travel Blog No7 - Salerno

Trust me - Vietra where we are staying looks like this bog pic from Google Images. The church dome can be seen from the dining room of the hotel. The WIFI at our hotel is slower than slow, so I can't upload our pics, but seriously, it looks just like this.

We are staying at the Raito Hotel. G certainly left the best til last. Its exactly where you dream of staying on Amalfi Coast. Aside from a few silly little hiccups, it's a lovely place to stay, tho if I'm being totally honest as a travel blogger, I'm not really sure I'd recommend staying here.

Raito Hotel is perched high on a hill, near the village of Vietra. We caught a taxi from the train station (7kms) in Salerno. but were caught by total surprise when the taxi fare went from €10 to €20 in a few seconds. Apparently, because the taxis' work 'in area's' the Salerno driver isn't allowed to pick up fares in Vietra area and so goes back to Salerno empty. This, is our responsibility so we (aka tourists) have to pay double the fare shown on the metre.

Check in was easy, tho an American guest at reception told us this place ain't it's all cracked up to be - WIFI hardly works, and they've had no electricity for one and a half days and no one speaks English. WT????????????

We were escorted to our room which was HUGE and tastefully decorated. There was the BIGGEST bed we've ever seen there, with a bed made up for MissM. However, we did book a 'partial ocean view room' and while we had a partial view it was more debatable how partial it was, as we had to look over a concrete roof of a neighbouring building.

I asked if there was another room available as this wasn't to our expectation. We were shown two small rooms, with slightly better views and opted to take the larger room as really, how often will we be in it?

We unpacked into the wardrobes. I'm so over lugging the suitcase every time we need something. Got into our swimmers and hit the pool, which we had all to ourselves.

Dinner was in the hotel restaurant - and WOW. Not only was it delicious, it was expensive. There's something to be said for 'full board' style hotels/resorts, especially if you have a fussy or small eater in the family.

We get back to our room, shower to cool off as the air conditioning isn't working (we assumed they are still having issues with power) and get ready for to watch the World Cup Soccer when the phone rings.

'You're air conditioning isn't working. There is a room upstairs where it is - do you want to move now?'

NOW - it's 9.30pm.

G went to see the two rooms on offer to us and suggested we'd sleep in one of them and move in the morning - which was understood to mean we didn't want to move. So to avoid any confusion we took the room that night. We packed the suitcases and dear sweet Olga the cleaning lady schlepped the bags up the back fire stairs, flatly refusing G's offer of help.

The 'new' room is slightly smaller, but has a better layout, with two small balconies and a better view.

There's a pillar for some reason in one corner, and MissM's bed is behind that, giving her some 'space'.

We woke and had a great breakfast and a friendly chat with the American lady and her husband. then came back to the room for an hour or so while we worked out when we'll go to Pompeii (that's a bit like saying 'we're going to Paris for me - super exciting and unreal); if we'll go to Vietre (just down the road) for lunch, and what we'll do for dinner.

Pompeii will wait ...........

The village of Vietra is gorgeous ... just as you'd imagine. Old old buildings, cobble stones, and so many ceramic shops.  While I appreciate the artistry in this type of ceramic, I'm not a fan, so it was easy to walk, look and not buy. Plus, truth be known, we don't need anything! We've so many stunning pieces from Japan.

MissM watched a lady paint up a small piece of pottery her husband had made earlier. She bought a small bowl with a lid for her memory table, and we had lunch.

We popped into a deli and bought some cold meats and bread for an afternoon nosh. Thank goodness the room has a decent mini bar fridge. We also put a few bottles of water there too. MissM's having an economics lesson - €1 for water down the road, €4.50 for the same water from the minibar in the room.

Tomorrow we are joining an existing tour to Pompeii. The coach will collect us at 8.40am and we'll return at 5pm. My head is saying WT??????????? but my heart is full with anticipation to experience this place that I've dreamed of since a child. MissM knows quite a bit about it thanks again to Horrible Histories.

The tour is €42 pp, and €30 for MissM plus entry tickets to Pompeii - an English speaking guide.

The alternative was a private car/drive/English speaking guide for 2 hours at Pompeii doing highlights for €365. After the tours we had in Rome, and what we paid, we feel again, like this is a bit too much taking the tourist as a fool.

Please don't think I'm complaining, I'm not. It's beautiful here. We are very relaxed and having a lovely time. It's just that there's a few things we'd have benefited knowing before getting here so we were better prepared and as I'm in travel blogger mode, I feel it's a duty to keep you, my readers informed of the good, and not-so-good as we go.

If i've any energy left after touring Pompeii, I'll chat tomorrow,

With friendship
x