Shane & Miriam's European Trip 2006

31-5-06
And so we returned to civilisation as we know it. Three weeks after our European Trip has ended, and my head still swims with images of the countless little sights absorbed but not yet processed. There is a great sense of relief to be back among the familiar sights and smells of Melbourne, and to stretch your bones on your own bed, knowing you don't have to find a different bed for tomorrow.

Of course there has to be a degree of anti-climax now. After all, we have seen most of the finest art that has been preserved through the centuries, seen the most significant architectural sites from Ireland, England, Holland, France, Italy, (and the intrguingly distinctive Gaudi drenched Barcelona). Yet there was also some pretty ordinary work that was somewhat disappointing. Among the golden peaks of human endeavour, there were some molehills of underachievement. It was confirmed for me that the spark of genius is rare indeed.

Excruciatingly hard to return to the work-a-day world. So grey, so mundane. And yet, what did we see on the other side of the world but what is mundane for they who live there?

While us cats were away, the home mice naturally were tempted to play. Results: one new laptop stolen during a "party", one car stolen and joy ridden through a brick fence. I thought I had removed anything of value from the house in anticipation of lower standards of housecare from the Young Thoughtless Males. Memo: next time consider plastic shrink wrapping FOR THE WHOLE HOUSE NOT FOR THE LUGGAGE!!!!

On reflection I find this blog highlights a serious coffee addiction,which may be due to Melbourne itself having developed a huge array of latte sippers. Also that the bodily needs for decent nutrition need to be satisfied to sufficient degree that you are not distracted by either excessive hunger, thirst or intestinal distress from the primary task of walking around, looking, listening and thinking about your surroundings.

two hours to go till Chris kindly collects us despite his labours in the Abyss of Alzheimers and scoots us out to Melbourne airport. It has been a flurry of decisions about what to leave out more than what to pack. Goodbye visits to Mum and many friends in the past few days, and getting Liam and Sean organised to be self sufficient for a while. Geting a bit nervous now, the prospect of a long, long flight somewhat daunting. Excited to be almost on the way, though.
More later, got lots to do.

Into the countdown phase now, last couple of bookings made for Florence and Perpignan (Perpignan being the base for a dash down to Manuel's hometown, Barcelona). I know departure is close because the offspring have started worrying about how they are going to extract money from us while we are gone. Process of extracting self from day to day work matters has almost reached readiness for departure.

Glad to have factored in a couple of days on leave prior to flight as I am certain there will be a flurry of hurry as we throw things in and out of bags, trying to trim down the load to be lugged across the globe. Bought an electric immersion heater yesterday, as we found on our very first overseas venture, in some places it can be hard to just find a way to boil some water for a coffee or even for safe drinking. Guys in the shop say they have heard of a few people falling asleep in a bath with an immersion heater running, resulting in cooking themselves. Apocryphal story, no doubt.

After ages scanning accomodation options for Barcelona, the name of the Pension Dali screams at me, the price is right, and I can't wait to see if there is an elephant with long spindly legs towering above the reception desk, with a large fob watch melting on top of its head. Many Barcelonian destinations playing up the art angle for all its worth - should be an interesting couple of days.

Last night engaged in a fevered search for Amsterdam accommodation for mid April, finding search after search of mangy looking dives showing very patchy availability, with many fiery red x's showing ro oms taken. Eventually ran down a deal with the Holiday Inn, 500 euros for four nights. Looks like a clean and spacious room to recline in after a hard day on the streets. Memo: buy those Eurail select passes soon.... If only I could decide the pathway through these unknown lands....