Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Pictures from the Vatican
Rome
We did finally arrive at the convent, and managed alright with the help of an Italian phrasebook. Coming straight from Germany though, everyone is still falling back into speaking German automatically - "Si! Es Seh Gut" Thankfully the receptionist who came in on the second day can speak English, so we could confirm bus timetables. As it turns out, the bus stops just outside the gate of the convent, and travels right into the city which is perfect for us.
Yesterday we visited St. Peter's Basillica. It was quite hot, probably about the same as a Summer day in Toowoomba. The inside of the Basillica is amazing, especially if you look up to see the high roof and decorations. We'll try to get some pictures up soon, which will be much better than words.
Italian food is very different to Australian food as well. You just can't get a 750g loaf of bread, and the largest container of milk is 1 litre. But more about that later.
For now, we're off to Rome again to see the Pantheon. Ciao!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Beach overlooking Venice
From the beach we can see cruise ships and the occasional gondola passing by.
Pizza!
Real Italian Pizza for tea! Our first meal in Italia.
Italy
Yesterday morning we left Germany by train, heading for Italy. We stopped in Basel, Switzerland on the way. Arrived in Mestre at about 8pm, and then took a bus to Camping Fusina where we are staying.
We've encountered a lot of Aussies on the bus and in the camp itself. The first person we met in the camp was actually born in Toowoomba! So if you go to a shop in Italy, make sure you ask for "a sandwich" with an Australian accent - they don't understand the British.
We're heading into Venice tomorrow for Mass at St. Mark's.
Ciao (or 'chow') for now!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Pipe Organs of Germany
At lunchtime we got a surprise visit to the Church of St. Michael at Appenweir, population 10,000. This Church is about 250 years old (bell tower is 500 years old). The pipe organ however was replaced 3 years ago, with a new hand-built organ costing about AU$500,000 - apparently the "Mercedez" of organs. We were also able to play this organ. A brief overview is available at the maker's site - translation here.
Video of the church
Monday, September 21, 2009
A new location, and a short journey to France
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Germany
We arrived in Germany on Tuesday, but haven't been able to find a usable internet connection until now. We're staying at Mount Schoenstatt in Vallendar. Everything is very green here as well, the weather seems to be just as wet as Ireland normally, but no rain yet.
German kezboards are verz hard to tzpe on, since the Z and Y kezs are switched around! So the top row is "QWERTZUIOPÜ*" And all the symbols are placed differently as well.
It's now Thursday afternoon, and we've just finished a tour of Schoenstatt, which extends over a large area. Australia has only 2 Schoenstatt shrines, but so far in two days we have visited 6 out of 12 in the area.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and comments!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Crystal Lakes and Ancient Castles
You can view a map of our trip here (multiple pages).
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sunrise in Ireland
Touring Ireland
Today we're taking a bus tour of Ireland, hopefully getting a chance to see the countryside as well as a castle or two. The weather's still holding fine, so looks like it will be a lovely day!
Ireland
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Our Day In Manchester
This included a wide range of interactive exhibits, such as the "Worst Noises in the World", a Phosphorous wall, 3D Mirror, and the world's first programmable computer.
One of the highlights was a "Morphis"Flight Simulator. Inside this machine is a full-size screen at the front, which plays a Star Wars-like racing video. The difference is - the whole machine tilts and jolts in sync with the action! So when you fly off the edge of a cliff, you can actually feel the sinking feeling. As Liam kept saying, "It was well worth the £2!" We also recorded a video from the outside, and Nancy got a video from the inside (as yet unpublished).
On the way home, we had a nice sample of English weather. Unfortunately our plastic ponchos did little to protect us while walking, so we did get a "little" wet!
Finally, here's a photo of our family back at the Shrine (all dry!), with Fr. David Musgrave.
Schoenstatt in Manchester
We spent all of Monday at Schoenstatt, taking a break after the constant travel of the previous days. We're currently staying in a cottage about 50 metres from the Shrine. Waking up early in the morning you can step outside and see the squirrels scrambling up and down the trees.
Monday, September 7, 2009
London
After this, we went for a quick bus tour around London, visiting famous sites such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. The weather, of course, was overcast and a little cool, but certainly a welcome break after Abu Dhabi!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
United Arab Emirates
Arrived at Abu Dhabi 45 mins ahead of schedule at 11:25pm local time. At nearly midnight, it's about 34 degrees outside! All well (apart from some in-flight entertainment computers failing), and we're all about ready to sleep for the next 8 hours to London.
Thanks to all those who have sent well wishes in one way or another!