12 October 2019 -Paris and Gare de Lyon Station to Avignon - Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis, Avignon.

We checked out of Ville de Haussmann and our Blacklane driver took us on a short tour of some of the Paris icons before dropping us OO at Gare de Lyon beside the elevator, then we went up to Hall 3 where all trains to Marseilles depart. 

Our train has no designated platform or gate designated as at 11.18am, but then is designated as Gate G. We hurry quickly to the gat, then along the platform to carriage # 1, but the fun begins because we are in the upper /top level needing to get our cases to the upper level.

We are assisted by a strong younger man, who gratefully carries our two heavy cases up the stairs and deposits them in the luggage rack.  We were most grateful.

Our seats are carriage 1 seats. 85 and 86 in very comfortable arm chairs and it is designated as a calm and quiet area.   The train departs exactly on time and we are quickly flying along at 200km towards Marseiles.  We are the first stop at Avignon TGB after some 3 hours from departure.  Simply an amazing way to travel .

We depart the train with assistance of the same person , who carries both heavy cases down to the lower level.  We are most grateful it has made our task so much easier.  We then have to chose the local train from Avignon TGV station to Gare de Avignon or take a taxi.  This is an easy choice and cost to our hotel ( Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis, Avignon, in a comfortable Taxi is Euro 15 plus tip.   It is the easy and comfortable way to do it.

So 10 minutes later we enter the walled town of Avignon, down a side road and we then stop in front of a former monastery and we are advised to enter.  It is a beautiful old world monastery building now converted to a 4 star hotel.  We check in to find our room 007 is a modern contemporary room consisting of bedroom, separate toilet and small efficient bathroom and enclosed balcony with Louvre windows.

We quickly unpack required gear.  All has gone well. 

Ken decides to go for a walk, Jeanette has a sleep and catches up on Facebook updates. 

This is beautiful city and Ken walks for almost 3 hours right through the township, observes a parade of people dressed as ancient warriors, then up tonthe spectacular Pope’s Palace, down through a variety of side streets and alley ways all depicting amazing architecture. 

Then he exits the walled city area, walks across the bridge to take photos of the wall, Then the river and the river boat terminal. 

Following this back inside the walled city, passed the Town Hall and finds an Irish pub to have a cold cleansing beer. 

From here a short walk, back to our hotel. 

For dinner we decide to eat In and the restaurant is an inspired choice serving a range of tapas  plates.  We enjoy a lamb dish, a knoche dish, one of anchovy’s with a glass of local wine.  It was different and very enjoyable.  Ken finishes with a pistachio dessert.

A terrific totally different meal.  We return to our room, feeling well sated.  It has been another brilliant day with excellent TGV train trip from Paris to Avignon.  Hotel is totally different but very good.

Having arrived at the beautiful old hotel, Ken decided to go out for a long walk around the inspiring town of Avignon and walked for almost 3 hours.

whilst I commented earlier as to the balance of the day, here are a variety of photos including the amazing Pope’s Palace.

10th and 11th October 2019 Departure from Faro, Portugal flight via Transavia to Paris. Enjoying beautiful Paris and Visit to Monet’s Garden, Givenchy.

We were picked up from Dom Pedro Portabelo at 6.00am. We had a 5.00am alarm, missed the hotel wake up call, but all ok. Drive to Faro in the dark was uneventful and worked well.

Arrived at the Faro International Airport at 6.20am, they opened the checkin at almost 7.90am m promptly causing chaos with some 70-90 people in the incorrect queues despite arriving earlier than many others. We were part of this shemozzle and it only got worse as we got to the checkin desk.

Firstly, unable to find the entry to EUC either Scotland or Amsterdam. Eventually found Amsterdam , then despite my paying excess baggage it want sufficient needed to charge us additional, then wouldn’t accept our travel card. By this time 15 minutes had elapsed and we had,Amy rude agitated French men and women openly abusing us and the staff. We eventually completed check in and the crowd all clapped and cheered. We completed the rest of all security and check in without any issues. Our seats were in second back row. Flight was uneventful and we landed at Orly, Paris airport 14 minutes early., but then it took 30 minutes to disembark the aircraft and a long walk through the partially revamped terminal 3.

Our luggage came through pretty quickly, then we walked out found our Blacklane driver, then exited found the Mercedes E250 and had an enjoyable trip into Paris and our hotel Le Villa Haussmann . It was by this time around 2.00pm, our room was ready. Simply stunning and contemporary, small but great. We had unpacked by 2.45pm. Jeanette suggested we cross Haussmann Boulvarde to the Boulangerie, purchase rolls and pastries. We enjoyed this late lunch. Paris is just beautiful and we are in the beautiful 8th District. We then walked around this area down to Saint Augustin, where we had stayednpreviously at Circle National (French Officers for Armed Services Club) then took photos of St Augustine Cathedral.

Our legs were tired we returned to the hotel, had hours sleep ,before an enjoyable dinner in the restaurant here at Le Villa Haussmann . We were joined by another Australian couple. It was an enjoyable meal. They (Sue and John) live in Woodend, Victoria . They also travel extensively, perhaps more than us.bThet are doing back to back to back to back and away from home for 2 1/2 months.

We were in bed by 10.00pm and we slept through until 7.50 am.

So our trip from Faro to Paris was challenging, but settled down and we enjoyed the first several st0am. 7.5molahours in Paris.y

Our accommodation at La Villa Haussmann is outstanding. Off to bed for a good night’s sleep as we have a big day. We do sleep in until 7.50am.

We hurry shower and dress and then rush out the door to Gare Saint Lazare which is 10 minutes down Haussmann Boulevard past St Augustine. We arrive comfortably early, queue in the incorrect ticket purchase area, not knowing that we needed to be in the billet for Normandy area. So that wastes some 15 minutes, then we find the correct area, queue, but there is a computer system problem.

Eventually we are served pretty quickly and our rain to Rouen etc departs from platform 19 at 19.17am. So we purchase some sandwiches, make our way to the platform, validate our tickets in the yellow bid/ validation and move up the stAtuon.

We purchased first glass return, which whilst a little more expensive guarantees a seat. We board, find seats. The train delay pets on time at 10.17am.

We enjoyed the trip on the train to Gare Vernon Givenchy arriving at 11.08am. After alighting the station all steps lead to Givenchy and Monet’s house and gardens.

We choose to ride the popular train through the town if Vernon to the township of Givenchy about 4 km with a commentary in English and French which is both interesting and enjoyable .

The little train drops us off at the car park we leisurely walk across to the Monet Gardens precinct. There are 14 tour buses already dropping people off, but throughout the day we exoeriencemoderate time in queuing.

We spend almost 2 plus hours in the beautiful gardens and despite being informed that many flowers were not in bloom, but they were just remarkable. Jeanette desperately wanted to undertake this visit, I was less enthusiastic, but it was a wonderful experience. Thoroughly worth the train trip and almost full day.

Following the almost 3 hours in the gardens, spent almost an hour in the house. Wonderful history and spectacular views over this amazing garden,

The water Lilly display in the lake is just awe nspiring.

We proceeded into the Foundation precinct, queued for tickets for about 20 minutes, then after clearing security purchasing our tickets were admitted to the gardens. What a wonderful aurprise!

9th October- Beautiful morning -Golf at Dom Pedro Victoria Course Vilamoura

We awoke to a perfect morning, cloudless blue skies, no breeze.

Jeanette is to collect our washing from a nearby laundry following a late breakfast.

Ken is golfing at Don Pedro Victoria course today. It is the course under preparation for the Portuguese Open in 10 days. It is closed from tomorrow.

We will enjoy the last breakfast here at Dom Pedro Portabelo, because tomorrow is 6.00am pick up for our flight from Faro to Paris, France.

We have enjoyed an unforgettable week here in Vilamoura in the most idyllicof weather. Yesterday was special on our tour of the amazing limestone caves.

Ken was picked up at 10.15am to be driven to Dom Pedro Victoria course , thebhome of the Portugal Open to be held next week. The course is being closed tomorrow to enable further preparations for the open. It is a long and challenging course with much water severe slopes and very fast greens.

He played with aFrenchman named Andre from Aix en Provence. I advised him that we had visited the are from a cruise ship whilst in Toulon.

Je is a surgeon, aged 74 and plays off 16. Ken played off 23, proceeded to have a7 for the fist then settled and had 47 on both front and back, but it was always a battle. In fact the course from the members yellow red was just too difficult, but even the next tees would have been too tough and on the back nine water was in play on 7 hiles.

But a very enjoyable experience on a beautiful course in perfect condition on an absolute ideal day.

We finished tired and hot aftwr a tough 18 holes.

Home after shuttle to Dom Pedro Portabelo.

At 5.10 pm the rental clubs were collected. Enjoyed the TaylorMade M4, very good clubs.

Then showered and changed for dinner.

We will pack later in anticipation of pick up for our 6.00 departure for Faros for flight to Paris, France.

our week here in Algarve at Vilamoura has been outstanding in every way.

8 th October, 2019 The Vilamoura Beach and Caves

Iris another perfect morning, Ken is taking a bag of washing to a small nearby zlaundry, then we will walk to the beach following breakfast .

Later we hope do so 3 hour cruise to the famous caves.

The cruise which we chose was by Algarvexcite and departed at 1.30pm from Vilamoura Marina in one of the converted speed boat.

There were 11 of us plus 2 crew. We travelled down along the coast from Vilamoura to Orhos denAgua, then proceeded to the beautiful township of Oura, then on to Albufeira, where we got a totally different view from the sea, then on to Armacao de Pera. Then we made the final destination named Carvoeiro.

The landscape changes quite dramatically from the red and orange cliffs from Vilamoura to Albufeira then in to the stark limestone of the cliffs and caves, which are created by the sea currents crashing into the limestone sea walls and cliffs and gradually creating holes that over hundreds of years create these amazing caves.

We depart Vilamoura at 1.30pm and enjoy a fast trip along the coast for about 30 miles before turning sharply toward the coast as we have passed Albufeira and heading toward the limestone cliffs and the caves of Carvxxxx .

5th October, 2019. Golf in Vilamoura Algarve Portugal. Simply Wonderful.

Dined at the in-house Restaurant here at Dom Pedro Portabella, named San Rafael and enjoyed a hearty meal, Ken had swordfish and Jeanette, with a hamburger and a half bottle of local white wine was shared and enjoyed

Slept well and we both woke at about 6.30 am as the sun was rising.

In house breakfast is of good quality. Ken then booked his shuttle to go to Pinhal Golf Club, one of the Dom Pedro golf courses here in Vilamoura .

Shuttle took Ken and they picked up 6 others at Dom Pedro group hotels here in Vilamoura. Report in at Golf pro shop. Tee time of 9.46am with two talented Irish ladies. We hit off at 9.55am due to issues with 3 Korean gents in front.

A very good course with slope rating of 137 and Ken played off Yellow tees. Played well and we completed the back 9 in 2 hours 20 minutes..

Ken in a tough 36 par had 42 points from 44 strokes on the back nine. Could have been better, but very pleased. Started front 9 well with 3;points on each of first two holes, but fought hard to stay on my game as the sea breeze came up.

Eventually came to the 9th hole with 41 strokes and 17 points.

Onthe long 9 th hole an excellent 178 metre drive and 3 wood had me within 15 feet of the green, but my chip was to 8feet and my first put just slid by so a good 5 on the 9th led to 46 and a total of 90 on a tough course. On the front nine 19 stableford points plus 22/on the back led to 41 stableford points. A terrific result and a net 67. Very pleased.

Enjoyed the golf with the 2 Irish ladies. Sharnee had net 70 and Linda a net 74.

Then having finished in 4 hours 35 minutes enjoyed a beer and toasted sandwich.

Shuttle took 40 minutes to come and arrived back at Dom Pedro Portobello at 4.50 pm after a most enjoyable day

Then back to our resort by Shuttle following a great afternoon.

7th October 2019 - Golf At Vilamoura- Dom Pedro- Millenium Course.

We again woke early to perfect weather and Following breakfast Ken ordered the shuttle for transfer to the golf course for his 9.46am tee time.

After a hurried breakfast Ken went out the front door to await his shuttle to Dom Pedro Millenium Course, which is 15 minutes away. There are 2 courses Millenium and Laguna.

He plays with a Swiss couple holidaying from their home on Lake Lucerne and a builderfrom Amsterdam..

The Course is in perfect condition, greens so true and weather is perfect with clear blue skies and not a breathe of wind.

Ken plays off 23 handicap and has gross 43 and 22 stableford points for the front nine, then plays well on the harder back 9 for. 44 points and 19 Stableford points. An excellent day with 87 off the stick and 41 total stableford points. Played really well.

Our group all played off 15 to 19 and they believed I was a bandit with 87 gross less handicap if 23 for a net 64! Really excited. Had a quick beer before the shuttle back to Dom Pedro Portobelo Apartment Hotel.

Jeanette has enjoyed a peaceful day with visit to Spar Supermarket and some ironing.

Tomorrow we take some washing to a laundry.

Ken returned by 4.00pm,Jeanette had walked around Vilamoura and shopped.

Dinner tonight in house at Rafael’s Restaurant here at Don Pedro Portabelo. Had an excellent meal and some Portuguese wine.

All in all a terrific day in perfect weather.

Then back to our apartment after a Jong but enjoyable day

Dinner tonight at Rafael’s Restuarant here at Dom Pedro Portabelo. Meal was delightful.

6th October 2019 - Vilamoura -getting to see more of the Township.

Another perfect day and at 7.10am not a breath of air.

Following a breakfast we decide to spend today seeing more of the Algarve and Albafeira and Vilamoura in particular and after consulting the concierge we feel that the hop on hop off bus is the best way, given we are without vehicle.

We then have to decide where to pick up the Blue Line bus.

Subsequently we accidentally locate the bus stop some 400 meters away on the main road near Tivoli Marina Resort.

For the next 6 plus nous we ride both the red and blue lines around the Algarve appreciating the mammoth development and the fundamental role and importance of tourism .

3rd and 4th October, 2019. Our departure from Lisbon, flight to Faro and Arrival in Vilamoura, Portugal.

We departed Lisbon following 4 wonderful days and thorough enjoyment at UPon Lisbon Prime Residences which were wonderful, with great location near Metro access and terrific fitout. Our driver arrived to transfer us to Lisbon International Airport at 9.00pm. The loading of our luggage took 10 minutes but all fitted well.

The drive to the airport took 40 minutes as we were held up due to an accident on the freeway.

Checkin was smooth and passage through airport security pretty quick (within 15 minutes) and we were walking through the terminal to the TAP Executive lounge by 10.10am. We left the lounge at 11.20am to find gate22A. This was easy and we were boarding at 11.35am down to bus for transfer to the aircraft. We boarded from the bus at 11.45am, with everyone loaded by 11.55am. The TAP flight departed at 12.05 pm and we landed at Faro Airport at 12.45pm.

We were st baggage carousel at 1.10pm, collected our luggage at 1.20pm found our transfer company at 1.26pm, awaited our driver.

He arrived at 1.30pm,then we were driven to our resort at Vilamoura by “Stirling Moss” at breakneck speed. We arrived at Don Pedro Portabello Apartment and Golf Hotel. This is one of the 4 star golf complex hotels owned by Dom Pedro , here in Vilamoura. Initial impressions were positive, in ideal location beside the Vilamoura Marina , one of the largest Marina in Portugal.

We were in our apartment suite within 15 minutes of arrival, yet Ken was surprised and disappointed with the quality and fitout. Rooms are clean and of generous proportions, but fitout is old and very tired of 1950’s vintage.

Certainly not what we thought we were getting for in excess of Euros800 per week.

But the noisy air conditioning works, there is no laundry facility but the unit is clean and tidy. We will make it work.

We unpack then walk to the Marina for dinner . We select the Mayflower Restaurant for dinner sitting on a barge moored to the wharf. It is idyllic with a beautiful evening with a cooling breeze.

Jeanette selects Risotto, whilst Ken selects a Hamburger. We start with olives and bread rolls. It is the most perfect environment for dinner on our first dinner here in Vilamoura . Ken enjoys local Portuguese wine and Jeanette has a virgin Pinacolada.

Ken’s hamburger bun, is coloured dark blue throughout, something we haven’t seen previously anywhere else.

Sundet is 7.30pm and we walk back to our hotel feeling very much at ease.

We relax, Ken is in bed asleep by 9.00am and Jeanette by 10.30pm. It is a good night to sleep. Ken awakes at 7.15 am and Jeanette at 7.45am, breakfast is served downstairs and is very good.

We awoke after a long night’s sleep as commented above, both enjoy an excellent breakfast. Following this we sort out a place to do our laundry next Tuesday with drop off at 7.30 am and washing folding and pick up next day at 10.00am. They weigh your bag of washing and charge by the kilo.

Then on our return Ken’s Rental clubs arrive, very good TaylorMade clubs and bag with pickup next Wednesday at 5.00pm.Fo.lowing this Ken boos three games of golf at leading Dom Pedro courses here in Vilamoura . Cost is Euro 339 after hotel guest discounts.l

He is playing Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Great courses, shuttle service from Hotels is provided.

Ken then walks around the whole marina complex overabout 2 hours, takes photos but also inquired as to a tour and trip to the caves.

Unfortunately, whilst it looks calm and flat the boats cannot get into the caves due to a 2.5-3.5 metre swell, arising from the recent storm. Suggested we come back on Sunday or Monday when the seashave calmed. We are informed that the caves are a must see.

Sunrise on first morning here at Vilamoura.

Jeanette with her favourite custard tart.

Mayflower Restaurant where we dined last night

It has been a wonderful start here in Vilamoura, after the initial disappointment of our accommodation.

it is clean and comfortable, albeit of 1950-70’s vintage, but in a wonderful location,

We will have a great 7;days here.

Dnn last night at in house restaurant - just excellent