The week flies by in Hamburg - June 20-25th 2015

The past few days have flown by with more coffee, walking and sghtseeing than you can imagine. As Alischa attended classes in Lubeck on Saturday, we explored the Elb tunnel and a Russian submarine with Tom.

On Sunday, the Fiat Panda was racing down the autobahn at 140km/hr on our way to Parin.

A delightful guesthouse arranged by Alischa was the perfect destination to relax and indulge ourselves. The vegetarian meals were a smorgasbord feast that had us heading back for more. The gardens were a delight which had Cathy racing for the camera. We explored the local "Klangdom" - a round mudbrick construction 8 metres in diameter and 5 metres in height with 3 metres beneath to make the acoustics perfect. They run yoga classes in there.

They have rows and rows of wicker beach chairs to rent so the parents can sit in shade watching their kids play nearby. We took a walk out the pier and saw a few brave people paddle into the water.

Despite Alischa's encouragement to try the naked sauna, we opted for other pursuits. The competition was fierce in table tennis, backgammon, yahtzee and bocce. It left David opting for an afternoon nap whilst the rest of us explored the beach. After an enormous country breakfast and bocce tournament, we headed off in search of Shwerin. There we found a fantastic castle. Unfortunately, the rain also chose to set in, but a break in the showers gave us a chance to wander around the outside and gardens. It reminded Cathy of the Disneyland castle!

Back in Hamburg, we had a quick Vietnamese meal. Tom and Alischa both had work commitments on Tuesday but we amused ourselves around town before meeting Tom and Arvid at St Michael's church.

What we thought was going to be a quick trip up the tower and back, turned into the most amazing adverture ever as we explored the bells, roof, church and crypts of this amazing building. The organist was practicing for a recital the next evening adding a special atmosphere. We were so impressed that we returned the next day for the midday service, when all 3 organs were played simultaneously. The other fascinating thing was the trumpeter who plays twice a day every day from the tower. He begins to the east then goes to each direction with the hymn of the day. We watched him on the 9pm run.

It's not often that David is seen in a church so I had to take a photo.

Dinner at Tom and Alischa's apartment was a feast as usual with fish, traditional German potato salad, crepes and more time to chat. We left so late that we caught the second last train home. Hamburg public transport is so efficient and easy to use that there are few cars on the road. There are plenty of old bikes peddled by everyone from men in suits to little kids no older than 3 - with not a trainer wheel in sight. The baby carriers come in every form so they seem to grow up on the bike.

Cathy's other favorite spot has been "Planten un Blomen", the botanic gardens just down the road from where we stayed. She has been jogging there a few times but walked David through the gardens on our final day until we met Alischa for minigolf. As the Hamburg humidity came and went, we laughed and played before meeting Tom at the brewery for a final German beer. The chauffeur took us all to the airport so they could wave us off. Cathy's plans to claim the tax back on her purchases ended in frustration as we were sent to the wrong rebate company. With no time left to search for the correct one, we will have to take our chances by trying to claim by post later.

Our travels have been fantastic, but we're ready to head home to familiar languages, cars on the left side of the road and the comfort of our own bed. Not to mention - we love flying business class!

Miniature world after mini shopping spree - Friday June 19th, 2015

We've been eating so much, we decided to try out the gym this morning. Cathy tried to keep her cycling legs going on the exercise bike, whilst David settled for the recumbent. We were then greeted with smiles of recognition at Cafe Elbgold, where we get our morning coffee.

Alischa and Tom caught the bus over to meet us then we set out for Miniatureland. As it wasn't far from a one day factory sale, we stopped to allow them a shopping spree. We built up an appetite so headed to Cafe Johanna - where our cake arrived before our sandwiches and didn't last long!

Eventually we got to Miniature land to see two floors of model trains, planes and automobiles - all set in amazingly detailed landscapes.

I didnt think we were going to get David away from the airport where planes landed and took off - complete with emergency crews for potential crash landings, buses to collect passengers, refuelling trucks and more.

We've been hearing about the great Japanese Sushi restaurant for a couple of days now and finally found "4mosa restaurant". It lived up to it's reputation and we indulged in lots of yummy food.

Alischa's walking tour of Hamburg continues - Thursday 18th June 2015

Just 15000 steps today as we sat on the ferry cruising up and down the canals in Hamburg humidity for a couple of hours. We visited the centre of town, the Alster lake, admired German architecture and saw the hostel where Tom first stayed in Hamburg.

Coffee before the cruise had to be experienced at Cafe Paris - complete with pear and marzipan tart.

Tom had been raving about currywurst sausages, so we decided to try some in the main shopping street of Hamburg - yum yum!

Alischa preferred to get her lips around a fish burger.

Eventually, we caught the bus to where Tom works and got a tour of the studio. Tom, Rolf and Arvid were all relaxing with wine and rum so we sat and had a drink too. Then we took Alischa home and tucked her into bed for a rest whilst we went to the local schnitzel bar for a bite to eat. David and I managed to catch the trains home without any trouble.

Alischa's walking tour of Hamburg - Wednesday 17th June 2015

Tom had to work but Alischa was on holiday and met us to commence the walking tour of Hamburg harbour. Down through Altona into St Pauli territory we ventured. She shared the places where she and Tom had been dancing, drinking and eating. We took a boat out along the harbour and back to the Hamburg beach cafe - Strand Perle.

Here we were introduced to "Hamburg humidity" (aka drizzly rain). A glass of wine served to warm us up as we looked out at the view of shipping containers and harbour activity across the river.

That night we had a delicious meal at Cafe Vienna. We also realised that German restuarants often don't take credit cards - they only like German debit cards. We had certainly earnt our dinner - David's fitbit reported over 19,000 steps for the day.

Two buses, three trains and a plane gets us to Hamburg - Tuesday 16th June 2015

After a round of farewells at Hotel Funivia, Elise drove us to the bus station and Daniele dropped in 10 minutes later to wish us well too.

We had a series of connections to make between buses and trains and it was all going to plan until the second bus took a bit longer at the toll booth. As we pulled up behind other vehicles, he turned to us and simply explained "Tunnel is kaput!" We sat there anxiously for 20 minutes until a little old vintage car we'd admired earlier in the streets of Livigno, was towed out.

We still had time for a quick coffee at Zernez. The scenic route we thought our train would take through the mountains included a 20km tunnel through the mountain. The rest of our travel went without a hitch and we were finally greeted by Tom and Alischa at Hamburg airport.

It was wonderful to see their smiling faces. We headed out for pizza and German beer and began to catch up on all the news.

Stelvio "Live your dream" day - Monday 15th June 2015

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Our last day at Hotel Funivia began with solid rain. David did not let it dampen his spirits - he just decided it was a day to sit in the van for the uphill sections of the Stelvio loop and just enjoy the downhill rides - that's my "Downhill Demon"!!

Meanwhile, Cathy waited for the weather to clear to conquer yet another challenge on her own- the Bormio 2000. When the rain cleared, she set off up the 10km/775m climb. At about the 6km mark, she had to put on her raincoat but she forged on to the top. It took an hour(one foccacia and 2 coffees) for the rain to clear enough to descend all by herself - clever girl! (aka the monster threatening to bump David down the Strava tables)

After cleaning the bikes, warm showers, a shopping and photography stroll and drinks in the Bicycle Cafe, it was time for our last delicious meal together. This was followed by celebratory liqueurs before heading up to pack the cases.

Conquering Gavia Pass - Sunday 14th June 2015

David has made it to the top of Stelvio and Gavia, but Cathy has only got up to Cancano Lake thusfar, so she set herself the task of reaching the top of the Gavia. Daniele assisted by taking her to the base of the climb in the van. This gave her a 40 minute head start on the boys, who had to ride from Bormio to Santa Caterina before the climb.

Not wanting to be caught before the top, helped to drive her up the slope with maxiumum elevations of 14%. Little photo stops to look at the cows and admire the views also helped to rest the legs. As the peak approached, the temperature dropped and the raindrops began but Cathy pushed on to the top to celebrate arriving 20 minutes before Garry and John, then another 10 minutes until David rolled in. Cathy made it up in 1:38:40. The hot chocolate with cream on top was a well deserved treat. John had the most amazing warm weather gear including heated gloves that Cathy wished she owned as her hands froze on the way down in the rain. Further attempts at mountain climbs above the snowline will be deferred until proper wet weather gear has been purchased!!

Teglio Loop - Cathy's longest ride. Friday June 12th 2015

We awoke to stunning sunshine. We were fresh and ready to go on a long ride with only one hill to climb. The group set off at a great pace as we flew "downstairs" to Gordolo. After a quick coffee we were off again to Tirano where a choice was made between easy gradient up to the top or short and sweet 20% gradient. John Catalano was our AUssie rep in the steep group. Dennis and Cathy brought up the rear in the slow group. As we descended the rain began to fall. Daniele and George kept Denni and Cathy company when the peleton raced away and shared cycling tips to help us become better riders. The support from the Stelvio Experience team is amazing for all levels of rider. After 89km, we called it a day and jumped in the van rather than a slow climb in the rain home to Bormio. We were desperate for lunch when we got back at 2.30pm as someone forgot the sandwiches! Dinner for 7 was delicious as always and full of shared moments. We will miss Dennis and Suzanne who fly home tomorrow and Jason, our new friend from London who is back to minding his 3 kids. We hope he will bring them to visit Australia one day with his wife.

Banio Vecchi on a rest day - Thursday 9th June 2015

Bormio is very historic. Apart from sporting events, it is known for its thermal springs and "wellness". Cathy was keen to try the oldest thermal baths set into the rocks just above town. We caught a taxi rather than ride and treated ourselves to a massage as well as all the thermal pools. It was very relaxing and we felt very well afterwards.

Mortirolo Gavia Loop or Botanic Garden - Wednesday 10th June, 2105

Whilst David and the boys all joined the keen cyclists attempting Mortirolo and Gavia, Cathy and Suzanne preferred an easy day around town. Cathy headed out for a 5km run before breakfast, not realising that the walk to and from the Botanical gardens would be an 8km round trip with 233 metres elevation. She was rewarded with pretty flowers to photograph.

Meanwhile, David enjoyed the downhill to Tirano, caught the van up Mortirolo and completed the rest of the ride which involved 1800 metres elevation.

The Stelvio Loop Video

There are 40 hairpins up Stelvio. Here is the view from turn 17.

The tunnels add some excitement to the ride.

Back through the cobbled streets of Bormio.

Ride to Lake Cancano - Tuesday 9th June, 2015

Yesterday, Dennis and Suzanne arrived so our Aussie contingency has expanded. Today's ride was shorter so there was no van support, but George stayed back wth Cathy as she chased the boys up 17 switchbacks to the top. It was exhilarating to achieve such a climb and everyone gave me a cheer when I made it to the coffee shop.

The loop was cut short by the rain closing in but we still had a fun descent back into Bormio. Having finished our ride by 12.30, we had time to wash the bikes, have a snooze then wander around town.

Stelvio Loop - Monday 8th June, 2015

Today it was time for some serious riding. After fuelling up at breakfast, we met in the bicycle cafe all kitted up and ready to ride. There were photos and jokes as George did the briefing - then we were off. Today's ride climbed almost to the top of Stelvio before turning off to go to Switzerland and descend back into Prato, Italy for coffee.

Cathy made it up about 12 km, through all the tunnels, before jumping in the van, but David and the boys made it to the top.

Cathy joined them for the descent before she and John called it a day. It was an amazing descent through forests and fields with cow bells ringing as if it was the bell lap of a race. John opted for a snooze in the van!

Garry was the only Aussie to make it all the way up the back of Stelvio. As the weather closed in, only Garry and David joined the downhill demons heading back to Bormio. A long but fabulous day.

Cathy tries a road bike - Sunday 7th June 2015

Arriving at Hotel Funivia, we couldn't resist getting caught up in the excitement of all the fabulously fit people and amazing bicycles around. Daniel took us to his "man cave" and fitted us both for bicycles yesterday after we arrived. Today was the moment of truth when Cathy tried to ride with the boys.

Here she is with Garry and John speedng down the road to Santa Caterina.

Her personal videographer captured some footage which is now posted in youtube for your entertainment.