Andre E said:
I second that one.... Hey Drol, I hear you come and visit some people in JHB/PTA but I never hear from you to have a drink!!
I am really enjoying the read!!
Round the World - Do you have beer we are coming to visit?
- Thread starter michnus
- Start date
I second that one.... Hey Drol, I hear you come and visit some people in JHB/PTA but I never hear from you to have a drink!!
I am really enjoying the read!!
Andre E
Race Dog
funacide said:
Vandat sy foto in BikeSa was, hang hy mos nie meer met ons gewone plebs rond nie......
eepwall:King Louis
Race Dog
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Hey Michnus, I greet you. Only now managed to catch up with your stories. Thanks for sharing......beats most books anyhow. Just got to make sure to charge your pc/tablet for the load shedding evenings these days....
Great report, keep it coming.... :thumleft:
Great report, keep it coming.... :thumleft:
michnus
Bachelor Dog
funacide said:
Will mos never not get you for a beer before we leave. :biggrin: :thumleft: Will be there for a week or so before we leave.
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Andre E said:funacide said:
Vandat sy foto in BikeSa was, hang hy mos nie meer met ons gewone plebs rond nie......
Glad you did not say BikerLifestyle :lol8:
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Xpat said:
Man Eu is dead easy and no dirt but it is so different from Africa that it is actually farking groovy and nice to trip there. :ricky:
michnus
Bachelor Dog
King Louis said:
There's a load more I must still gooi. Thanks KL :thumleft:
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Some more pictures of life in Rome. One thing about the locals, they really dress up.
Nice paintings :biggrin:
Nice paintings :biggrin:
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Motorcycles and scooters are biiiiiig in Rome and contrary to popular believe actually quite safe and easy to get around on a bike.
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Three:
Ride the back country roads. The inviting, easy going nature of Italians will quickly have you gorging on fresh toasted bread, drenched in proper, freshly pressed Olive oil. As usual, custom is washing it down with a shot of espresso. On a bike you are not a tourist but a traveller. Well, that’s the impression we got.
The time and weather to camp and be in Italy was fast turning against us. We had no winter clothes and our tent and sleeping stuff was made for hot climates – not European winter. Andreas gave us directions to an olive farm on our way to Bologna. As always it is best to set the GPS to stay off highways and toll roads, and shorter distance not faster route. The imbecilic manner in which the GPS software calculates the route actually works well when wanting to stick to back roads and experience the local scenes.
The friendly folke at this local small Olive oil press roasted us some bread and then covered with fresh Olive oil.
It is an old farm and how it works is like this. Do not think big ass Olive farms. It's all small farmers. They bring their Olives to this press and get inline with the others. As it's press it's pumped into their own containers.
Wild Boar salami, fresh bread, olive oil and espresso. Life is good
On our way to Florence (or Firenze as more famously known) we pass the Hotel Passo della Futa high up on the Apennines midway between Bologna and Florence. Cyclists have used this road and bar for almost a century and the bar is decked with photos and memorabilia of the greatest cyclists of the post-war era, Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali.
Famous restaurant on the pass where the Miglia 1000 and other well known bicycle races are held since Jesus birth.
Still cooking the old way inside the restaurant.
passo del futa This is also the route taken by historic vehicles on the Mille Miglia rally in May every year, but not all of them made it to the top as it is a pretty tough climb, especially the hill climb from Florence.
Albergo bar at Passo del Futo
Ride the back country roads. The inviting, easy going nature of Italians will quickly have you gorging on fresh toasted bread, drenched in proper, freshly pressed Olive oil. As usual, custom is washing it down with a shot of espresso. On a bike you are not a tourist but a traveller. Well, that’s the impression we got.
The time and weather to camp and be in Italy was fast turning against us. We had no winter clothes and our tent and sleeping stuff was made for hot climates – not European winter. Andreas gave us directions to an olive farm on our way to Bologna. As always it is best to set the GPS to stay off highways and toll roads, and shorter distance not faster route. The imbecilic manner in which the GPS software calculates the route actually works well when wanting to stick to back roads and experience the local scenes.
The friendly folke at this local small Olive oil press roasted us some bread and then covered with fresh Olive oil.
It is an old farm and how it works is like this. Do not think big ass Olive farms. It's all small farmers. They bring their Olives to this press and get inline with the others. As it's press it's pumped into their own containers.
Wild Boar salami, fresh bread, olive oil and espresso. Life is good
On our way to Florence (or Firenze as more famously known) we pass the Hotel Passo della Futa high up on the Apennines midway between Bologna and Florence. Cyclists have used this road and bar for almost a century and the bar is decked with photos and memorabilia of the greatest cyclists of the post-war era, Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali.
Famous restaurant on the pass where the Miglia 1000 and other well known bicycle races are held since Jesus birth.
Still cooking the old way inside the restaurant.
passo del futa This is also the route taken by historic vehicles on the Mille Miglia rally in May every year, but not all of them made it to the top as it is a pretty tough climb, especially the hill climb from Florence.
Albergo bar at Passo del Futo
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Florence: È una bella città
Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. It is also home to Michelangelo’s David (a copy of which) is standing on a hill overlooking the city. It is the city of mile-high stilettos, the majestic Duomo and romantic red-tiled rooftops. The only issue is it’s overrun with tourists.
The statue of Michelangelo's David overlooking the city of Florence.
View from the hill where the statue of David is overlooking Florence.
Florence’s Duomo is among Italy’s ‘Big Three’ with Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum. Its red-tiled dome, graceful campanile (bell tower) and breathtaking pink, white and green marble facade is a sight to behold. Begun in 1296 by Sienese architect Arnolfo di Cambio, the cathedral took almost 150 years to complete.
Duomo Florence.
The work and tiles on the building of Duomo is seriously impressive for such an old building.
Street vendors in Florence.
Famous bridge in Florence.
Get in and get out as soon as possible. Stunning winding roads and the multi colours of Tuscany around Florence with it’s cheap red wines await. Chianti Classico is the regions best vineyards.
Cold and wet but still the best way to tour Italy. Camping near to the statue of David.
Moscato – local Italian wine. Enjoying the late afternoon sunset over Florence.
Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. It is also home to Michelangelo’s David (a copy of which) is standing on a hill overlooking the city. It is the city of mile-high stilettos, the majestic Duomo and romantic red-tiled rooftops. The only issue is it’s overrun with tourists.
The statue of Michelangelo's David overlooking the city of Florence.
View from the hill where the statue of David is overlooking Florence.
Florence’s Duomo is among Italy’s ‘Big Three’ with Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum. Its red-tiled dome, graceful campanile (bell tower) and breathtaking pink, white and green marble facade is a sight to behold. Begun in 1296 by Sienese architect Arnolfo di Cambio, the cathedral took almost 150 years to complete.
Duomo Florence.
The work and tiles on the building of Duomo is seriously impressive for such an old building.
Street vendors in Florence.
Famous bridge in Florence.
Get in and get out as soon as possible. Stunning winding roads and the multi colours of Tuscany around Florence with it’s cheap red wines await. Chianti Classico is the regions best vineyards.
Cold and wet but still the best way to tour Italy. Camping near to the statue of David.
Moscato – local Italian wine. Enjoying the late afternoon sunset over Florence.
Four…….
michnus
Bachelor Dog
Four:
Camping is the way to meet the real travellers and get up to date tips. Meeting new people in a hotel or B&B will likely not happen. People are more inclined to master up a chat with dirty faced bikers than trying to chat you up in a hotel. The same goes for us. It is easier to walk over to a man or woman sitting under their camper van awning and struck up a conversation than knocking on your neighbour’s door in a hotel.
The best travel advice, routes, places to see and stay was through fellow travellers in camp-sites who were interested in our bikes and shared their knowledge. It’s a good feeling to share your experiences with other travellers.
The city of Pisa is a short hop from Florence, Bologna and Tuscany. The small towns along the back roads in the region take you back in time. It is unbelievable that buildings can be this well looked after for such a long time.
Way off the beaten track – restaurants with warm hearted people.
It’s beautifully relaxing riding the narrow back roads to Pisa. People go their way as if time stood still. It’s 10ish in the morning while people spend time in small bars drinking Vino Novello chatting the time away. Some restaurants only offer set menus and it is impossible to order separate dishes.
It makes sense as it’s small family owned restaurants and easier to make a set menu (menu fisso) than having a list of options. For us it is a problem as it’s impossible to eat all that food and still have to ride.
Small town streets.
The back road restaurants are where the passion for eating and lovely owners chat to us as if we are long lost family members coming home for a meal. We got offered desserts for free and were kissed and hugged as if we were close family. We could only spend a day in Pisa.
The same old town narrow streets with the small bars and street markets are all over. It is busy, really busy! We were lucky that it was out of season and cold. It was relatively easy going with no crowds. The Campo dei Miracoli or, in English, the Field of Miracles is home to the buildings that have made Pisa famous. The four most notable Pisan buildings are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral (Duomo) of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the burial grounds of the Campo Santo.
The four most notable Pisan buildings are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral (Duomo) of Pisa and the Baptistery.
Had to stitch a load of photos to get the size of this building inside.
It is only when there, that you realise how much the tower is leaning. The other buildings are also in some state of sinking.
Hail to the tower. All taking the same picture.
Worthwhile spending a day there and wait till evening until the hordes of tourists have left. It is really great wandering these buildings at night with the lights on them and no people around.
Camping is the way to meet the real travellers and get up to date tips. Meeting new people in a hotel or B&B will likely not happen. People are more inclined to master up a chat with dirty faced bikers than trying to chat you up in a hotel. The same goes for us. It is easier to walk over to a man or woman sitting under their camper van awning and struck up a conversation than knocking on your neighbour’s door in a hotel.
The best travel advice, routes, places to see and stay was through fellow travellers in camp-sites who were interested in our bikes and shared their knowledge. It’s a good feeling to share your experiences with other travellers.
The city of Pisa is a short hop from Florence, Bologna and Tuscany. The small towns along the back roads in the region take you back in time. It is unbelievable that buildings can be this well looked after for such a long time.
Way off the beaten track – restaurants with warm hearted people.
It’s beautifully relaxing riding the narrow back roads to Pisa. People go their way as if time stood still. It’s 10ish in the morning while people spend time in small bars drinking Vino Novello chatting the time away. Some restaurants only offer set menus and it is impossible to order separate dishes.
It makes sense as it’s small family owned restaurants and easier to make a set menu (menu fisso) than having a list of options. For us it is a problem as it’s impossible to eat all that food and still have to ride.
Small town streets.
The back road restaurants are where the passion for eating and lovely owners chat to us as if we are long lost family members coming home for a meal. We got offered desserts for free and were kissed and hugged as if we were close family. We could only spend a day in Pisa.
The same old town narrow streets with the small bars and street markets are all over. It is busy, really busy! We were lucky that it was out of season and cold. It was relatively easy going with no crowds. The Campo dei Miracoli or, in English, the Field of Miracles is home to the buildings that have made Pisa famous. The four most notable Pisan buildings are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral (Duomo) of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the burial grounds of the Campo Santo.
The four most notable Pisan buildings are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral (Duomo) of Pisa and the Baptistery.
Had to stitch a load of photos to get the size of this building inside.
It is only when there, that you realise how much the tower is leaning. The other buildings are also in some state of sinking.
Hail to the tower. All taking the same picture.
Worthwhile spending a day there and wait till evening until the hordes of tourists have left. It is really great wandering these buildings at night with the lights on them and no people around.
Pistol
Race Dog
Great reading Michnus :thumleft:
P.K.
Race Dog
GREAT READ.....keep it coming broer. Worked in Italy about 25years ago teaching watersports just south of Salerno. Your pics are creating an itch that might need to be scratched. Thanks for the effort.
michnus
Bachelor Dog
On route to Venice we stopped over in Bologna and Fiorana, the home of Italian auto porn. If ever you visit Venice out of season you will dodge the festivals. Even without the crowds and while we were there in early winter, it was still stupid busy. It is a very romantic city but do not think you will spend time there or can even afford to eat there. It’s damn expensive.
Sip slowly on that expensive espresso. Piazza del Marco, it was Elsebie's birthday and I had to give her an expensive gift. It turned out to be the espresso
Piazza del Marco, this is where Bond, James bond drove his Gondola onto the piazza
We had an espresso at the Piazza San Marco that were R180-00 for us both. It was Elsebie’s birthday and we decided to splash a bit on wining and dining. Well the wine did not happen and the dine was a quick sandwich. We left the eating for the evening outside of Venice.
Time to rest, Murano Polizia closed.
Skillful glass workers produce the most striking glass in the world.
The island of Murano is a short hop with a water taxi. The glass workshops of Murano conjure writhing chandeliers, swirling goblets and gem-bright jewellery from their red-hot furnaces.
Artist makes a horse like this in a few minutes.
Green grocer shop. Everything has to be brought in to Venice by boat.
Real wood carvings. Impressive.
Venice markets, fresh fish is big business.
It is wonderful spending an afternoon hanging around an outside cafe. That is about as much fun to be had. And if you think taking your loved one on a romantic Gondola think again. It's something like R600-00 for 30min. F-knows why it's so expensive, I mean they run on pasta. :lol8:
Santa Maria della Salute
There are busses, trains and taxis going to Venice which makes it easy to visit during the day and staying for less in hotels outside in Mestre. While in Mestre and at a hotel it was time to wash the kit. It did not have any cleaning since Sudan. A few days’ stay in hotels do have it’s benefits.
I do not think there's one proper upright building in Venice, most are leaning to some degree.
Not having so many chances to clean kit. Washing the camping stuff in the hotel room while we have hot water and a heater to dry it properly.
Sip slowly on that expensive espresso. Piazza del Marco, it was Elsebie's birthday and I had to give her an expensive gift. It turned out to be the espresso
Piazza del Marco, this is where Bond, James bond drove his Gondola onto the piazza
We had an espresso at the Piazza San Marco that were R180-00 for us both. It was Elsebie’s birthday and we decided to splash a bit on wining and dining. Well the wine did not happen and the dine was a quick sandwich. We left the eating for the evening outside of Venice.
Time to rest, Murano Polizia closed.
Skillful glass workers produce the most striking glass in the world.
The island of Murano is a short hop with a water taxi. The glass workshops of Murano conjure writhing chandeliers, swirling goblets and gem-bright jewellery from their red-hot furnaces.
Artist makes a horse like this in a few minutes.
Green grocer shop. Everything has to be brought in to Venice by boat.
Real wood carvings. Impressive.
Venice markets, fresh fish is big business.
It is wonderful spending an afternoon hanging around an outside cafe. That is about as much fun to be had. And if you think taking your loved one on a romantic Gondola think again. It's something like R600-00 for 30min. F-knows why it's so expensive, I mean they run on pasta. :lol8:
Santa Maria della Salute
There are busses, trains and taxis going to Venice which makes it easy to visit during the day and staying for less in hotels outside in Mestre. While in Mestre and at a hotel it was time to wash the kit. It did not have any cleaning since Sudan. A few days’ stay in hotels do have it’s benefits.
I do not think there's one proper upright building in Venice, most are leaning to some degree.
Not having so many chances to clean kit. Washing the camping stuff in the hotel room while we have hot water and a heater to dry it properly.
DirtyTeNeReLess
Bachelor Dog
lucky lucky people. loving Italy
schalk vd merwe
Race Dog
Hi Michnus and Elsebie
I met you at an outdoor show last year at Voortrekkerhoogte and I also spoke to your wife Elsebe at Snow valley 2 years ago when you also just came back from your trip. First of all thanks for a well written article and it does inspire a lot of people including me. My son and I traveled to the Equator and back in 2010 on a 13 350km trip so I know a bit about Africa. I intent to leave on a solo around the world trip in 8 weeks’ time. Originally I was going to do it in one go but because of financial constrains I am going to do it in stages like you and Elsabe. On the first leg I would like to make it up to Italy and 6 months later when it is summer in Europe again stage 2. I just have a couple of questions for you if you can help
1 With all the political problems in Africa at the moment what route would you recommend me to take along the east coast.( Indian Ocean side) I did not appreciate the way of driving in Nairobi the last time so I would rather pass through Mombasa this time.
2 When you traveled to Italy from Israel was it R 12000 for 2 bikes and 2 people. Will it cost half for 1 person.
3. How much does it cost in Italy per day for fuel, camping and food if you travel.
Hope you can help in some way and maybe we will bump in to each other somewhere along the way.
Kind regards Schalk
I met you at an outdoor show last year at Voortrekkerhoogte and I also spoke to your wife Elsebe at Snow valley 2 years ago when you also just came back from your trip. First of all thanks for a well written article and it does inspire a lot of people including me. My son and I traveled to the Equator and back in 2010 on a 13 350km trip so I know a bit about Africa. I intent to leave on a solo around the world trip in 8 weeks’ time. Originally I was going to do it in one go but because of financial constrains I am going to do it in stages like you and Elsabe. On the first leg I would like to make it up to Italy and 6 months later when it is summer in Europe again stage 2. I just have a couple of questions for you if you can help
1 With all the political problems in Africa at the moment what route would you recommend me to take along the east coast.( Indian Ocean side) I did not appreciate the way of driving in Nairobi the last time so I would rather pass through Mombasa this time.
2 When you traveled to Italy from Israel was it R 12000 for 2 bikes and 2 people. Will it cost half for 1 person.
3. How much does it cost in Italy per day for fuel, camping and food if you travel.
Hope you can help in some way and maybe we will bump in to each other somewhere along the way.
Kind regards Schalk
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