2006 Xmas

Well how did we finally manage to be away with all the family -everyone had had holiday jobs and Abs had been balancing a mere five jobs to keep the wolf from the door at Uni 2007 and have some money in her pocket for Aussie/ James had put in long hours as painter home handy man and finished everything really well so the house he was doing up was looking very professional and Mike had a couple of jobs on the go as well in between training, studying also managed to save some dosh- well we went to our new bach a gem overlooking Lake Rotoiti- The weather was changeable but that didn't stop the skurfing and generally relaxing tim,e on the water or soaking in the hot pools.

Abby's 18th

Life is great and Abs had an awesome party at home with her family and friends.

More celebrating

Celebrating 80th years

Mount Ruapehu-the magic mountain

Krizik's Fountain

Opening Ceremony

2006 World Champs

Last night was the official opening of the world champs and after the speeches the CZ's put on a wonderful display of music and timed water features in their famous Krizik's Fountain. The fountain was timed to a CZ composers music and as the cresendoes built so did the water released from the fountain jets and fireworks displayed in time as well truly spectacular. Real water ballet. This was preceeded by a data show projected of past World events onto a sheet or wall of water so all the images shimmered and moved just awe inspiring. The competition is heating up with racing starting Thursday. All the athletes are looking good and now just need to do it on the day

Prague Park Vista

Prague World Champs

Canoe Slalom is big in Europe and the World Champs even have their own stamp for the competition. All the national are here and the competition is going to be tough.

More Prague Photos- the nightclub limo

Prague Gardens and Town Clock

The aerial water closets







Yesterday the heavens opened with an amazing electrical thunderstorm, forked ligthning and tremendous crashes of thunder shook the skies and the temperature dropped 15 degrees in a few minutes a welcome relief after the searing heat of the last few weeks. Today is still cooler 27 degrees so Les and I went exploring the old hunting forests of the King a wonderful green belt reserve in central Prague aboout 80 hectares. We had planned on being lazy and catching the cable car up to the top but when we arrived it was out of action for three months so footpower prevailed. The breeze and the shade of the old trees and the meandering paths were a welcome change from the crowds in the main tourist areas in the town. A tiny squirrel came up to us but we were too slow to get a photo. We wandered around for a few hours heading down towards the river and watched the clock tower perform its magic on the hour, explored the old( prior to 1300AD) and new town ( 1300AD on) before heading back to our apartment and the boys. The boys escaped to the local Irish Pub to watch the AB beat the Aussies. Catching the tram was great and to collapse exhausted into the seats was soooo good.

Prague Castle

I went with Mike to help sort out a 10000km check for the Peugot, a requirement for the Eurolease. I’m amazed at how good these kids are driving around in strange cities and understanding and making themselves understood in a non-english speaking city. Imagine finding the address of the Peugot dealership in Prague, actually finding the premises, explaining what is required, booking in and getting the work done. I must admit we had a little help from some English speaking Czechs.
Took two hours sorting the car then with Mike’s friend Julia headed by tram back into Prague to the Castle, Cathedral and Bridge. The highlight was the climbing of the tower in the cathedral. All 287 spiraling steps to the top with no ventilation, and literally thousands of tourists going both up and down. The views from the top were great, all over Prague and worth the climb.
With time running out it was a rush through the narrow streets and ever increasing numbers of tourists over the famous Charles Bridge, back to the tram stop and to the kayak site to video the boys training session. We are managing the public transport system pretty well now and were back only 5 minutes late.
The atmosphere at the course continues to grow with more teams taking advantage of the free training slots and the stands etc being erected.
A full day was had in the Prague heat so we were relieved to get back to our relatively cool apartment and crash until the next day.

Photos CZ

Exploring Prague

Prague

Ceske Krumlov







Once again on the road early as we wanted to explore the south CZ lakes areas. The roads were dressed in canopies of leaves nestled in valleys and winter ski areas. The lakes were disappointing small, the water muddy looking and crowded with campers but very picturesque. After a couple of stops we headed on towards Ceske Krumlov the UNESCO heritage town. Arriving still in the relative cool on the morning was the thing to do as the town wasn’t crowded, exploring and meandering around the medieval town was lovely. The town is surrounded by water with the focus the church on the rise. Treading over century old cobbles, down winding alleyways and under grapevines just put us in a time warp. As we left the crowds were arriving and the temperature climbing. As Mike had been very unwell we decided to head to Prague and do the TLC. Driving into Prague was a lot easier this time as even a little familiarity helps. We found the boys and accommodation without hassles and now a couple of days later and some cooked meals they are all looking better and feeling more onto it. Helena and George who own the apartments have grandchildren in Cromwell so their English is great and the boys were initially meet on there first stay here with a’ what’s up” to their ‘hey’ from a 9 year old visiting his grandparents which took them back.
Les and I headed into Prague city to walk Charles Bridge and enjoy the city. Julia from Germany turned up and she is staying until Friday and giving a hand with video and timing. She is going to Prague castle today with us before we have to be back for the training session. The intensity for the World Champs is staring to well and truly build and the course and facilities are looking tremendous.

Travelling North What a Day

We started early 6 am with a last swim in the Adriatic Sea even then it was about 29 degrees, a haze over the hills and the water just heaven. After a quick breakfast we headed north deciding as we were short on Croatian kone we wouldn’t buy any supplies and wait until we hit Slovenia or Austria and Euros again. First mistake. Sunday everything in Slovenia and Austria was closed. Second mistake. The tolls on the motorway were twice what we had budgeted so all our small euro coins and kone were then gone and still one more toll to go. With 3 euros in total in small money we decided to risk the toll on the next motorway. At this stage we had once again searched every pocket for change as knew no-one was going to exchange large euro notes at the tolls. As we drew up to the toll the queue was about 300metres long and as our turn came and we tried to give the cashier our change his manner became more abrupt, we couldn’t understand a word as he yelled at us and then we tried to give him a 100 Euro note. In the end he shrugged his shoulders, waved us on scowling at us as we drove through. As we have a euro lease vehicle most people think we are French for better or worse. Now nine hours later we are stuck on the autobahn in kilometers of traffic due to an accident, no food but now have euros and no exits to get off the motorway and find somewhere to stay to top it all off the temps have changed from 37 degrees to 19 degrees and the rain is pouring down and lightning flashing. Welcome to Austria.

Now a few hours on the sun is shining and the autobahn has cleared and we have found a pension for the night and directly opposite is the most spectacular field of sunflowers.

Drage

After two nights in Trstenik, we regrettably headed north again hoping to find a place to stay on the Croatian Rivera. On the way we passed a medieval stone embattlement complete with turrets and walls built up and around a hill at a place called Ston. It appeared to have absolutely no strategic significance but Les just had to climb it. It was probably about 600meters up and in parts the gradient was 30-40 degrees. A central tower was at the top, with amazing views around the countryside. Well worth the climb but at 40+ degree temperatures it was definitely an effort.
Continued on our way to find accommodation for the night. Life in Croatia closes between about 2 and 4 each day due mainly to the heat. Had difficulty finding any pensions to rent around Dragnice where we stayed on the way down so headed further north stopping at Drage where we found a great waterfront place again. The water is only about 10 paces from our room. Drage is a little fishing village about half way between Split and Zadar. It has about 10 houses down on the water level, several areas for camping, restaurants, bars and several jetties. The water is as flat as a pancake waterskiing heaven. How fabulous it would be to have a fizz boat over here. We will stop here for two days of R and R before the trip north to Prague which could be tough after the beaches of Croatia.
Found a fabulous traditional restaurant meal last night where they served roast lamb cooked over a spit. Large chunks of meat were served enough for half a dozen people with fries and the best salad ever covered in olive oil, salt and vinegar. It actually had green lettuce, very difficult to get here. Left with extremely full stomachs and a large doggy-bag of lamb for the next day’s lunch.
Tomorrow we head for Austria and a couple of nights in the Alps hopefully in a little village by a lake where we can hire a couple of bikes and sample the great food and vino.

Ston