our first month in review
We have been away exactly a month now and we have enjoyed every moment and experience! We have seen some mind-blowing, spectacular and confronting things. And we have learnt soooo much more about European history from the countries that we have visited.
Here is our first month in a quick review:
Our first stop was Russia where we visited Moscow and St Petersburg. There we saw some amazingly opulent palaces and got a sneak peak into the lives of the past royals. Our standout moment from here would be setting eyes on St Basil’s in Red Square for the first time.
The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were next on the agenda. We learnt about the Singing Revolution which we had no idea about and also learnt about the Baltic Way – 2 million people holding hands across the 3 countries to make a 600 km human chain to stand up for their independence. A few of our favourites in this area would be visiting the Hill of Crosses and experiencing the old towns of each capital city
Poland was definitely a little surprise package for us. We enjoyed what the country had to offer; its history, food, people and culture. Here we experienced awe as well as sadness. There were moments of joy and wonderment as we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mines, walked around the Old Town of Krakow and be impressed at the restoration efforts of Warsaw. Then there were moments of heart-break where we shed tears for those who lost their lives during World War II especially when we visited the concentrations camps.
We had a small taste of Czech Republic back in 2006 when we visited Prague for a few days. This time, we had an opportunity to visit Cesky Krumlov as well. One of our highlights in Cesky Krumlov was definitely getting a tour of the Zámecké Divadlo (Castle Theatre). One of the last few remaining wooden theatres still with costumes, props and stage sets. Prague was nothing like we remembered, probably because we came this time with “older” eyes and a different mindset to travel. A highlight would have to be seeing the Astronomical Clock again and really appreciating it for what it was this time.
Now we are in Bordeaux, France and we are loving France all over again. Despite common belief, the French people are very friendly and always willing to help. Two memorable experiences amongst the many so far (as we still have all up another 10 days or so) was watching Moulin Rouge and seeing Mont St Michel. Next stop Carcassonne 🙂
Have a great week ahead, folks!
Feel free to leave us a comment here
wise monkeys abroad 
September 14, 2014 at 5:53 pm
[…] 2 months since we flew out of Sydney for Europe. It only felt like a few days ago that we wrote our first month in review but here we are sharing our second month already. We are over halfway into this trip now and will be […]
August 31, 2014 at 10:14 pm
Wow! What a month! I can’t tell you how envious I am. Your pictures are gorgeous and I want to follow in your footsteps and see all these things for myself.
August 31, 2014 at 10:15 pm
Thank you for your kind words about our photos 🙂
Hope one day you will be visiting all these places!!
August 29, 2014 at 10:15 pm
[…] can check your answer by clicking here and reading about the Wise Monkeys Abroad […]
August 17, 2014 at 7:53 pm
You’ve covered a lot of ground in one month! Congrats! And you’ve visited several of my favorite places. Your photo of the Astronomical Clock is gorgeous, and the Hill of Crosses is stunning. So far, do you have a favorite place? ~Terri
August 18, 2014 at 12:01 am
Hi Terri! Wow – that is a tough question! We have “favourites” in different ways. For example the most moving would be Auschwitz, the most unexpected would be the Salt Mines, the most jaw-dropping would be seeing St Basil…. Hate being fence sitters but its too hard to pick a favourite!
Thank you so much for reading and for your comment!
August 13, 2014 at 8:19 am
You are gathering quite a few worldheritage spots along the way we see… 🙂
August 13, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Yes, yes we are 🙂 Will have to start counting them up soon!! And adding them to our bucket list gallery!
August 12, 2014 at 10:55 pm
Sounds like you’re having such a brilliant guys! Keep on enjoying 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 10:56 pm
That should have said such a brilliant time lol!
August 13, 2014 at 1:31 am
😉 We knew what you meant!!
August 13, 2014 at 1:31 am
Thanks Ayla 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Well done guys!! Ive been following your trip all along and I love it! I cant wait see more… you’ve already incredible things, some I really want to do! Enjoy!! 😀
August 13, 2014 at 1:33 am
Thank you so much, Allane, for your regular lovely messages!!! It’s so nice to know you have been enjoying the trip as much as we have! 🙂
August 13, 2014 at 2:45 am
You’re welcome!! I enjoy every bit of your posts 😀
August 12, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Fabulous month….fabulous posts!!!!
August 12, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Awww…. thanks Diana 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Sounds like an amazing month. 🙂 I loves our time in Europe and hope to go back soon. 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 5:45 pm
It certainly has been an amazing month…. Maybe you are due for a trip to Europe again? 😉
August 13, 2014 at 12:03 am
Hopefully in a year or so 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 6:24 am
Wow, a month already. Isn’t Mont St Michel amazing. It is one of my favourite places in France. I love your very first photo too. The colours are gorgeous against that blue sky. Happy travelling.
August 12, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Thank you!! Oh Mont St Michel is simply magical 🙂 We are in Carcassonne now and it is just as incredible but in its own way!
August 11, 2014 at 10:20 pm
What an awesome first month! Looking forward reading more about your adventures. Have fun for me too! 😉
August 12, 2014 at 4:37 am
Hi Vlad!! Looked like you had an awesome time in Norway so we are wanderlusting through you too 🙂 Thanks for the message!
August 11, 2014 at 9:17 pm
Mont Saint Michel is one of the places I really want to visit already for many years (actually ever I saw it in a school textbook some 15 years ago…)
August 12, 2014 at 4:37 am
Well, once you are in Germany, it won’t be too far away!! 😉 You can add it to your list for then.
Thanks for stopping by.
August 11, 2014 at 8:42 pm
You have shown great skil here – condensing so much into such a short report. Keep it coming, I’m loving the journey 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 4:02 am
Thanks Ken!! It was hard being concise but we are trying to keep it short and simple for everyone 🙂 So happy to hear you are enjoying the journey!
August 11, 2014 at 5:52 pm
wonderful colours in your pics guys!
August 12, 2014 at 4:01 am
Thanks – We went to colorful places 😉
August 11, 2014 at 11:23 am
That is a fantastic trip! I think Mont Saint Michel is beautiful – great pictures!
August 11, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Thank you for reading and your lovely comment 🙂 Mont St Michel is unreal… Our first month has been rather jam-packed with memories, here’s to hoping the next month will be the same 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 8:53 am
What a month… those photos are gorgeous and I couldn’t be more depressed sitting at my work desk on a Monday morning right now hehehe keep it all coming, it’s great motivation and inspiration! Also, the Astronomical Clock – WOW!
August 11, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Awww… We hope to inspire more than to depress 😉 Thanks so much for reading and leaving us this comment! We’ve had a really sensational month but it certainly has passed quicky!
August 11, 2014 at 5:55 am
Amazing first month and wonderful photos!!! Ahhh, you make me wish I was in Europe right now!!! 😀
August 11, 2014 at 6:11 am
Thanks Shelley!! We always get wanderlust from other blogs…. Well, we think we hear Europe calling for you guys??? 😉
August 11, 2014 at 5:26 am
Fantastic pictures! I am so jealous!
August 11, 2014 at 6:09 am
Thanks for stopping in Jane 🙂 It has been a fun-filled month that’s for sure!
August 11, 2014 at 5:24 am
What an amazing month you’ve had! I’m kinda jealous 😉
August 11, 2014 at 6:09 am
Awww – it has been a truly incredible month when we sit and reflect 🙂 Can’t wait for the next month and then after that begins our Camino! Eeee…….
August 11, 2014 at 4:38 am
Your travels look fantastic, glad you are having such a good time! Really pleased you went to the Hill of Crosses – one of the most unique places in Europe in my opinion. Hope the rest of your trip is just as good!
August 11, 2014 at 4:41 am
Thank you so much for your comment and well wishes. We agree wholeheartedly about the Hill of Crosses. It’s like nothing we have seen anywhere before. Hope you had a great weekend 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 4:32 am
I’d love to see Moscow and St Petersburg – sounds like you are having an incredible time! Hope you are enjoying yourselves in France 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 4:34 am
We certainly are loving France!! Moscow and St Petersburg is definitely worth seeing… Hope you get there one day.
August 11, 2014 at 1:48 am
Sounds amazing! Bordeaux is fabulous if memory serves – I was there a long time ago! Keep adventuring! 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 1:59 am
Thank you 🙂 Everywhere we are going has been fantastic in its own little way!! Bordeaux included 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 1:20 am
Fantastic photos. I regret that I didn’t visit the Hill of Crosses when I passed through that area.
August 11, 2014 at 2:00 am
Thanks for reading 🙂 The Hill of Crosses is so different to anything we have ever seen. We will be posting a bit more about this sometime so maybe we can take you there virtually 😉
August 11, 2014 at 12:09 am
A great month indeed. Enjoy your next travel destinations as well, and I’m sure will pop in to check on here you’ve been and what you’ve seen.
We’re traveling to Hill of Crosses next weekend, and I sure am very exciting to see it.
August 11, 2014 at 2:03 am
Fabulous! It is a very unique place to see and experience. Hope you agree when you go 🙂
Thanks so much for our reading and leaving us a comment!
August 11, 2014 at 12:06 am
Sounds amazing Le and David! Thank you for sharing your experience and the lovely photos and looking forward to many more..
August 11, 2014 at 2:11 am
Hey V! Thanks for the message 🙂 Cannot believe it has already been a month! We will be home before we know it. Hope you are well xx
August 10, 2014 at 11:32 pm
Awesome photos 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 2:09 am
Thank you! The places are beautiful – we just couldn’t go wrong 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 10:31 am
Your photos certainly convey that 🙂
August 12, 2014 at 4:21 pm
🙂
August 13, 2014 at 11:37 am
🙂
August 10, 2014 at 11:32 pm
Great commentary and imagery! I felt I went along on the journey and enjoyed it. 🙂
August 11, 2014 at 2:10 am
Oh we are so glad to hear that you felt like you journeyed with us 🙂 We appreciate you reading and leaving us a comment!
August 10, 2014 at 10:51 pm
So sad we will miss you in paris next month, only just!! but so glad you are having a ball! Stay safe! Xxx
August 11, 2014 at 2:10 am
It is a shame! It would have been good to catch up on this side of the world. Hope you enjoy your time in France too xx
August 10, 2014 at 9:31 pm
It sounds like you’ve had an incredible month. Enjoy the rest of your time in France! I can’t wait to read all about it 😉
August 10, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Thank you! We certainly have had a wonderful time. We are really looking forward to the next 2 or so! Can’t believe how quickly time is flying …..