First steps in Europe

Hola from Madrid. We’ve hit the ground running after our flights from Shanghai. The long way round.

Great location in the city at The Social Hub, Madrid.

We’re a bit jet lagged but we’ll rest up and explore more tomorrow. It’s almost overwhelming what’s here, where do you start lol

Our first steps in Europe… such a great place to linger. 

Tapas, Tapas and more Tapas

Day 2 and we visited a cute little Tapa Bar on the way to the park. An authentic and non pretentious vibe.

So much to see along the way.

An easy place to get lost… and found

Food, Lights and Action

Shanghai is a beautiful city at night, and it really comes alive with a river cruise to see it close up. The air was chilly but well worth it up top for the intensity and drama each building brings. What a delight.

A visit to the Aquarium… stunning.

We stumbled upon this little street of bakeries and shops while on the way to the subway. is there anything more delicious than a French Italian Bakery?

It’s hard to beat.

Getting us in the mood for Europe… we’re about to put on our packs and fly to Spain. Epic!

Old school New town

We’re doing a lot of walking in this place, on a mission to get fit for Europe I think. We’re off everywhere, from the night streets on the way to The Bund, to the zoo and back, and a visit to an old ancient town… we’re making the most of it here. Staying at City Hotel Shanghai, it’s a great location for exploring. The streets here are quaint and old feeling. Bit like we’ve stepped back in time… the rest is modern. We’re getting around by subway, which I’d recommend in a heartbeat. It’s clean, it’s fast, and it’s safe.

This little Piggy went to market…

The ancient town of Qibao… old world charm on the edge of a canal.

Pandas at the zoo… Bucket list ticked.

Serene and Picturesque

…to buy a bag of frogs and

A bowl of snouts.

Imagine bringing these back home for tea, I think I’d freak out… what would you even do with them omg.

Coffee break this morning on the banks of the canal.

Bliss

Shanghai Chic

We landed in Shanghai after flying overnight on our first Business Class adventure. What can I say, (glad the flights were on special and do we want to go back to cattle class again?)… I think not, but we will, and it was a lovely treat.

First impressions of this massive city are this… it’s a real mix of old and new, it’s a bit smoggy, a lot modern, and yet it feels ancient to me. A blend I feel we need to explore.

We’re going old school with the return of the paper map. Turns out wifi ain’t as easy here and there’s no google maps. Just as well we can still remember how to read maps, kinda feels nostalgic in some way.

Walking around gardens and buildings is really interesting in this space. It’s a delightful mixture and very eclectic.

The Bund area along the river. Not much sky to be seen along here, wonder why all the skyscrapers if you can’t see the view.

Walking through food halls and streets of shops had us entertained. Anyone for Duck Poop Tea lol

Off to the zoo tomorrow… hope to see some Panda Bears

Road tripping

Here we are again, embarking on our next adventure.  This time we’re off to Europe, via Shanghai.

Starting with relocating first a van from Queenstown to Christchurch, then a camper van to Auckland. 

The perfect vehicle for staying in holiday mode after a few weeks back home with family.

Quick stopover in Picton, such a great spot

Leaving the South Island for a while…

We’re off to do the OE we would’ve done when we were 20. Complete with a pretty fluid schedule. Starting off in China, we’ll fly to Spain and then Morocco for a few weeks. Then it’s off to Paris, then London and everywhere else.

Can’t wait to see everything. I have a feeling it’s gonna be Epic!