At least we can visit in pictures. The only way to travel without leaving your seat. *Sigh*

My thoughts have gone out to the people of Cinque Terre or 'Five Worlds' in Italy's Liguria region as the sleepy fishing villages have been devastated by torrential rain. It's hard to imagine rivers of mud pouring from the mountains behind, destroying roads, bridges and lives. Such a shame

We recently visited these 'worlds' in July and the picturesque buildings of faded pinks, blues, rusts and yellows were so beautiful I was inspired to draw one of the little harbours. I also love the wee clay architectural sculptures of Cinque Terre by Artisanie Europe (see below) 

Dormans, France

Madame Bollinger's original vineyard

Madame Bollinger's original vineyard

Tattinger visit to the Roman caves, Reims France

Travo, Italy

Bobbio, Italy

Bobbio, Italy

Giro D'Italia, Italy

Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy

Near Zermatt, Switzerland

Rowena the cow, near Zurich

We're finally home in Oz! After three months of travelling to France, Switerland, Italy, England and Spain, our journery has come to a close *sniff*. Where did the days dissappear to? Surely someone in a higher place fast forwarded the calendar to deprive us of precious days away. And I seriously thought I would be homesick within four weeks – yeh, right!

I hope you will forgive my lack of blog updates, but quite honestly, the internet sucked and blogging ended up being a drag instead of a joy

Hopefully the pictures are self-explanatory although Rowena the Cow (above) deserves her own explanation...in a little village just 15 minutes from the heart of Zurich lies a farm surrounded with shockingly brilliant green grass and a line-up of girls ready for milking. In the early afternoon, bring your pail along for the freshest of fresh milk from the coin-operated dispensary located outside the barn. Direct from cow to pail. Who knew such a treasure could be found minutes from the heart of a world leading financial hub?

Back to life, back to reality. Although Sydney isn't too bad....

Fragrant blooms, fresh olives, plump jams, flakey croissants, fish, meats, prime, ripe veges and fruits in a multitude of colours, textures and tastes. And don't get me started on the local cheese and pate! Brie, Roquefort, Chevre, Boursin and others that I have no hope of ever pronouncing, where so delicious slathered onto freshly baked crusty bread and farm fresh churned-this-morning butter. I'm so glad that we're treading the pavement for hours a day or all this indulgence will catch up, but who cares, when in Rome....or is that Reims?

Market day every Saturday 8.30am until noon, Reims centre

A trip to champagne was always on my list of things to do before I visit the pearly gates. Our stay Dormans, Champagne, was so relaxed and comfortable due to the beautiful house that we rented for 10 days. La Maison du Clos Rigaux is run by the charming Isabelle and was immaculate, elegant and styled with classic French flair. If you're heading that way, take it from us, we were very impressed! I've taken some photos from Isabelle's website because we trashed the joint with all our bags and ended up un-photo-worthy

When in the little village of Dormans, head up to Silvan Suty tearooms in Luxembourg Square. Silvan and his wife run the little eatery overflowing with freshly made patisseries, chocolates and teas. But the lunches were the best...you're greeted with pate on arrival and we quite often had a simple salad beautifully presented (similar to a top restaurant without the price tag) with a glass of local French champagne. Of course, follow up the 'salty' delights with dessert. Each dessert had a chocolate formed from a champagne cap. Yum