Richard And Jo Demeester's photos

Accessed from the Abbey of Santa Giustina, this shrine was built in an early Christian cemetery, and would have been just outside the walls of early Padua. Even when built, it was an adjunct to the main basilica. However, little of that remains after wars, earthquakes, and ultimately its 16th century makeover. The shrine was preserved and is the only standing piece of the original ancient complex.

The tree is a large magnolia, lending its name to the cloister where the photo is taken from. The domes and slender towers are characteristic of St. Anthony, which blends Romanesque, Gothic, Byzantine, and Moorish influences.

Our first full day in Padua, and St Anthony was high on the to do list.

It's becoming too hard to count. Since we first met Andrea and Hermann in Ecuador, December 1996, we have arranged to cross paths multiple times in Germany, many times in Italy, and once in Croatia. A quick figuring has it at around 10. This meeting was in Padua. We had originally thought of France, but Andrea was keen to visit the Bienalle Venezia, so the destination was modified. This really suited us, as after the massive drive we did to finish our most recent giro, 14 something hours in one day, cutting the distance was super appreciated. Photo from night one. We have spent long days on the road coming from our respective homes. Re-aquaint ourselves over a glass of wine. @Andrea, @Hermann, the keys are on the table. ;)

Together in Trg Evrope, Europe Square. After the Second World War, this town was split. A metal fence ran through the town, and while the old centre remained in Italy, Yugoslavia built a modern socialist "model city" on their side. In 2004, when Slovenia joined the EU, the wall was pulled down and the open square became a new focus for the city.

The destruction of Deviski Hrad is also attributable to Napoleon. Again, large amounts of gunpowder strategically placed to ensure that the defences were compromised enough to render them useless and irreparable.

So, one morning in Bratislava, we opened the curtain of our apartment...

We chose Bratislava to be our base. Although we were travelling for Eurovision, being hosted in Vienna, we decide on the Slovakian capital for our accommodation. A relatively short drive away, we found it the perfect solution. Much cheaper, and after stopping in a few years ago, a proper stay in Bratislava was well and truly on the cards.

It was by order of Napoleon that this castle was blown apart. Six gargoyles were on this part of wall, and five survived. The other lay at our feet as we looked up. A nice touch to the romantic ruin.

Finding this was quite an adventure in itself. The route up lacked clear signage so we just walked along forest trails, heading upward and to higher ground whenever presented with a choice. Eventually, we found ourselves at the base of the remains of the impressively tall walls. The forgotten ruined fortress overtaken by nature.

Looking for a day trip to be undertaken from Ptuj, we discovered Trakoscan, in North Western Croatia. Built as a fortress and observation post, it was refashioned over the centuries in to a fairytale castle.

One of Europe's hidden gems, not far from the Slovenian capital. The skyline, for us, is one of the prettiest in Europe. Ptuj remains off the mass tourist trail. Quiet and authentic, with barely a selfie stick in sight.

Oh, we look forward to those little squid, stuffed with prosciutto and cheese, cooked in butter, garlic, and wine. My mouth is watering just writing about them.

Each time we visit Ljubljana, we visit the dragons on the bridge. I think we have posted blog photos from most of those stops. We greet them, like old friends, reach up and pat a claw or hold their tails. Its our tradition in this small and compact capital. They have never let us down.

The quiet fishing town of Chioggia, at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, dubbed "Little Venice" due to the similar architecture, the canals, the old bridges. It's largely unknown to foreign tourists. When mentioned to Italians, we generally got a response of recognition, even admiration, as they fondly recalled visiting once or twice in their youth. Compact, with only a small number of canals, it lacks the iconic black Venetian gondolas. This is a real life town, full of locals living their working lives. Not too crowded, slow and easy is the visiting pace.