Here we go again
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Snow
Our new adventure got off to an ominous start... it was snowing in St Albans. But we hope to find somewhere warmer in Spain and Portugal. However, after only 30 minutes it stopped snowing and we had an uneventful run down to Dover.
We have not seen as much of the family as we wanted but we’ll try our best to keep in touch with them; wifi permitting.
The crossing was like any other, with Ian grabbing the last chance to have some fish and chips with mushy peas.
We’ve never used Calais with the motorhome. Thank goodness for the GPS as the French have made several roads parallel to each other near the port and poor old Jane had a bad time trying to get us on the right road for the Aire. After a good detour we found the Aire next to the harbour entrance and the beach. Thankfully the gas heating still worked as the weather was very wet, very windy and cold.
Snow
Our new adventure got off to an ominous start... it was snowing in St Albans. But we hope to find somewhere warmer in Spain and Portugal. However, after only 30 minutes it stopped snowing and we had an uneventful run down to Dover.
We have not seen as much of the family as we wanted but we’ll try our best to keep in touch with them; wifi permitting.
The crossing was like any other, with Ian grabbing the last chance to have some fish and chips with mushy peas.
We’ve never used Calais with the motorhome. Thank goodness for the GPS as the French have made several roads parallel to each other near the port and poor old Jane had a bad time trying to get us on the right road for the Aire. After a good detour we found the Aire next to the harbour entrance and the beach. Thankfully the gas heating still worked as the weather was very wet, very windy and cold.
We don't get tomatoes like this in St Albans.
Thursday 21 November 2013
Gypsies, tramps and thieves
The morning was dry but we still had a bracing wind. After a 20 minute stroll on the sea front we were glad to get back to Bessy and make a move.
Our first break was at the Aire overlooking Boulogne. The view is excellent but it would be a very tight squeeze for anything longer than our 7.5 meters.
Onwards to Le Touquet Paris Plage Aire for a lunch break. There is a €10 a day charge for those stopping the night. The area is very pretty with luxury houses set into the forest. We had a little stroll around the yacht harbour before setting off again.
So far we’ve had undulating countryside and we soon found ourselves in another snow storm. Everything looked pretty and white, but undesirable.
We’d set the GPS to avoid toll roads as we are not in a hurry. This meant we passed through some very attractive villages made up of half-timbered houses. But it also meant that to get to Honfleur we had to take a ferry at rush hour. The ferryman insisted on squeezing another vehicle on the ferry. That was us and it must be said, it was a squeeze. But nobody came to collect money as we crossed the Seine; maybe it’s free.
Soon we were driving away from the oil terminals and chemical works into open countryside towards our stop.
To our surprise the gigantic Aire was packed. There was a fairground in the town and the vans, motorhomes and caravans must have belonged to the showmen and their families. Never mind, because we got free electricity from a post near us and were able to keep warm thanks to the new fan heater we bought recently.
Gypsies, tramps and thieves
The morning was dry but we still had a bracing wind. After a 20 minute stroll on the sea front we were glad to get back to Bessy and make a move.
Our first break was at the Aire overlooking Boulogne. The view is excellent but it would be a very tight squeeze for anything longer than our 7.5 meters.
Onwards to Le Touquet Paris Plage Aire for a lunch break. There is a €10 a day charge for those stopping the night. The area is very pretty with luxury houses set into the forest. We had a little stroll around the yacht harbour before setting off again.
So far we’ve had undulating countryside and we soon found ourselves in another snow storm. Everything looked pretty and white, but undesirable.
We’d set the GPS to avoid toll roads as we are not in a hurry. This meant we passed through some very attractive villages made up of half-timbered houses. But it also meant that to get to Honfleur we had to take a ferry at rush hour. The ferryman insisted on squeezing another vehicle on the ferry. That was us and it must be said, it was a squeeze. But nobody came to collect money as we crossed the Seine; maybe it’s free.
Soon we were driving away from the oil terminals and chemical works into open countryside towards our stop.
To our surprise the gigantic Aire was packed. There was a fairground in the town and the vans, motorhomes and caravans must have belonged to the showmen and their families. Never mind, because we got free electricity from a post near us and were able to keep warm thanks to the new fan heater we bought recently.
Memorial at Pegasus Bridge.
Friday 22 November 2013
Airborne
The morning was dry, but still cold. As no one was putting money in the machine we decided not to either and saved ourselves €10. Our route took us along the Cider Route to Beauville and Beuvron en Auge. It was strange because we saw very few apple trees. Even Beuvron en Auge was deserted except for some masked and bewildered Japanese tourists, obviously thinking, “Why are we here?”. They were probably looking for cider and Calvados like us. At least we were able to empty the bog at the Aire.
The UK is often said to be full of roundabouts. Well, France has taken over the title. It is almost impossible to get a good run without having to stop at a roundabout, plus slow down at many creative traffic calming systems.
After our non-cider event we were lucky to find some cheap diesel (€129 per liter) The price of diesel seems to range between about €125 and €150.
The best part of the day was arriving at Pegasus Bridge at Ranville-Benouville. They have an excellent museum dedicated to the brave men of the 6th British Airborne Division who were the first liberators to arrive in Normandy on the night of 5/6 June 1944. It was moving to stand on a spot where history had been made.
After a quick stop at a Simply supermarket to use their ATM we headed the few miles to Arromanches. The day may have started dry but the rest was wet and windy so we bedded down in Bessy for the afternoon and evening. At least we got wobbled to bed. Yorkshire was never like this. Now we know why Paris has more rainfall than London.
Airborne
The morning was dry, but still cold. As no one was putting money in the machine we decided not to either and saved ourselves €10. Our route took us along the Cider Route to Beauville and Beuvron en Auge. It was strange because we saw very few apple trees. Even Beuvron en Auge was deserted except for some masked and bewildered Japanese tourists, obviously thinking, “Why are we here?”. They were probably looking for cider and Calvados like us. At least we were able to empty the bog at the Aire.
The UK is often said to be full of roundabouts. Well, France has taken over the title. It is almost impossible to get a good run without having to stop at a roundabout, plus slow down at many creative traffic calming systems.
After our non-cider event we were lucky to find some cheap diesel (€129 per liter) The price of diesel seems to range between about €125 and €150.
The best part of the day was arriving at Pegasus Bridge at Ranville-Benouville. They have an excellent museum dedicated to the brave men of the 6th British Airborne Division who were the first liberators to arrive in Normandy on the night of 5/6 June 1944. It was moving to stand on a spot where history had been made.
After a quick stop at a Simply supermarket to use their ATM we headed the few miles to Arromanches. The day may have started dry but the rest was wet and windy so we bedded down in Bessy for the afternoon and evening. At least we got wobbled to bed. Yorkshire was never like this. Now we know why Paris has more rainfall than London.
American Cemetery, Omaha Beach.
Saturday 23 November 2013
D-day
Rain and high winds again. It was pretty miserable so we decided to go to Bayeaux and see the tapestry. Sadly every car park in the attractive little town was full so we went back to Arromanches to see the 360° Cinema. We parked in the Aire and started to follow the signs. It soon became clear the cinema was outside the town so we returned and picked up Bessy.
The cinema was excellent and showed stills and moving images of the D-day landings. In the entrance to the cinema was a wonderful panoramic photo of the beaches with Mulberry Harbours in place. What an outstanding bit of planning by the High Command. A group of young squaddies were also on a tour of the battlefields. They were from Harrogate and probably Junior Leaders.
After lunch we pointed west and stopped to look at the German battery on the cliffs at Longues Sur Mer. Very impressive sight of four giant bunkers with the 150 mm guns still in place.
Our next stop was Omaha Beach where there is a gigantic American Cemetery. The whole place, including the Visitors Centre was immaculate and very well presented. It was very moving to see the memorials and crosses to the more than 9,000 soldiers buried here.
Our final stop of the day was at the Aire in Grandcamp de Maisy. At last the rain had stopped, but not the wind.
D-day
Rain and high winds again. It was pretty miserable so we decided to go to Bayeaux and see the tapestry. Sadly every car park in the attractive little town was full so we went back to Arromanches to see the 360° Cinema. We parked in the Aire and started to follow the signs. It soon became clear the cinema was outside the town so we returned and picked up Bessy.
The cinema was excellent and showed stills and moving images of the D-day landings. In the entrance to the cinema was a wonderful panoramic photo of the beaches with Mulberry Harbours in place. What an outstanding bit of planning by the High Command. A group of young squaddies were also on a tour of the battlefields. They were from Harrogate and probably Junior Leaders.
After lunch we pointed west and stopped to look at the German battery on the cliffs at Longues Sur Mer. Very impressive sight of four giant bunkers with the 150 mm guns still in place.
Our next stop was Omaha Beach where there is a gigantic American Cemetery. The whole place, including the Visitors Centre was immaculate and very well presented. It was very moving to see the memorials and crosses to the more than 9,000 soldiers buried here.
Our final stop of the day was at the Aire in Grandcamp de Maisy. At last the rain had stopped, but not the wind.
Mont St Michel, early morning.
Sunday 24 November 2013
Conned in a car park
A good long run today so we managed to recharge the telephone, the camera battery and the Mac. We were heading for Mont St Michel. According to our data it has an Aire, but when we got there it was clear that a lot of money has been spent on a gigantic car park with separate areas for cars, buses and motorhomes. We were directed to go to the MH area. Take a ticket and the barrier lifts. Price €20 for 24 hours.
Luckily there are free buses to take you on the new road to the island. It is a wonderful sight to see as you approach. But be warned, if you cannot handle steps, stay at home. Ian’s knackered knee took some punishment that day.
The lower level reminded us on Monomvasea in Greece. Lots of shops selling things you never knew you needed and over-priced restaurants. We opted for a tray of chips and a sausage for €5.50 each!
The real deal was many steps higher up and it was magnificent with winding staircases, ramparts and towers and all the time the abbey looming over everything. The abbey entrance fee was €9.00 each but it was worth it because we wound our way through the abbey stopping at various chapels, refectory, kitchens and so on. Later we were guided down into the gardens and eventually back down to the lower levels.
We stopped at the supermarket on the way back to get some milk and butter. Sadly it was only selling tourist tat again and at very high prices. Having been away from the car park for four hours we put our ticket in the machine to find out how much we would have to pay. The answer was the full €20 so we decided we may as well stay the night. A nice clean, well lit car park but with no facilities at all.
We had seen a MH in the car area of the car park. I enquired about it at the Information office. It seems that cars and buses pay for what they use but MHs have to pay the full wack... beware.
Conned in a car park
A good long run today so we managed to recharge the telephone, the camera battery and the Mac. We were heading for Mont St Michel. According to our data it has an Aire, but when we got there it was clear that a lot of money has been spent on a gigantic car park with separate areas for cars, buses and motorhomes. We were directed to go to the MH area. Take a ticket and the barrier lifts. Price €20 for 24 hours.
Luckily there are free buses to take you on the new road to the island. It is a wonderful sight to see as you approach. But be warned, if you cannot handle steps, stay at home. Ian’s knackered knee took some punishment that day.
The lower level reminded us on Monomvasea in Greece. Lots of shops selling things you never knew you needed and over-priced restaurants. We opted for a tray of chips and a sausage for €5.50 each!
The real deal was many steps higher up and it was magnificent with winding staircases, ramparts and towers and all the time the abbey looming over everything. The abbey entrance fee was €9.00 each but it was worth it because we wound our way through the abbey stopping at various chapels, refectory, kitchens and so on. Later we were guided down into the gardens and eventually back down to the lower levels.
We stopped at the supermarket on the way back to get some milk and butter. Sadly it was only selling tourist tat again and at very high prices. Having been away from the car park for four hours we put our ticket in the machine to find out how much we would have to pay. The answer was the full €20 so we decided we may as well stay the night. A nice clean, well lit car park but with no facilities at all.
We had seen a MH in the car area of the car park. I enquired about it at the Information office. It seems that cars and buses pay for what they use but MHs have to pay the full wack... beware.
View from the Aire at Bouchemaine.
Monday 25 November 2013
Loir or Loire
At last a sunny but cold morning. In an attempt to get away from the cold weather we had another long run to Anger area. It was good to be driving in sunshine, with just a few light showers. Again, by avoiding toll roads we were able to see the real France and it was very pleasant indeed.
The cold weather meant that we had emptied one gas bottle completely so it was time to find a filling station. They are as rare as hen’s teeth. After 2 hours of driving we found a supermarket that sold LPG and cheap diesel. Yippee, we can be warm again.
Our first attempt at an Aire at La Possonniere was fruitless. It was a deserted campsite. That meant another 7 km to the Aire at Bouchemaine next to the Loir. But beware, there is also a Loire river. This was another new one to us. At the barrier you have to enter various bits of information, such as parking, shower, etc and then put your credit card in the slot and enter the pin number. Then you get a receipt saying you have paid €10 and another code number on it. Not sure what that’s for at the moment. Then the barrier lifts and in you go.
We found the electric hookup OK and we found a nice building with toilets and showers on the first floor. The ground floor is open to the elements and has was a washing up area. We tried the water and it was hot so it was a chance to do a bit of hand washing. Judit avoiding Ian’s socks for some reason.
The washing was left hanging in the ground floor open area so they would be sheltered if it rained. For a few hours we were the only ones on the site. We have a lovely view of the Loir; hope it doesn’t flood overnight though.
Loir or Loire
At last a sunny but cold morning. In an attempt to get away from the cold weather we had another long run to Anger area. It was good to be driving in sunshine, with just a few light showers. Again, by avoiding toll roads we were able to see the real France and it was very pleasant indeed.
The cold weather meant that we had emptied one gas bottle completely so it was time to find a filling station. They are as rare as hen’s teeth. After 2 hours of driving we found a supermarket that sold LPG and cheap diesel. Yippee, we can be warm again.
Our first attempt at an Aire at La Possonniere was fruitless. It was a deserted campsite. That meant another 7 km to the Aire at Bouchemaine next to the Loir. But beware, there is also a Loire river. This was another new one to us. At the barrier you have to enter various bits of information, such as parking, shower, etc and then put your credit card in the slot and enter the pin number. Then you get a receipt saying you have paid €10 and another code number on it. Not sure what that’s for at the moment. Then the barrier lifts and in you go.
We found the electric hookup OK and we found a nice building with toilets and showers on the first floor. The ground floor is open to the elements and has was a washing up area. We tried the water and it was hot so it was a chance to do a bit of hand washing. Judit avoiding Ian’s socks for some reason.
The washing was left hanging in the ground floor open area so they would be sheltered if it rained. For a few hours we were the only ones on the site. We have a lovely view of the Loir; hope it doesn’t flood overnight though.
Richard the Lionheart at Abbaye de Fontevraud.
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Robin Hood’s best mate
Plan A: visit Angers by bus. We abandoned that idea when we found the next bus came in three hours.
Plan B: take Bessy to Angers. We did but we could not stop because all the car parks were full. We went down a small street and our way was blocked by a badly parked car and had to reverse 100 meters and then do a 16-point turn to escape.
Plan C: Go to a certain France Passion site. We went the wrong way and had to turn around and drive to the intended one, one hour away.
But all was not lost because we had clear blue skies at last. The wind was cold but we had a lovely drive through the small villages.
Many shops in small villages appeared to be closed so we did a bit of shopping in another Super U supermarket at Thouarce. Then we stopped in another village in the church car park overlooking an old chateau and the chunky church. Hundreds of pigeons were flying around the church tower.
Finally we found a beautiful chateau at Brissac-Quince. Closed. But soon we came to our planned France Passion site near the village of Champigny. They have 18 hectares (about 45 acres) of vines. The lady spoke good English and told us they often visited the Wine Society in Stevenage. She suggested we visit the Abbaye de Fontevraud just a few kilometers away.
The abbey was really interesting. It started in 1101 but Napoleon's lot kicked the nuns out in 1792 and in 1804 it became a prison. The prison had an interesting form of punishment. The prisoner was made to walk 25 kilometers a day in clogs. He could stop every two hours for 15 minutes, sitting on top of a concrete post. For 5 days he would be fed bread and water, but on day six he would have a normal meal. This would continue for 50 days. This form of punishment was officially stopped in 1947 !
One of the highlights of the abbey was to see the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor de Aquitaine and Robin Hood’s best mate, Richard the Lionheart.
Then back to the France Passion site for a well earned dram. So we had a busy day after all.
Robin Hood’s best mate
Plan A: visit Angers by bus. We abandoned that idea when we found the next bus came in three hours.
Plan B: take Bessy to Angers. We did but we could not stop because all the car parks were full. We went down a small street and our way was blocked by a badly parked car and had to reverse 100 meters and then do a 16-point turn to escape.
Plan C: Go to a certain France Passion site. We went the wrong way and had to turn around and drive to the intended one, one hour away.
But all was not lost because we had clear blue skies at last. The wind was cold but we had a lovely drive through the small villages.
Many shops in small villages appeared to be closed so we did a bit of shopping in another Super U supermarket at Thouarce. Then we stopped in another village in the church car park overlooking an old chateau and the chunky church. Hundreds of pigeons were flying around the church tower.
Finally we found a beautiful chateau at Brissac-Quince. Closed. But soon we came to our planned France Passion site near the village of Champigny. They have 18 hectares (about 45 acres) of vines. The lady spoke good English and told us they often visited the Wine Society in Stevenage. She suggested we visit the Abbaye de Fontevraud just a few kilometers away.
The abbey was really interesting. It started in 1101 but Napoleon's lot kicked the nuns out in 1792 and in 1804 it became a prison. The prison had an interesting form of punishment. The prisoner was made to walk 25 kilometers a day in clogs. He could stop every two hours for 15 minutes, sitting on top of a concrete post. For 5 days he would be fed bread and water, but on day six he would have a normal meal. This would continue for 50 days. This form of punishment was officially stopped in 1947 !
One of the highlights of the abbey was to see the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor de Aquitaine and Robin Hood’s best mate, Richard the Lionheart.
Then back to the France Passion site for a well earned dram. So we had a busy day after all.
Chateau Breze.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Closed for the future
First job, to find a chateau that is open. Luckily just down the road at Breze. The chateau was a very grand building surrounded by a moat and in lovely grounds. We paid our €11 each and went in. First stop was the underground passages where people had lived at one time, then up to ground level to the staircase and into a bedroom. Just along the corridor was a grand hall with portraits and then back downstairs to the ticket office. Quite honestly it was a bit short of value for money.
However we walked around the grounds and used their toilets to get our money’s worth. The most interesting building was near the car park. Made of stone it was a gigantic pigeon loft with hundreds of pigeon holes.
From Breze we headed south towards Poitiers, stopping on the way at a well appointed cafe which had a motorhome dump. We were able to dump everything and fill up everything... for free.
We turned left at Neuville de Poitou to visit a site we’ve seen on leaflets; Futuroscope. The whole town is full of futuristic buildings and the theme park also. We were the only vehicle in site until another Brit motorhome turned up. We went with these lovely people to the entrance to find that in November the place is closed during weekdays. But we had a good chat and found the wife came from Bingley. Sadly Ian has forgotten their names. Apologies if you read this.
As it was getting near evening we found our intended France Passion site first time. A vineyard with 20 hectares of vines. In the evening we had a pleasant hour meeting the young husband and wife who make excellent wines. A lovely place to visit.
Closed for the future
First job, to find a chateau that is open. Luckily just down the road at Breze. The chateau was a very grand building surrounded by a moat and in lovely grounds. We paid our €11 each and went in. First stop was the underground passages where people had lived at one time, then up to ground level to the staircase and into a bedroom. Just along the corridor was a grand hall with portraits and then back downstairs to the ticket office. Quite honestly it was a bit short of value for money.
However we walked around the grounds and used their toilets to get our money’s worth. The most interesting building was near the car park. Made of stone it was a gigantic pigeon loft with hundreds of pigeon holes.
From Breze we headed south towards Poitiers, stopping on the way at a well appointed cafe which had a motorhome dump. We were able to dump everything and fill up everything... for free.
We turned left at Neuville de Poitou to visit a site we’ve seen on leaflets; Futuroscope. The whole town is full of futuristic buildings and the theme park also. We were the only vehicle in site until another Brit motorhome turned up. We went with these lovely people to the entrance to find that in November the place is closed during weekdays. But we had a good chat and found the wife came from Bingley. Sadly Ian has forgotten their names. Apologies if you read this.
As it was getting near evening we found our intended France Passion site first time. A vineyard with 20 hectares of vines. In the evening we had a pleasant hour meeting the young husband and wife who make excellent wines. A lovely place to visit.
Thursday 28 November 2013
Beanz Meanz...
It was very cold this morning with frost on everything. Zero degrees outside and three degrees inside. Thank goodness for gas. We have to go south. But first we have to find a place to store our collection of wine bottles; Bessy doesn’t have a wine cellar.
After that we drove most of the day with stop for lunch in a lay-by.
Around 14-00 we stopped at an Intermarche supermarket in Le Roche-Chalais. It was very well stocked and even had familiar food such as Heinz Beans and Cheddar Cheese. We bought a large duck breast, but will probably not cook it as well as Meg. We miss you Meg.
The last 500 meters was fun because the GPS took us to the wrong vineyard near St Emilion. The kind lady pointed out the correct one. The area is amazing with chateaus dotted around in a sea of vineyards. At 1800 we went for a tasting in the house. Very nice wine indeed so we bought yet another bottle.
At one of the France Passion sites we were given some wines that had “an interesting complex flavour”. We think this means, “not very good”.
Beanz Meanz...
It was very cold this morning with frost on everything. Zero degrees outside and three degrees inside. Thank goodness for gas. We have to go south. But first we have to find a place to store our collection of wine bottles; Bessy doesn’t have a wine cellar.
After that we drove most of the day with stop for lunch in a lay-by.
Around 14-00 we stopped at an Intermarche supermarket in Le Roche-Chalais. It was very well stocked and even had familiar food such as Heinz Beans and Cheddar Cheese. We bought a large duck breast, but will probably not cook it as well as Meg. We miss you Meg.
The last 500 meters was fun because the GPS took us to the wrong vineyard near St Emilion. The kind lady pointed out the correct one. The area is amazing with chateaus dotted around in a sea of vineyards. At 1800 we went for a tasting in the house. Very nice wine indeed so we bought yet another bottle.
At one of the France Passion sites we were given some wines that had “an interesting complex flavour”. We think this means, “not very good”.
Chateau Cransac at Fronton.
Friday 29 November 2013
Bergerac
Today we bit off more than we could chew. First of all we had a walk around the village of St Emilion. It is delightful with an excellent Tourist Information office. The narrow winding streets are full of shops selling St Emilion wine of course. This is not surprising as there are 860 wine growers in the 5,400 hectares of vines. That’s 13,344 acres in real money.
Then we started the long journey south. This was the bit that we could not chew as we hadn’t realized how long it would take to our planned stop.
First stop was to look at a Roman Villa, but at a glance we could see that we’ve seen better so we dashed off to Bergerac. So why Bergerac? Simply because Judit has a thing about the famous Jersey detective.
On with the trek. The plan was to find an Aire near Toulouse at Montauban. Sadly it’s not there or it’s very well hidden. But it was dark by now and difficult to see what was going on. We stopped in a Sports Centre car park and worked out where there was a France Passion site. Top of the list was a chateau near Fronton because they spoke English.
The coordinates took us to a house in some woods so we parked on the road and walked in. The residents were absolutely charming and helped us to find the real place. We’d gone wrong again. They telephoned the chateau man and he waited for us near the entrance and kindly guided us in and gave us a bottle of rose. What a nice man. We were glad to stop as it was 19-30. A wee dram was called for.
Bergerac
Today we bit off more than we could chew. First of all we had a walk around the village of St Emilion. It is delightful with an excellent Tourist Information office. The narrow winding streets are full of shops selling St Emilion wine of course. This is not surprising as there are 860 wine growers in the 5,400 hectares of vines. That’s 13,344 acres in real money.
Then we started the long journey south. This was the bit that we could not chew as we hadn’t realized how long it would take to our planned stop.
First stop was to look at a Roman Villa, but at a glance we could see that we’ve seen better so we dashed off to Bergerac. So why Bergerac? Simply because Judit has a thing about the famous Jersey detective.
On with the trek. The plan was to find an Aire near Toulouse at Montauban. Sadly it’s not there or it’s very well hidden. But it was dark by now and difficult to see what was going on. We stopped in a Sports Centre car park and worked out where there was a France Passion site. Top of the list was a chateau near Fronton because they spoke English.
The coordinates took us to a house in some woods so we parked on the road and walked in. The residents were absolutely charming and helped us to find the real place. We’d gone wrong again. They telephoned the chateau man and he waited for us near the entrance and kindly guided us in and gave us a bottle of rose. What a nice man. We were glad to stop as it was 19-30. A wee dram was called for.
Airbus Visitors' Centre.
Saturday 30 November 2013
Happy Birthday to Ian.
Ian even had a couple of birthday cards and a present from Judit of a small mortar and pestle for grinding Indian spices. That will keep him happy for years to come.
We took the winding roads to Toulouse Airport and amazingly found the Airbus Visitors’ Centre with no problem at all. Even more amazing was the fact that a tour was about to start and we could go on it.
The tour was very interesting and lasted around 90 minutes.
That kept Ian happy, so we skipped the Space Centre to save Judit from technology overload. Our new plan was an Aire in Tarbes. The first one we found was just a dumping area so we had to twist our way through the town at rush hour to find the other one. It was a private place behind a car mechanic’s buildings but there is water, electricity and a dump for €10 a night. Apparently the Police patrol regularly.
Happy Birthday to Ian.
Ian even had a couple of birthday cards and a present from Judit of a small mortar and pestle for grinding Indian spices. That will keep him happy for years to come.
We took the winding roads to Toulouse Airport and amazingly found the Airbus Visitors’ Centre with no problem at all. Even more amazing was the fact that a tour was about to start and we could go on it.
The tour was very interesting and lasted around 90 minutes.
That kept Ian happy, so we skipped the Space Centre to save Judit from technology overload. Our new plan was an Aire in Tarbes. The first one we found was just a dumping area so we had to twist our way through the town at rush hour to find the other one. It was a private place behind a car mechanic’s buildings but there is water, electricity and a dump for €10 a night. Apparently the Police patrol regularly.
Ian at the famous grotto in Lourdes.
Sunday 1 December 2013
Holy
Another cold night but we soon warmed up emptying and filling. Our first stop was Lourdes as it was only about 20 km away. As a non-religious person it is hard to grasp how the place has developed after a 14 year old girl said she had seen the Virgin Mary 19 times in the 1840s. Lourdes is a bustling town and around the main attraction are shops selling all kinds of “religious” tat from small perfume bottle to hold water to Christmas baubles with Lourdes written on the side.
Around the actual grotto are stalls selling candles. At the entrance to the actual grotto was a display of lit candles and a workman was busy extinguishing them. Maybe they can be melted down and used again.
Interestingly the actual spring was surrounded by toughened glass but it had been smashed as if someone really needed the water.
You can even order, on the internet, a candle to be lit for you.
Above the grotto is a magnificent church built after the sighting. The organ sounded beautiful as we entered but sadly finished a few minutes later. We entered the crypt where more people were engaged in prayer to a statue of the Virgin Mary. Doesn’t the Bible say we should not worship craven images?
Also under the church is a small chapel with a casket holding “some of the remains of Bernadette’s body”.
We moved on. Our journey to Biarritz went through some beautiful countryside along the northern edge of the Pyrenees. We squeezed our way through some quiet little villages and wove our way around countless roundabouts.
Our resting place was at an Aire south of Biarritz. It was partly filled with what appeared to be gypsies but they were friendly enough.
France has some lovely countryside. The people have been very kind and friendly. Many tried there very best to speak English when they realized our grasp of French was limited. The shop sells wonderful food at reasonable prices. For example a croissant costs about 20p, where in the UK it would cost £1. Supermarkets have a fantastic range of produce beautifully presented and all was very fresh.
The good thing is that France seems to have eliminated most of the “priority from the right” junctions and got rid of the stupid yellow headlamps. Nor do they demand that you drive with lamps illuminated all the time. That is left to the “Mickey Mouse” governments of Europe.
On the down side, the traffic management is not very good. There are so many signs it is almost impossible to read what you need when approaching a junction. Roundabouts by the million. Many seem totally unnecessary. They must waste an enormous amount of fuel. Shops and filling stations seem to be closed on Sunday. We were lucky one day and found one open in a city or we would have been grounded for a day. Also, away from towns filling stations seemed as rare as hen’s teeth.
But we’ve enjoyed it and will return.
Next stop, Spain.
Holy
Another cold night but we soon warmed up emptying and filling. Our first stop was Lourdes as it was only about 20 km away. As a non-religious person it is hard to grasp how the place has developed after a 14 year old girl said she had seen the Virgin Mary 19 times in the 1840s. Lourdes is a bustling town and around the main attraction are shops selling all kinds of “religious” tat from small perfume bottle to hold water to Christmas baubles with Lourdes written on the side.
Around the actual grotto are stalls selling candles. At the entrance to the actual grotto was a display of lit candles and a workman was busy extinguishing them. Maybe they can be melted down and used again.
Interestingly the actual spring was surrounded by toughened glass but it had been smashed as if someone really needed the water.
You can even order, on the internet, a candle to be lit for you.
Above the grotto is a magnificent church built after the sighting. The organ sounded beautiful as we entered but sadly finished a few minutes later. We entered the crypt where more people were engaged in prayer to a statue of the Virgin Mary. Doesn’t the Bible say we should not worship craven images?
Also under the church is a small chapel with a casket holding “some of the remains of Bernadette’s body”.
We moved on. Our journey to Biarritz went through some beautiful countryside along the northern edge of the Pyrenees. We squeezed our way through some quiet little villages and wove our way around countless roundabouts.
Our resting place was at an Aire south of Biarritz. It was partly filled with what appeared to be gypsies but they were friendly enough.
France has some lovely countryside. The people have been very kind and friendly. Many tried there very best to speak English when they realized our grasp of French was limited. The shop sells wonderful food at reasonable prices. For example a croissant costs about 20p, where in the UK it would cost £1. Supermarkets have a fantastic range of produce beautifully presented and all was very fresh.
The good thing is that France seems to have eliminated most of the “priority from the right” junctions and got rid of the stupid yellow headlamps. Nor do they demand that you drive with lamps illuminated all the time. That is left to the “Mickey Mouse” governments of Europe.
On the down side, the traffic management is not very good. There are so many signs it is almost impossible to read what you need when approaching a junction. Roundabouts by the million. Many seem totally unnecessary. They must waste an enormous amount of fuel. Shops and filling stations seem to be closed on Sunday. We were lucky one day and found one open in a city or we would have been grounded for a day. Also, away from towns filling stations seemed as rare as hen’s teeth.
But we’ve enjoyed it and will return.
Next stop, Spain.
