Yes, here we are in the south of Spain where winter temperatures average in the mid 20's... Unfortunately, while the weather is milder than at home, we are stuck with torrential rain. Yikes! Thankfully we are prepared for most eventualities so are getting through it ok. We rolled out the awning on the side of the van which keeps the ground dry outside and so less cleaning of floors is required. It also means that we can keep the door open which makes the place feel a lot bigger. Pretty essential when you are stuck inside.
So, we had an uneventful drive from Oliva down to Torrevieja on the coast. Had an overnighter, then moved on past Cartagena across the hills to Almeria. This place is a sight to behold. The entire landscape is covered in plastic. Without exaggeration, every place that has earth has been cocooned in swathes of white plastic. Even the hillsides have been terraced to allow the construction of these monstrous greenhouses. The price of having year-round salads I guess. Not pretty...will post a pic to let you see.
We moved on again towards Malaga. My lovely friend June offered us the use of her apartment for Christmas, unfortunately it was on a pretty steep hill and we couldn't drag the 5 tonne beast up there without the possibility of blowing up the engine or gearbox! Not to worry...ever onwards, this time to Marbella. Thankfully quiet compared to what it is probably like in high summer! The campsite is lovely, very peaceful, close to a small beach and with the most terrific showers! It is amazing what becomes important to you when you motorhome.
We have found Spain to be a real mix. Can't say that it has been the most enjoyable part of the trip, although to be fair we haven't had many opportunities to explore, as we have been moving south to get the best weather. It is very set up for tourists. There are extremes like Benidorm, which we drove past, where there are the most enormous skyscrapers, and there is still building work going on. There are the smaller places on the south coast that have a mix of tourism and farming, but they feel quite run down. Maybe because it is off-season. There are stray dogs everywhere, mostly pretty malnourished, and yet the pet shops have windows full of puppies. Not quite sure what to make of the place to be honest.
Anyway, we have Euan's birthday tomorrow and then Christmas, so lots to do. Hope you are all making the most of the snow. Typical, first white Christmas for years and we miss it!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Still in Spain...
Have come a little farther down the coast and are now in a place called Peniscola (raised a few laughs when i told the boys where we were going..that and the garden centre...penis green, yes really, not making that up!) We had a very difficult drive here. We had really bad side winds as we went past the mountains (which were all snow capped) and then when we got to Peniscola we went to the Carrefour supermarket and stocked up on supplies. Once again there was an interesting array of dead things on display. Notably the little piglets (half a dozen or so) sitting on top of one another (literally piggy back!!) I took a pic on my mobile, but Joshua was less than impressed.
We have a new vegetarian in our midst. Joshua has managed to avoid anything meat based since then. Not sure if I will be able to persuade him to try my stuffed aubergine recipe!
We had great fun at camp. They had a collection of very tame parrots which loved to be stroked and talked to and squawked at you when you stopped. We got the tennis rackets out and had a few games of fairly informal ball hitting and running around after them...wimbledon...no, not really. Good fun though. Apparently the weather is unseasonably cold.
Moved on again to Oliva, another 200km down the coast. The camp site signs run out as you get closer which makes finding them pretty difficult. It was cold and raining when we arrived and there was sand all over the coast road.
It turns out that there was a monster wave which removed half the beach and deposited it on the road. The sun came out today...really warm, us all in shorts, fabulous (well the warm rather than the shorts). So, we went scavenging on the beach and found the most amazing shells. Murex (i think) with long points on the shells, cone shells, urchins, starfish, coconuts and even an octopus. There were sea cucumbers and these huge long worms (which may have been the contents of destroyed razor shells). I tried to put as many of the still living shellfish back in the water to give them a chance, but there were too many to make that much difference...the guilt, the guilt! I even have a sponge which I am attempting to clean so that I can use it. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them. I have washed it over and over and removed as much debris and dead prawns as I can...nice...
So, we are heading south again tomorrow towards Almeria, probably around Cabo de Gata, which is where all the lovely beaches are and not too touristy. Hopefully we will have better weather from now on.
Hope you are all still enjoying the blog and hearing our news. Just in case I'm not on the internet again for a while, hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and New Year.
We have a new vegetarian in our midst. Joshua has managed to avoid anything meat based since then. Not sure if I will be able to persuade him to try my stuffed aubergine recipe!
We had great fun at camp. They had a collection of very tame parrots which loved to be stroked and talked to and squawked at you when you stopped. We got the tennis rackets out and had a few games of fairly informal ball hitting and running around after them...wimbledon...no, not really. Good fun though. Apparently the weather is unseasonably cold.
Moved on again to Oliva, another 200km down the coast. The camp site signs run out as you get closer which makes finding them pretty difficult. It was cold and raining when we arrived and there was sand all over the coast road.
It turns out that there was a monster wave which removed half the beach and deposited it on the road. The sun came out today...really warm, us all in shorts, fabulous (well the warm rather than the shorts). So, we went scavenging on the beach and found the most amazing shells. Murex (i think) with long points on the shells, cone shells, urchins, starfish, coconuts and even an octopus. There were sea cucumbers and these huge long worms (which may have been the contents of destroyed razor shells). I tried to put as many of the still living shellfish back in the water to give them a chance, but there were too many to make that much difference...the guilt, the guilt! I even have a sponge which I am attempting to clean so that I can use it. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them. I have washed it over and over and removed as much debris and dead prawns as I can...nice...
So, we are heading south again tomorrow towards Almeria, probably around Cabo de Gata, which is where all the lovely beaches are and not too touristy. Hopefully we will have better weather from now on.
Hope you are all still enjoying the blog and hearing our news. Just in case I'm not on the internet again for a while, hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and New Year.
Monday, 14 December 2009
Spain
Hello again. We did another motoring marathon and are now in Spain. And its raining??!! Can you believe it?!
We drove on the Sunday to avoid the worst of the traffic. Passed Barcelona and on to Villanova i la Geltru on the coast. Had wanted to see Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, but to be honest, cannot be faffed with the whole mad city nonsense. We met Caroline and Jan in Lucca and they told us about losing all their money and passports in Barcelona. You do want to do the whole tourist thing with the sites, but personally I don't want the stress!
We are at a really big campsite with swimming pools, shop, fitness centre, restaurant, bar & wi-fi...am currently sitting with a blue cap on, the boys have returned from the reception...apparently you have to wear them in the pool. Euan thinks they look like pants! So, going to go swimming now with my head pants on...bye!
We drove on the Sunday to avoid the worst of the traffic. Passed Barcelona and on to Villanova i la Geltru on the coast. Had wanted to see Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, but to be honest, cannot be faffed with the whole mad city nonsense. We met Caroline and Jan in Lucca and they told us about losing all their money and passports in Barcelona. You do want to do the whole tourist thing with the sites, but personally I don't want the stress!
We are at a really big campsite with swimming pools, shop, fitness centre, restaurant, bar & wi-fi...am currently sitting with a blue cap on, the boys have returned from the reception...apparently you have to wear them in the pool. Euan thinks they look like pants! So, going to go swimming now with my head pants on...bye!
Happy Birthday Joshua
Sigean
We went south of Narbonne to Sigean where there is a rather nice campsite beside the animal park. Joshua had his 12th birthday, some presents and party food (not a pig's head in sight). Lots of cake eating and general jollity.
The sun shone, we got our washing done and the van cleaned...just like being at home...apart from the sunshine!
We met Jonathan Massie, sounds like he's from Aberdeen, but actually from London. He had been cycling around Spain for a few weeks and was heading for home. We spent a rather cheerful evening eating pasta, drinking wine and swapping stories. Hi Jonathan, hope you got back ok!
We went south of Narbonne to Sigean where there is a rather nice campsite beside the animal park. Joshua had his 12th birthday, some presents and party food (not a pig's head in sight). Lots of cake eating and general jollity.
The sun shone, we got our washing done and the van cleaned...just like being at home...apart from the sunshine!
We met Jonathan Massie, sounds like he's from Aberdeen, but actually from London. He had been cycling around Spain for a few weeks and was heading for home. We spent a rather cheerful evening eating pasta, drinking wine and swapping stories. Hi Jonathan, hope you got back ok!
Aigues-Mortes & Narbonne Plage
Another day, another aire...this time in Aigues-mortes (dead waters I believe). What an incredible place. The fortification was built in the 13th century when the water was a lot further inland. It was a way of protecting trade and levying taxes on whatever was shipped. The church in the town was built at the same time, but the houses are much more recent. When you climb to the top of the walls you get the most amazing view of the salt works and the mountains of grey and white in the distance.
When we left we went to the local intermarche to stock up on supplies. It was a bit of an experience for the boys, especially the meat aisle. All the ducks still had their heads and feet on, there were pigs heads and feet, huge boxes of livers (for pate I presume), horsemeat and tripe. All very honest unlike our selling of dead things!
The selection of fish and shellfish is incredible. They have displays about the size of a double bed, the edges of which are iced up to form sides, and the middle is filled with prawns or oysters! The last place had a whole tuna ready and a selection of tails for sale. The other amazing thing is the range of vegetables for sale. There are five or six different types of lettuce. You can buy hazlenuts by the sack full (locally produced, as are the walnuts). And the tomatoes are delicious. I can see why people go on food tours of the different regions.
Getting hungry thinking about all the food on offer...
We headed south towards Narbonne and went over the Mont de Clape ( a rather interesting hill made up of a series of plateau covered in trees and vinyards). We ended up in an aire at Narbonne Plage. the boys loved this one. The beach was just 20yards away and they spent the afternoon getting soaked running through the waves. Had a mishap later when Joshua fell out of a tree flat on his back. Thankfully no injuries other than being winded, so he had a quiet night recovering!
When we left we went to the local intermarche to stock up on supplies. It was a bit of an experience for the boys, especially the meat aisle. All the ducks still had their heads and feet on, there were pigs heads and feet, huge boxes of livers (for pate I presume), horsemeat and tripe. All very honest unlike our selling of dead things!
The selection of fish and shellfish is incredible. They have displays about the size of a double bed, the edges of which are iced up to form sides, and the middle is filled with prawns or oysters! The last place had a whole tuna ready and a selection of tails for sale. The other amazing thing is the range of vegetables for sale. There are five or six different types of lettuce. You can buy hazlenuts by the sack full (locally produced, as are the walnuts). And the tomatoes are delicious. I can see why people go on food tours of the different regions.
Getting hungry thinking about all the food on offer...
We headed south towards Narbonne and went over the Mont de Clape ( a rather interesting hill made up of a series of plateau covered in trees and vinyards). We ended up in an aire at Narbonne Plage. the boys loved this one. The beach was just 20yards away and they spent the afternoon getting soaked running through the waves. Had a mishap later when Joshua fell out of a tree flat on his back. Thankfully no injuries other than being winded, so he had a quiet night recovering!
The Camargue
Moving on...
We had a great couple of days in Diano Marino before we left. There was a long weekend, so all the people of Turin and Milan descended on the site. I am convinced that most italians own motorhomes and all the men have lycra shorts and shiny bikes!
The site came to life and we had stalls selling hot food, local cheeses and other smelly stuff. Bought a big lump of mouldy cheese which is delicious if a little malodorous, fridge not smelling too healthy.
Anyhoo, left on the Sunday and did a long drive to get beyond the tourist traps and Marseille. We ended up in the Camargue at a small place called Saintes-Mairies-de-la-mer. There was an aire as you drove in to the town which charged the princely sum of 8.5euros a night. It was full of vans and quite lively. Went for a wander and there was a market in the square. Decided to have a better explore in the morning. The market had expanded and I bought loads of fruit and veg. We also got pate, chicken and some chinese food from the stalls. Had a wander on the beach and collected some more treasure for the box...lots of wonderful shells, scallops, spiny clams, pelican's foot (my favourite), carpet shells, venus shells...we could be here some time!
On another wander we found a man with a herd of goats and sheep, all with their tinkly little bells on. What a wonderful sound, redolent of earlier times, yet being surrounded by modern things. The real highlight for me were the flocks of flamingoes (not sure if they were lesser or greater...all pretty great to me!) We also saw the horses and bulls that the area is famous for.
We had a great couple of days in Diano Marino before we left. There was a long weekend, so all the people of Turin and Milan descended on the site. I am convinced that most italians own motorhomes and all the men have lycra shorts and shiny bikes!
The site came to life and we had stalls selling hot food, local cheeses and other smelly stuff. Bought a big lump of mouldy cheese which is delicious if a little malodorous, fridge not smelling too healthy.
Anyhoo, left on the Sunday and did a long drive to get beyond the tourist traps and Marseille. We ended up in the Camargue at a small place called Saintes-Mairies-de-la-mer. There was an aire as you drove in to the town which charged the princely sum of 8.5euros a night. It was full of vans and quite lively. Went for a wander and there was a market in the square. Decided to have a better explore in the morning. The market had expanded and I bought loads of fruit and veg. We also got pate, chicken and some chinese food from the stalls. Had a wander on the beach and collected some more treasure for the box...lots of wonderful shells, scallops, spiny clams, pelican's foot (my favourite), carpet shells, venus shells...we could be here some time!
On another wander we found a man with a herd of goats and sheep, all with their tinkly little bells on. What a wonderful sound, redolent of earlier times, yet being surrounded by modern things. The real highlight for me were the flocks of flamingoes (not sure if they were lesser or greater...all pretty great to me!) We also saw the horses and bulls that the area is famous for.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
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Monaco...
Well hello again people. We had a lovely day in Monaco, the sun shone and Bill found his Christmas present, not that I can afford it...
The boys (Joshua & Bill) got very excited about the F1 track, so we went to Rascasse, the Tunnel (see pic), and had a tour around the harbour just to drool over the yachts. Wow!
Euan got mugged by a seagull, obviously well practised in the art of snatch and grab. Thankfully I had split the boat sized baguette in to pieces, so there was enough for us and the gull! We saw the changing of the guard at the palace on top of the hill, which, despite looking faintly ridiculous managed to look threatening enough with the bayonets and loaded guns...
Then on to the Musee Oceanographique to look at fabulous fish and coral reefs. It was great...there was even a turtle (green, I think). See the pics, I don't think I can do it justice.
The boys (Joshua & Bill) got very excited about the F1 track, so we went to Rascasse, the Tunnel (see pic), and had a tour around the harbour just to drool over the yachts. Wow!
Euan got mugged by a seagull, obviously well practised in the art of snatch and grab. Thankfully I had split the boat sized baguette in to pieces, so there was enough for us and the gull! We saw the changing of the guard at the palace on top of the hill, which, despite looking faintly ridiculous managed to look threatening enough with the bayonets and loaded guns...
Then on to the Musee Oceanographique to look at fabulous fish and coral reefs. It was great...there was even a turtle (green, I think). See the pics, I don't think I can do it justice.
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Saturday, 28 November 2009
Come on you lazy lot...!
About time I was hearing comments from more than just my mum (love the posts mum, don't stop!)
Hope you are still enjoying the info, but please you can pass on good places to visit or anything else that takes your fancy, am a bit partial to funny jokes, don't be shy...I aint the only chatty person in the room surely?!
Hope you are still enjoying the info, but please you can pass on good places to visit or anything else that takes your fancy, am a bit partial to funny jokes, don't be shy...I aint the only chatty person in the room surely?!
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Hello again...
This wi-fi access is fab. Have booked another week or so here because the weather is so good. Hard to believe I know. Apparently it is quite unusual to be so warm so late in the year. Anyhoo, off to Monaco on the train next week, will let you know how that went...
Thought I would share a pic from Volterra with you all, it is of the Roman Theatre on the hillside...very steep and quite impressive!
Friday, 20 November 2009
Latest news
Righty ho...we are currently in the north of Italy in a lovely little place called Diano marina. We loved Volterra, north of Siena, and Pisa was amazing, although there wasn't much else there apart from the squinty tower (see pics) and all those men selling tat. We are in a really big camp with lots of lovely friendly people. We have met Anna & Guido from Glasgow and tried to help them with their computer problems...thanks for the campari!
We have managed to catch british tv and have seen the british weather...eek! Glad we arent at home! We have had constant sunshine and the streets here are lined with orange and lemon trees, quite lovely. It really feels like we are properly away...strange but true!
We are thinking of staying put as long as the weather stays fine and making a trip in to Monaco on the train. Not too keen on staying on or around the Cote D'Azur, but would like a visit.
As for the pics they are of the boys in Verona with their heads out of the front skylight, the venice skyline from the ferry, The Duomo in Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Hope you like!
We have managed to catch british tv and have seen the british weather...eek! Glad we arent at home! We have had constant sunshine and the streets here are lined with orange and lemon trees, quite lovely. It really feels like we are properly away...strange but true!
We are thinking of staying put as long as the weather stays fine and making a trip in to Monaco on the train. Not too keen on staying on or around the Cote D'Azur, but would like a visit.
As for the pics they are of the boys in Verona with their heads out of the front skylight, the venice skyline from the ferry, The Duomo in Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Hope you like!
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Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Beautiful Volterra
How things change. We came from Siena up through the most winding and narrow roads to the hilltop village of Volterra. Our whole take on Italy has been altered in a good way. This is a little more like what we expected and wanted. Vibrant little village perched on the hilltop, full of friendly people, great shops and reastaurants serving local food. To top it all there is a roman theatre in the hillside which is amazingly complete given its age. The sun is shining we have a great parking space on the hillside and our little jaunts to the town show us something different every time...and there is an internet cafe, so I can keep you all up to date...hooray.
The boys were impressed with the pool full of fish that they found at the side of the (many) steps up to the village. The toy shop hit the mark too...birthday and christmas shopping started!
Joshua and Euan love the three wheeled vans and old fiat 500's that there are lots of.
The boys were impressed with the pool full of fish that they found at the side of the (many) steps up to the village. The toy shop hit the mark too...birthday and christmas shopping started!
Joshua and Euan love the three wheeled vans and old fiat 500's that there are lots of.
Venice to Tuscany
After Venice we decided to pack in some more culture...
We were struggling to find campsites, but have managed to do some wild camping (not as wild as it sounds, mostly car parks with facilities for motorhomes). We travelled down the coast to Cesenatico, apparently famous for its fish? The countryside around here is a real mix. Imagine ancient looking fishing nets suspended on poles over quiet waterways...next to bloody great factories belcing steam and smoke, power stations etc. A real mix.
Travelled inland to Bologna, but couldn't get stopped, so moved on to Florence. Again an amazing place and the Duomo was a sight to behold. This is the city of the Medici and pretty rich in its time compared to some other places. Imagine wandering narrow streets (with beggars) and coming upon Piazzas with huge marble covered facades...surrounded by so many stalls selling tourist tat that you can hardly get close to the buildings. Then there are the unlicensed hawkers that pursue you through the streets if you catch their eye. Lots of walking around looking at your shoes!
Not entirely what I expected. We enjoyed the sights the Medici Palace, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and Ufizzi, and had a great lunch in a trattoria, but were glad to leave. Had a long chat about what to do next and have decided that Rome isn't really what we want to do at the moment, so are heading north to something a little more sane?!
We were struggling to find campsites, but have managed to do some wild camping (not as wild as it sounds, mostly car parks with facilities for motorhomes). We travelled down the coast to Cesenatico, apparently famous for its fish? The countryside around here is a real mix. Imagine ancient looking fishing nets suspended on poles over quiet waterways...next to bloody great factories belcing steam and smoke, power stations etc. A real mix.
Travelled inland to Bologna, but couldn't get stopped, so moved on to Florence. Again an amazing place and the Duomo was a sight to behold. This is the city of the Medici and pretty rich in its time compared to some other places. Imagine wandering narrow streets (with beggars) and coming upon Piazzas with huge marble covered facades...surrounded by so many stalls selling tourist tat that you can hardly get close to the buildings. Then there are the unlicensed hawkers that pursue you through the streets if you catch their eye. Lots of walking around looking at your shoes!
Not entirely what I expected. We enjoyed the sights the Medici Palace, the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and Ufizzi, and had a great lunch in a trattoria, but were glad to leave. Had a long chat about what to do next and have decided that Rome isn't really what we want to do at the moment, so are heading north to something a little more sane?!
More of Italy
After Verona we travelled east towards Venice. We stopped at an Ikea on the way for lunch and guess what...they serve Italian food instead of the usual meatballs! The coffee was better than usual too!
Anyhoo, we camped directly opposite Venice at the end of a strip of land in the lagoon, past the town of Jesolo. We walked the 800m to the ferry terminal and caught the vaporetto (water taxi) to Venice. It was amazing. Despite never having seen Venice I recognised the skyline immediately.
We got off just to the side of Piazza ST Marco and walked to it...the whole place was exceptionally beautiful and under a foot of water! Despite being the off-peak season for toursits it was still busy and felt even worse because we were all herded on to raised walkways to keep out of the water. Did I mention that it was freezing cold and rainy!
The other strange experience was the beggars. I assume they are Romany, but they prostrate themselves on the ground holding out plastic cups and occassionally groaning and rocking. Very strange.
We then took the ferry to Murano, which looks like a run-down version of Venice. The whole place looks ready to fall in to the water. However, the shops full of glass were amazing. Everything from statues made entirely of glass (huge) down to little sweeties in their wrappers!
Anyhoo, we camped directly opposite Venice at the end of a strip of land in the lagoon, past the town of Jesolo. We walked the 800m to the ferry terminal and caught the vaporetto (water taxi) to Venice. It was amazing. Despite never having seen Venice I recognised the skyline immediately.
We got off just to the side of Piazza ST Marco and walked to it...the whole place was exceptionally beautiful and under a foot of water! Despite being the off-peak season for toursits it was still busy and felt even worse because we were all herded on to raised walkways to keep out of the water. Did I mention that it was freezing cold and rainy!
The other strange experience was the beggars. I assume they are Romany, but they prostrate themselves on the ground holding out plastic cups and occassionally groaning and rocking. Very strange.
We then took the ferry to Murano, which looks like a run-down version of Venice. The whole place looks ready to fall in to the water. However, the shops full of glass were amazing. Everything from statues made entirely of glass (huge) down to little sweeties in their wrappers!
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Italy
After our departure from Austria, we headed in to Italy. Through the Brenner Pass which was not as spectacular as I was expecting, but there you are! We camped north of Bolzano just over the border and in all honesty you would not know that you had left Austria. The lady in the campsite didnt speak Italian when she addressed us. We moved through the Dolomites...Wow, on to Revereto for an overnighter. Quite warm and sunny. Then we headed for Verona.
I would just like to pint out that I have lots of pics to post on the blog, but every time I try to upload them I get lots of numbers and no photo??!!
I was bowled over by Verona. Quite beautiful. The Castelvecchio was amazing. Built of brick and quite ornate. The Roman Arena still in the centre of town, and of course place of Romeo & Juliet. We went to the balcony and the passageway is covered in graffiti and post-its declaring love and devotion presumably. Quite sweet.
The ice cream was good too!
Our stellplatz was great, right in town and nice and quiet.
I would just like to pint out that I have lots of pics to post on the blog, but every time I try to upload them I get lots of numbers and no photo??!!
I was bowled over by Verona. Quite beautiful. The Castelvecchio was amazing. Built of brick and quite ornate. The Roman Arena still in the centre of town, and of course place of Romeo & Juliet. We went to the balcony and the passageway is covered in graffiti and post-its declaring love and devotion presumably. Quite sweet.
The ice cream was good too!
Our stellplatz was great, right in town and nice and quiet.
Germany again
We stopped in germany again, this time to Berchtesgaden which was spectacular. Apparently it was a favourite with Hitler and his cronies and the "Eagle's nest" was there. The other things that happened in the hills were the mining of salt and the making of beer, each essential in there own way! The rivers are an incredible blue green colour, which I assume is from the dissolved salts in the water. The scenery was quite spectacular. Snow on the mountains and the trees changing colour.
Austria
After Regensburg we headed on to Austria. Beautiful scenery, but generally disappointing. Apparently the Germans say that there is no such thing as a poor Austrian, and that sums up our visit there. Our best experiences were staying on a working farm where the boys were allowed in to the milking parlour, where they played with the farm cats and dog. They liked touching the cows too! Very brave. Being boys they loved Hangar 7 at the airport where the Red Bull owner has his collection of motors. Everything from jet packs to F1 cars. There was even a display of artwork.
More of Germany
Hello again. More information about our travels so far. After Stadtseinach we went to Bamberg, but were foiled in our attempts to get in to the city. Some of the older places are not as well set up for access with big motorhomes. We passed Nuremberg by and headed to the more picturesque Regensburg. We found a stellplatz at a spa in Bad Abbach just outside the City. Imagine a big car park with lots of motorhomes in it surrounded by trees on top of a hill.
Regensburg was beautiful. There were Roman relics, the Danube, and a really vibrant atmosphere in the town. The spa waas fabulous too. The boys and I had a great morning in the various pools. None of the scandinavian freezing water nonsense...warm as a bath, and full of wrinkly old people...myself not included in that description! No comments, please.
Regensburg was beautiful. There were Roman relics, the Danube, and a really vibrant atmosphere in the town. The spa waas fabulous too. The boys and I had a great morning in the various pools. None of the scandinavian freezing water nonsense...warm as a bath, and full of wrinkly old people...myself not included in that description! No comments, please.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Stadtsteinach & Peter
My next post is a big thank you to the fabulous Peter who not only makes the most amazing food, but provided much needed help in getting us connected to the internet. Not only does he have a wifi hotspot in his restaurant, but he explained the German internet stick, got us registered and even topped up the stick because we couldn't do it with a british phone!
Peter, you are a star...not sure if I should tell that there isnt really any beer in that tankard...yet!
Picture explanation
I thought i had the hang of this blog carry on, but obviously not. I had expected to put in text and pics and for the two to match,but no, that would be too easy. I think the pics and titles are pretty self-explanatory...no confusing the rooftops of Meissen with a Bugatti Veyron!
I have a pic of the Freuenkirche in Dresden in the snow which will be coming up next. As you may know, it was bombed and destroyed in the last days of the war, then left as a memorial for many years before being rebuilt. We visited and while lovely it looked like a religious ice cream parlour! Lots of pastels and fake marble. The altar was quite beautiful however.
I have a pic of the Freuenkirche in Dresden in the snow which will be coming up next. As you may know, it was bombed and destroyed in the last days of the war, then left as a memorial for many years before being rebuilt. We visited and while lovely it looked like a religious ice cream parlour! Lots of pastels and fake marble. The altar was quite beautiful however.
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Friday, 9 October 2009
Germany
I got the dubious pleasure of driving through a city in rush hour...this time Kiel. We couldn´t stop but it looked rather nice. Travelled up the coast to Kalifornien (believe it or not). Fabulous camp by the sea. Took the boys along the strand on our bikes and ate out...imagine forgetting the german dictionary...steak all round! Yum...did I mention all the beer, don´t know how I kept on my bike on the way back?!
We moved on to Lübeck...queen of the hanseatic league (early trading group). What a beautiful place and the slanty holsten towers at the city gates were really impressive. Took lots of pics and ate lots of Neideregger marzipan covered in dark chocolate...Were here for the re-unification celebrations on the 3rd October, lots of fireworks.
Germany has the most amazing series of Stellplatz, parking places for mobile homes, cheap and right in the middle of things.
Next stop Wismar. Again fabulous place down at the harbour. Beautiful town with not much left of its wonderful churches...we managed to bomb most of them out of existence. Shame. People lovely, met a really nice couple in their new wohnmobile!
We are currently in Neustrelitz. Again camping down by the harbour in the most peaceful spot. Off to cycle around the Zierker see at the edge of the Meuritz national park. The area is Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, quite lovely.
Moved on to
I got the dubious pleasure of driving through a city in rush hour...this time Kiel. We couldn´t stop but it looked rather nice. Travelled up the coast to Kalifornien (believe it or not). Fabulous camp by the sea. Took the boys along the strand on our bikes and ate out...imagine forgetting the german dictionary...steak all round! Yum...did I mention all the beer, don´t know how I kept on my bike on the way back?!
We moved on to Lübeck...queen of the hanseatic league (early trading group). What a beautiful place and the slanty holsten towers at the city gates were really impressive. Took lots of pics and ate lots of Neideregger marzipan covered in dark chocolate...Were here for the re-unification celebrations on the 3rd October, lots of fireworks.
Germany has the most amazing series of Stellplatz, parking places for mobile homes, cheap and right in the middle of things.
Next stop Wismar. Again fabulous place down at the harbour. Beautiful town with not much left of its wonderful churches...we managed to bomb most of them out of existence. Shame. People lovely, met a really nice couple in their new wohnmobile!
We are currently in Neustrelitz. Again camping down by the harbour in the most peaceful spot. Off to cycle around the Zierker see at the edge of the Meuritz national park. The area is Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, quite lovely.
Moved on to
Denmark
Apologies again for the delay in updating the trip log...this one will be quick, didn´t enjoy Denmark as much as expected. After the Scandinavian delights of Oslo & Stockholm I was expecting to be thoroughly wowed by Copenhagen. Not so, another dirty city! Bits of it were lovely. The area to the north of the city (can´t remember the name) where there is a fort and gun emplacement and the national gallery is there too was beautiful. I loved the cycle paths and pedestrian access which seems to be more important than anything with more than two wheels. You feel really safe on bikes with the kids...great! Other than that it was dull...sorry!
Moved on to the island of Funen to Odense, again a quick stop, we couldnt afford to stay longer (about €30 a night).
Travelled non stop back to Germany...hooray!
Apologies again for the delay in updating the trip log...this one will be quick, didn´t enjoy Denmark as much as expected. After the Scandinavian delights of Oslo & Stockholm I was expecting to be thoroughly wowed by Copenhagen. Not so, another dirty city! Bits of it were lovely. The area to the north of the city (can´t remember the name) where there is a fort and gun emplacement and the national gallery is there too was beautiful. I loved the cycle paths and pedestrian access which seems to be more important than anything with more than two wheels. You feel really safe on bikes with the kids...great! Other than that it was dull...sorry!
Moved on to the island of Funen to Odense, again a quick stop, we couldnt afford to stay longer (about €30 a night).
Travelled non stop back to Germany...hooray!
Friday, 25 September 2009
Malmö
Had a really hairy drive down to Malmö...so very windy. Are in town today and have visited the old town and are on our way to the science and technology museum where they have a submarine! The weather has resorted to warm and sunny and the town is fabulous. Very scenic, canal, beautiful old buildings, half timbered and art deco stone beauties. Boys have spotted three ferrari´s so far, so they are content! Off to Copenhagen in the next couple of days. Fingers crossed for good weather.
Had a really hairy drive down to Malmö...so very windy. Are in town today and have visited the old town and are on our way to the science and technology museum where they have a submarine! The weather has resorted to warm and sunny and the town is fabulous. Very scenic, canal, beautiful old buildings, half timbered and art deco stone beauties. Boys have spotted three ferrari´s so far, so they are content! Off to Copenhagen in the next couple of days. Fingers crossed for good weather.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Öland (Sweden)
Had a lovely drive down the east coast towards Kalmar, sunshine all the way. Went to have a look at the Kosta Boda glassworks but we were struck by the off season bug...shop shut, sorry mum, no Swedish crystal for your birthday! Headed back to the coast and ended up on the island of Öland. Covered in cute wooden windmills, about 350 of them, apparently there used to be around 2000. Each of the farms had there own to grind their own flour, and they needed to be moved by hand to catch the wind. Our campsite is great. Right on the beach with sauna, wood fired hot tub and swimming pool. Moving on soon, further south towards Copenhagen. Will keep you posted as I can. Happy Birthday Mum on the 25th and Rory on the 28th!
Had a lovely drive down the east coast towards Kalmar, sunshine all the way. Went to have a look at the Kosta Boda glassworks but we were struck by the off season bug...shop shut, sorry mum, no Swedish crystal for your birthday! Headed back to the coast and ended up on the island of Öland. Covered in cute wooden windmills, about 350 of them, apparently there used to be around 2000. Each of the farms had there own to grind their own flour, and they needed to be moved by hand to catch the wind. Our campsite is great. Right on the beach with sauna, wood fired hot tub and swimming pool. Moving on soon, further south towards Copenhagen. Will keep you posted as I can. Happy Birthday Mum on the 25th and Rory on the 28th!
Friday, 18 September 2009
Sweden
Me again, forgot to mention our few days on the border between Norway and Sweden. Stayed in a site beside woodland, with streams and dinky little wooden cottages for rent. Lovely couple owned the site (Sukken Camping) between us we managed to discuss politics, religion and personal relationships...thankfully more than one of us spoke english as my norwegian/swedish isn't up to much!! The boys loved it here, lots of cycle rides, searching for elk (well I was, but the boys have't mastered the art of quiet, so all fled before us) and we even managed a bonfire on the campsites big fire pits. Won't mention the bottle of wine...
How sad am I? Made Bill deliver me to my first (and not the last) swedish Ikea. A bit strange, quite like the Edinburgh store so it was pretty odd.
Ended up in Örebro. Fabulous place with castle surrounded by a moat and lots of sculpture and art exhibitions dotted around the town. Gloriously warm and I managed to find a fungi ID sheet in a camping shop. Happy days...
On to Stockholm, later in the evening...drove through town...eek. Such a beautiful place the buildings illuminated and the reflections on the water. The palace and parliament buildings as well as the appartments in Östermalms, really impressive. Found a campsite that was open and set up. Had a day off after all that driving.
In to town and took a bus tour through the city, much less stressful than in a motorhome! went to the 550' tv tower for an impressive view across the city and all the islands (24,000 apparently). Again dragged everyone to the art gallery, a bit of culture...wasted on the young and bored.
Found a food hall tucked under the cinema along Drottningsgata. Imagine butchers, fishmongers, spice shops, bakers, wine merchants...and associated smells and then mix in reaturants with everything from burgers, kebabs and cakes to seafood specials. Wow...and popular with the locals. Could have stayed in there all day.
Moving on soon. South again, towards Copenhagen. Hope to stop at Målmo before venturing across the Öresund bridge.
Hope you are all enjoying the trip too!
Me again, forgot to mention our few days on the border between Norway and Sweden. Stayed in a site beside woodland, with streams and dinky little wooden cottages for rent. Lovely couple owned the site (Sukken Camping) between us we managed to discuss politics, religion and personal relationships...thankfully more than one of us spoke english as my norwegian/swedish isn't up to much!! The boys loved it here, lots of cycle rides, searching for elk (well I was, but the boys have't mastered the art of quiet, so all fled before us) and we even managed a bonfire on the campsites big fire pits. Won't mention the bottle of wine...
How sad am I? Made Bill deliver me to my first (and not the last) swedish Ikea. A bit strange, quite like the Edinburgh store so it was pretty odd.
Ended up in Örebro. Fabulous place with castle surrounded by a moat and lots of sculpture and art exhibitions dotted around the town. Gloriously warm and I managed to find a fungi ID sheet in a camping shop. Happy days...
On to Stockholm, later in the evening...drove through town...eek. Such a beautiful place the buildings illuminated and the reflections on the water. The palace and parliament buildings as well as the appartments in Östermalms, really impressive. Found a campsite that was open and set up. Had a day off after all that driving.
In to town and took a bus tour through the city, much less stressful than in a motorhome! went to the 550' tv tower for an impressive view across the city and all the islands (24,000 apparently). Again dragged everyone to the art gallery, a bit of culture...wasted on the young and bored.
Found a food hall tucked under the cinema along Drottningsgata. Imagine butchers, fishmongers, spice shops, bakers, wine merchants...and associated smells and then mix in reaturants with everything from burgers, kebabs and cakes to seafood specials. Wow...and popular with the locals. Could have stayed in there all day.
Moving on soon. South again, towards Copenhagen. Hope to stop at Målmo before venturing across the Öresund bridge.
Hope you are all enjoying the trip too!
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Norway
Great crossing...thank goodness, and only 2.5 hours. Left Kristiansand fairly quickly (apart from a traffic jam) and headed through amazing scenery, imagine Scotland only bigger and more of everything (water & trees). Went to Hornnes camping south of Evje and spent a couple of days unwinding. Lovely beach, offshore islands, clear skies, just what we wanted.
Then having decided not to go north we headed east towards Oslo. Had a couple of days of driving with some interesting stops. We keep finding caterpillars and larvae...of course I forgot my ID books!
Arrived at Oslo thinking we were well prepared, our chosen campsite was closed...as was the next one...and all this lugging 5.5 tonnes up steep hillsides and through urban streets, parked cars, buses...Bill driving...heatrt attack number two! We survived to the third campsite!
Oslo lovely, very small for a capital city, lots of wooden houses, very pretty. Made the boys endure the art museum (saw Edvard Munch's "scream") brill, but loved some of his other work more.
Great crossing...thank goodness, and only 2.5 hours. Left Kristiansand fairly quickly (apart from a traffic jam) and headed through amazing scenery, imagine Scotland only bigger and more of everything (water & trees). Went to Hornnes camping south of Evje and spent a couple of days unwinding. Lovely beach, offshore islands, clear skies, just what we wanted.
Then having decided not to go north we headed east towards Oslo. Had a couple of days of driving with some interesting stops. We keep finding caterpillars and larvae...of course I forgot my ID books!
Arrived at Oslo thinking we were well prepared, our chosen campsite was closed...as was the next one...and all this lugging 5.5 tonnes up steep hillsides and through urban streets, parked cars, buses...Bill driving...heatrt attack number two! We survived to the third campsite!
Oslo lovely, very small for a capital city, lots of wooden houses, very pretty. Made the boys endure the art museum (saw Edvard Munch's "scream") brill, but loved some of his other work more.
Denmark
As soon as we were across the border the roads got quiet and pretty rural compared to the (expanding) German motorways. Wet to the west coast of Denmark to the town of Ribe. Very well preserved town that was established hundreds of years ago. Long harbour that was a glorified big wall with water on the other side, but very pretty, full of wee boats. The bakeries are amazing and full of wonderful pastries. So much for the diet!! After Ribe we thought we would do the original Legoland, treat for the boys after rushing them through the first bit. The heavens opened and the rain was torrential for the two days we were there. Went swimming at an incredible pool, eyewateringly expensive, had the most amazing series of flumes and tubes and my favourite the outside hot tub/jacuzzi that you swam into. Freezing cold rain on your face, but toasty eveywhere else!
Moved on to Silkeborg and saw the Tollund man! Highlight for me. Some of the antiquities on display were pretty impressive too. Then travelled up to National Park just south of Aalborg and stayed overnight.
Back on the road to Hirtshals in the north for the ferry to Norway.
As soon as we were across the border the roads got quiet and pretty rural compared to the (expanding) German motorways. Wet to the west coast of Denmark to the town of Ribe. Very well preserved town that was established hundreds of years ago. Long harbour that was a glorified big wall with water on the other side, but very pretty, full of wee boats. The bakeries are amazing and full of wonderful pastries. So much for the diet!! After Ribe we thought we would do the original Legoland, treat for the boys after rushing them through the first bit. The heavens opened and the rain was torrential for the two days we were there. Went swimming at an incredible pool, eyewateringly expensive, had the most amazing series of flumes and tubes and my favourite the outside hot tub/jacuzzi that you swam into. Freezing cold rain on your face, but toasty eveywhere else!
Moved on to Silkeborg and saw the Tollund man! Highlight for me. Some of the antiquities on display were pretty impressive too. Then travelled up to National Park just south of Aalborg and stayed overnight.
Back on the road to Hirtshals in the north for the ferry to Norway.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Germany
Had a quick stop outside Osnabruck. The countryside around there is fabulous. Farmalnd, lakes and forests. Our campsite had a huge lake and a ping pong table...very good fun, even the kids enjoyed it, although they werent that worried about keeping the balls on the table! Moved on to Bremen...wonderful! Went to the science museum and saw the incredible Bochterstrasse (art deco architecture)...go visit!
Had a quick stop outside Osnabruck. The countryside around there is fabulous. Farmalnd, lakes and forests. Our campsite had a huge lake and a ping pong table...very good fun, even the kids enjoyed it, although they werent that worried about keeping the balls on the table! Moved on to Bremen...wonderful! Went to the science museum and saw the incredible Bochterstrasse (art deco architecture)...go visit!
Netherlands
Drove up to Utrecht (stayed outside the town in a place called Zeist). Again really lovely with brilliant shops. Had the most amazing electrical storm that went on for hours, but as it was through the night we werent that worried! The town was lovely saw the church and wandered around the canals. People are very friendly and relaxed (horizontal). Driving is mad with so much traffic on the roads.
Drove up to Utrecht (stayed outside the town in a place called Zeist). Again really lovely with brilliant shops. Had the most amazing electrical storm that went on for hours, but as it was through the night we werent that worried! The town was lovely saw the church and wandered around the canals. People are very friendly and relaxed (horizontal). Driving is mad with so much traffic on the roads.
Belgium
The weather was fabulous. Spent a couple of days in Brugge, very beautiful and full of tourists! Amazed by the variety of shops. They have the most amazing ice cream and waffles. Moved on to Ghent and Antwerp but were foiled by poor planning. Try getting a huge motorhome down some very narrow streets with lots of trams and oncoming buses! Glad I wasnt driving.
The weather was fabulous. Spent a couple of days in Brugge, very beautiful and full of tourists! Amazed by the variety of shops. They have the most amazing ice cream and waffles. Moved on to Ghent and Antwerp but were foiled by poor planning. Try getting a huge motorhome down some very narrow streets with lots of trams and oncoming buses! Glad I wasnt driving.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Latest News
Hello everyone...at last! I hear you cry. We had some difficulties logging on to the blog, foreign computers don't have normal asterisks (I needed one for my log-in). Anyhoo, we have had glorious sunshine for the first two weeks, then torrential rain for a few days. Roughly (maps out) we have been to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp (drive through), Utrecht, Osnabruck, Bremen, Bad Bremstadt, Ribe, Billund (Legoland & torrential rain...went swimming instead, go figure!) then Hirtshals to get the ferry to Norway. Landed in Kristiansand and are now in Evje. Absolutely beautiful and Bill caught me a trout for dinner. Yum. Are heading over to Oslo as we think it might be too risky for the far north so late in the season...knew we should have bought those snow chains!
Monday, 10 August 2009
First pic post
Well, here she is...the beast, or more affectionately known as Astrid...something to do with stars. Not sure if that should be reaching for, gazing at or seeing??!! Lots of space inside and all mod-cons. Hope that satisfies the followers...
Have experienced further delays, but are hopeful for leaving next week...all prayers welcome for the desperate to go! (Not a reference to toilets)
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Getting started
Hello fellow campers and friends!
As an introduction to our blog a quick summary of the plan.......buy a motorhome, pack in work and go to Europe for a year with the kids. So far so good.
Finally got the motorhome and are now prepping the beast and steeling ourselves for the journey ahead. Hopefully we aren't prepared for every eventuality, got to have the moments panic....what no bottle opener?!.....to keep a bit of variety.
Hope you enjoy following our progress. Will try to keep it witty!
As an introduction to our blog a quick summary of the plan.......buy a motorhome, pack in work and go to Europe for a year with the kids. So far so good.
Finally got the motorhome and are now prepping the beast and steeling ourselves for the journey ahead. Hopefully we aren't prepared for every eventuality, got to have the moments panic....what no bottle opener?!.....to keep a bit of variety.
Hope you enjoy following our progress. Will try to keep it witty!
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