We made it; but not without incident.
When you drive from south to north, or even north to south, through France, you realise what a stunningly beautiful country it is. Beautiful roads, beautiful countryside, and NO POTHOLES. Also, the weather was perfect.
We had a slight incident in Orléans when some idiot Tram Driver almost sliced Debi in half; it seemed (wrongly) to think it had 'right of way'. And another classic incident in Rouen where I took a slightly wrong turning and had to reverse into oncoming traffic (don't ask). If I hadn't I would have ended-up in Le Mans.
Otherwise our Hotel (above) was as dull as ever (it's changed it's name but not it's dreadful décor), we've had to endure this awful 'picture' ever since we started staying there. We met some charming people en route, and the traditional Salami and Coleslaw sandwiches I made were even more delicious than usual.
I'm sorry to say that the very first thing we noticed after leaving The Ferry were the amount of Potholes everywhere. Someone really has to address this!!!
When we drove into Brighton at about 11 pm, it was buzzing with young revelers, all out enjoying themselves. It was reassuring to know that even with a recent newcomer killjoy in our midst, it doesn't seem to have reduced the ardour of the local youf. The streets were awash!
Mostly, we felt so sorry for Billy. He's never complained about the trip, but I'm sure he doesn't like it. What I do know is that he's very pleased that it's over.
Thank you for your kind comments of Friday/Saturday, I shall now continue to respond to any future comments as usual.
Glad to hear you're home in Brighton again. What's a journey without an 'adventure' or two. My husband calls them interesting incidents. We always manage a few, usually because of me yelling left when I mean right.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy yourselves settling into your home and neighbourhood again. It's interesting seeing the changes
I've already met a few friends and 'chatted'. It's nice to be back.
DeleteWelcome back. I do wonder if you'll be rethinking the idea of a later trip to France next year for an early Autumnul stay and more of those chestnuts.
ReplyDeleteI hate to think of all those Chestnuts, and Mushrooms, without me there to gather!! Maybe we'll think differently next year.
DeleteIt's a miracle! Praise The Lord! You made it! Saint Christopher must have been watching over you. The picture above your hotel bed is called (translated) "Brain of Cro In Transit" by Claude Le Poop.
ReplyDeleteIt says on the back 'Stupid drawing by hotel owner's 12 year old son'.
DeleteWelcome back. Glad the journey wasn't too bad. You will be settled in again I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWe're getting there. So much stuff was packed away, nice to be reacquainted with everything again, even after just 3 months.
DeleteGlad you are back safely without too much disruption. I bet Billy is so delighted to be back all of our animals we have had hated travelling even the shortest of journeys. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteHe's very tolerant. He doesn't complain. He's always sick at the beginning of the journey, but we are used to that now!
DeleteI quite like that hotel room picture. It makes me think of all those occasions when I have tried to sleep folded in two on a small sofa when the hotel allocated us a double room instead of a twin ( P suffers from PLMD).
ReplyDeleteWe've stayed in the same hotel for YEARS, so we're a bit fed-up with it. I'd quite like to paint over it.
DeleteSo glad to read that you are home safe and sound, barring the couple of "hiccups" along the way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good boy Billy is, not to complain about the tedious journey - no fun sitting all alone on the back seat.
When we moved out here to Spain, we came via the Tunnel, then drove through France with our two Labradors. They were beautifully behaved on the four nights en route, spent in hotels. They certainly enjoyed the train. We had a roofbox so were put in a "single storey" section with high sided vehicles. The entire journey (all 35 minutes!) was spent with people (travelling by coach) coming to make a fuss of them and some even offered treats! The girl who did the announcements for our section spent the whole time chatting to us and was late letting everyone know we'd arrived!
That really is a terrible picture but at least you have your eyes closed most of the time and it's not on the wall facing the bed!
It's fun travelling with a dog (or dogs), people suddenly become so friendly. They must be friendly people anyway, but the opportunity to play with a dog is just an excuse!
DeleteActually, and even more than the painting, I find having a bed that's been shoved into the corner rather ghastly.
ReplyDeleteSo very pleased you, Lady M, and Billy are home safe and sound. And now I'm craving a salami and coleslaw sandwich.
We started the sandwich tradition about 40 years ago, and now never travel without them. I did a few extra HAM and coleslaw just for fun!
DeleteA trip without incident is rare.
ReplyDeleteAt least you are home and can now settle back into your Brighton home and regular programming.
Yes, a 700 Km trip is bound to have a few minor events. Luckily no bumps or scrapes.
DeleteWelcome home.
ReplyDeleteThank you; it's nice to be back.
DeleteI think it's lovely that you have your Brighton home and your beautiful one in France which your family enjoy too - It all adds to an enjoyable interesting life - flis x
ReplyDeleteTwo very contrasting homes. One deep in the peace and quiet of the countryside, and the other in central city by the sea. It makes an interesting contrast.
DeleteWelcome home! (think you may consider your home in France as your main home... but nice to have 2 places to call home.)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's the perfect combination; apart from the very tiring journey in between.
DeleteGlad you arrive safe! Does anyone know what happened to the lady who did the Rachel Phillips blog? I know she closes it down occasionally but it’s been three months now. I’m beginning to wonder if the authorities have arrested her for having a non acceptable opinion on political matters.
ReplyDeleteShe was back quite recently. I think she's been studying for yet another degree! Very busy.
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