Day 26 - Castiglione Della Pescaia

Our visit to Florence over today. Our first task was to service the van. We travelled back to the camp site we used on our first day when we arrived. Loo emptied, grey water emptied and fresh water loaded and we were soon on our way.

We made our way to a small seaside town where there are spaces reserved for motorhomes. We are told by one of the owners that the car park is pay by the hour from 8am to midnight. We have chosen to ignore buying a ticket and plead that we do not understand if someone questions us. We have also displayed our Blue Badge so this might help if an inspector does start to question us.

We believe that an inspector did come around but chose not to approach us as he probably does not speak english. There are some benefits of being in a foreign country…. not many though.

The car park has filled up with locals and Motorhomes have been streaming in over the past few hours. It seems that Saturday night here is very popular. Families are probably eating together whilst the younger crowd are in the bars. We are parked close to some boats. It really is a picturesque place to stay… there are no services here however.

Tomorrow we plan to rise early and have breakfast down the road alongside the beach. I do hope we can find a suitable place.

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Day 25 - Florence third & last day

Breakfasted and dogs walked we left the van at 10:00am to walk to catch the bus. We plan to go to a hill top village that has some great views of Florence. The weather today is overcast and threatening a shower or two. We arrived and decided to have coffee while Kiwi Colin looked around the museum using a ticket that someone gave him.

An hour later and it started to rain just as we decided to catch a bus back into town. The local bus took us back to Piazza San Marco where we set off to find the market. Big mistake on my part …. Tina & Christina love looking around the shops and stalls. Tina bought herself a new 2 in 1 bag.

Lunch was soon taken and then we caught a bus to another vista sight south of the city. Once again the rain came down. We didn’t wait for the tour bus but took a local bus back to the bus station. From here we took a bus back to the van. It took an hour going around the city. I am sure that there should have been a better bus to catch.

Tomorrow we move on. Florence has been a delight to look around. So much history here. The purchase of the Tour bus tickets proved to be a worthwhile investment as it gave us so much more to see and the ability to move around the city easily. We would love to come back some day in the future.

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Day 24 - Florence second day

We breakfasted ready to catch the tour bus at 11:40am however Colin informed us that there was an alternative bus we could catch at 10:30 so we quickly organised ourselves and went and found the bus stop. Boarding the bus we purchased 2 tickets for two days use of the sightseeing tour buses and local buses. We soon found ourselves listening to the commentary in english as we navigated our way around the city. At the end of the tour we were at the bus station where we changed to an open top double decker and proceeded to follow a different route which included more interesting things to see.

After returning to the city we walked to on of the main attractions in the city which was a short walk away. It was the Duomo, a large church with domed roof. We lunched just off the square with a restaurant special. we used their WIFI to upload the photos we had taken during the morning.

Following lunch we took a look around the impressive interior of the Duomo. We the proceeded to walk to the only bridge that was not destroyed in the war… the Ponte Vecchio. We passed the Uffizi museum where a number of significant works of art are housed. The 14th century bridge was impressive and was lined on both sides by jewellers shops selling expensive items.

We then caught a bus back to the bus station in readiness to use a different route again to see the northern region of the city before returning back to the van and the warm welcome from "our boys”

Totally knackered we had a restful evening before we start again tomorrow and go back to some of the places we now want to see again and maybe get some great photos. Tiring but most enjoyable day. Certainly worth the expense of buying the tickets.

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Day 23 - Florence

Quiet day today. We started out at 10:30 and drove the remaining distance of around 30 miles to a parking place next to a sports stadium.There were a few vans already there when we arrived. Both our vans needed to find the els an point so we looked around the area but could find nothing. There is a drinking water tap in the park behind where we are.

We could not last another day without emptying the loo so we looked up another Aire about a mile away and made our way there. We found the services and helped ourselves to the facilities without making and payment and then returned to our original parking place.

This afternoon the two men travelled into the city on the scooter to buy a data sim card to gain access to the internet and visit the Tourist Information office for a visitor map. The city was full of one-way streets and to find your way around was very confusing. However we did achieve our goals albeit we took rather longer than expected.

We have discussed the idea of buying tickets for the open top city tour tomorrow but will make a decision in the morning when we see what the weather for the day looks like. Probably stay here at least another night unless we are moved on…. not really likely though. The parking place is basic but with no costs thus allowing us to spend our money on other things.

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Day 22 - Montopoli In Val D'arno

Today we plan to visit Pisa and the Leaning Tower so it was only a short drive up into the city. After breakfast made the van ready and put the scooter back on the rack. More care this time fitting the wheels back on !!

We hoped to find a car / coach park around the tourist attraction but after driving around the area we found nothing so the plan was that we would park in the sosta for the day and move on tonight. We caught a bus outside the parking area after trying to buy a ticket but the machine was faulty so it gobbled our money , no ticket but a receipt instead. Off the bus and walked a short way to the tower and the grounds of the church etc.

We all had a go at the classic photo. The climb up the 293 stone staircase in the tower would have set us back €18 each. We declined based on cost and our inability to reach the top. Lunch was taken in a small cafe where we uploaded the photos we had taken and looked at the other places we should try and fit in. We visited the church which was magnificent with its vaulted ceiling and internal stone archways. Beautiful place and still used for services.

Later in the afternoon we took coffee at a roadside table before a return ride by taxi back to the van. We then drove the short distance to our overnight stop … a journey of about 45 minutes. The parking place already had approximately 10 vans here when we arrived.

Spent the evening in our van with Colin & Christine having some drinks and nibbles. Tomorrow we will complete the remainder of the journey to Florence and look to explore this old historic city.

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Day 21 - Marina di Pisa

Last night was yet another warm one. Both Tina and I read our books until late. The morning started like most mornings as we prepared to move further south. We had decided to spend a couple of days at Pisa. A site was chosen and we set off at around 10am

Around 30 mins into the drive we heard a loud crash and something scraping the ground behind us….. it was our scooter trailer. The wheel had come off. I soon stopped and got out of the cab to greet a kind guy walking back up the road towards me carrying our wheel. It took us about 15 mins to jack up the trailer and replace the wheel and we were on our way again. It was very lucky that we had managed to have the repair done in Venice as this could have been far worse. The scooter stayed attached and was not damaged.

About an hour later we arrived at the Sosta near the beach village close to Pisa. We discussed using the scooter to get some shopping from Lidl and try and find the visitor attraction. We made the trip into the town but after a frustrating time driving around the one way system we gave up trying to find the shop. You really need to have a satellite navigation device visible when trying to negotiate around a strange place on a scooter.

We returned to the vans and decided to take our friends van into the town with the aid of our trusty friend "Tom Tom”. Upon arriving we realised our earlier failed attempt got us to within 100 metres of the shop. We both bought far too much shopping but this time there was no issues about carrying it on the scooter.

One thing we did achieve was find the other sosta in the town and we plan to move to this parking area tomorrow and then do the tourist thing which will probably include the classic photograph that everyone does when coming here.

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Day 20 - La Spezia

Our day for moving on so we needed to service the van and have that last constant flowing hot shower before we set of to meet out friends Colin & Christina. They live in New Zealand but have been touring Europe for quite a while. Colin is a kiwi whilst Christina has a very strong Scottish accent.

We left site at around 10:00am and made good progress on the 336km drive. I chose to use Toll motorways so that I was not driving for many more hours than needed. We arrived at around 3pm. The tolls cost us €45 which hurts when we normally try and avoid them as we are rarely in a rush.

When we arrived Colin had gone off to find a bar televising the Grand Prix. We sat outside and caught up on the gossip with Christina before Colin returned.

Our plan tomorrow is to go and spend a day or so at Pisa and see the leaning tower. this may well be followed by a trip to Florence and then on to Rome. For us it will be where we part as we will start the journey home whilst Colin & Christina will continue south to Naples and beyond

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Day 19 - Venice visiting day

Up early to try and get an early bus. Awful night for both of us as we have been bitten repeatedly all night by mosquitos. Very itchy legs is making the morning very uncomfortable.

Caught a 10:15 bus into Venice after packing some drink and sandwiches. The journey took about 25 minutes then came the test…. how do you find your way around on the water buses… its like the London Underground except they use boats. We found our first place to board the Vaporetto to St Marks Square… we got it right.

On arrival at the square I was a little disappointed as I expected much more but I cannot express what that is. There were people milling around everywhere. Tina decided to shout out loud “Hello from Ray & Margaret Miller”. I am sure they thought she was mad. There were many cruise ships in the port and the place was packed with Americans

We looked at going into the Bassilica but the queue was so long we would have been worn out before we started. After strolling around the perimeter of the square we decided to walk through the back streets towards the bridge of sighs. On the way we stopped and had a pizza and coffees in a small restaurant. The prices were reasonable not like those in the square.

Our next task was to find a boat to Murano. Judged that it would be better to pick that up back at St marks Square so on a bus we got and soon arrived back there. A short walk along the waters edge and we picked up the stop for the Island. This trip was much longer and across the open water. On arrival we stumbled upon a glass blowing demonstration to a tour group. Unfortunately it was near the end. However, soon afterwards we found another where the guy made a prancing horse whilst we sat and watched. Amazing!!!!

Time was slipping by so we decided that we needed to get back to the van. The boys would have been left for near on 7 hours by the time we got back to the campsite. We have been parked under some trees so the van is very cool during the day as we get plenty of shade and together with this we closed all of our blinds. The boys were really please to see us.

Time now to relax and let our legs recover before we leave tomorrow for the west coast of Italy where we intend on meeting up with some friends we made whilst in Morocco earlier in the year.

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Day 18 - Venice second day

We woke after a warm night but we seemed to cope with it better. After a leisurely breakfast I went up to reception to enquire if the person was around that could fix the scooter trailer. I was told that they did not start work until 2pm.

We decided to take the scooter and do some shopping at Lidl. We are not likely to be able to do any shopping until early next week as we will be going into Venice tomorrow and traveling on Sunday & possibly Monday.

As usual we bought too much to fit into the bike but we managed to carry what we couldn't fit into under the seat and the top box in carrier bags and carried these in arms and on the foot plate.

I then returned to Lidl to buy some beers and soft drinks while Tina put the food away. She also washed some of our bedding. The rest of the morning we both spent reading books.

After lunch we had the on site maintenance guy look at our trailer problem and he quickly announced "No problem" Soon after he arrived with an electric arc welder and 10 mins later it was fixed. Worries over. Whilst fixing the weld issue he announced that we had a storm due in an hour.

Not long after the appointed hour we had a downpour for an hour or so. Our first rain for a few days. It certainly helped the temperatures and humidity.

More reading later in the afternoon and it is likely our remaining time tonight will be taken up reading our ebooks.

Bought our tickets for Venice in the morning. Need to get up earlier to make a packed lunch. Food is very expensive in the city.

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Day 17 - Venice

Last night we did indeed get the laptop going and we watch a film. It was two and a half hours long and involved a love affair between a guy and his computer operating system. I was expecting Tina to say that could be me competing against a computer but luckily she didn't..... she let me off.

We called some friends we made whilst in Morocco this year who are on their way to Italy. We hope to meet up with them over the weekend or Monday on the west coast. We therefore decided that we had better get on and take that visit to Venice. We didn't get a chance to look around Verona but we may do that on the way home.

We took the toll road to Venice which was shorter in distance and time and worked out marginally more expensive. We arrived at the site around 12 o'oclock.

Tina decided it would be a good opportunity to do some washing. Everything set up and we find out the spinner in our new twin tub will not work. No obvious sign of why... will need some more investigation. I also noticed that one of the retaining straps on the scooter had come off. Further examination revealed that a weld on the trailer had cracked half way round the support. Hope to get this fixed tomorrow.

Our plan of going into Venice may be put on hold to get the work done on the trailer. We can get a combined bus and water taxi ticket which will take us around the city when we finally are in a position to go. Where we are parked has some great shade and this will be most welcome when and if we are able to leave the van.

Another film tonight and some relaxing time in the warmth. Last night it was so hot I couldn't sleep at 4am and was up until 5am. I do hope its not that warm tonight as it becomes uncomfortable.

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Day 16 - Verona

Another very warm evening and trying to put back my files onto the laptop and it failed again. Made another appointment to visit the Genius Bar at the apple store for the morning.

On our way again this morning at 10:30. The van will soon know it's own way. After a little banter the head geru decides that the SSD drive might need a firmware upgrade. After checking it seems he was right. I am so glad he was around. About 90 mins later I walked out with laptop in hand looking and working like brand new.

Note to self: when back in UK make sure you have a time capsule created. ( a backup)

We left to travel to Verona and arrived at around 1pm. After I bite to eat we sat and relaxed. The Sosta is another parking area controlled by a payment barrier. No electric but the cost is fair at €10 per night. Probably stay another night and explore the city tomorrow.

Film night again tonight as the laptop is working.

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Day 15 - Peschiera del Garda new site

This morning we showered and made the van ready for the short distance to the Apple Store. Before leaving we serviced the can and paid for our two nights stay €23.50.

On route from the site we checked out another Sosta which was down by the lakes edge with some great views however they also wanted a great price... €23 per night including electric. No thank you. We arrived early for the appointment and so we had some lunch in the shopping mall and looked around a few shops.

While I attended my appointment Tina had a rest in the van with the boys. It was hot this afternoon. I returned 90 mins later with the laptop working. Most of the time was taken backing up the files before wiping the hard drive.

We decided to try another Sosta (sister to the site we left thus morning). We only have one other can with us on a huge area. We do gave some road noise but nothing like the trains. The toilet block us much bigger and nicer and I believe all for the same price.

This evening whilst trying to put back the files I seem to gave managed to corrupt the operating system again. Another visit to the Apple Store tomorrow us now booked before we move on to Verona.

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Day 14 - Peschiera del Garda second day

We decided that we would have a leisurely morning getting up and catch up on some chores. Where we are parked is towards the back of the site and we get the noise of the mainline trains throughout the day and night. It didn't affect us too much.

Late morning we did some washing with the twin tub. It was very helpful to take it to the shower block where there was copious amount of warm water and electric for the machine. It soon dried in the very warm weather.

We had lunch and then took the scooter out site seeing along the east edge of the lake. We stopped and had a little walk in a park where a guy was practising his bar juggling skills. On the way back we stopped at Lidl for some provisions. I had to remind Tina that we only had a small scooter. As it was I had a bag on the foot plate with no where to put my feet whilst we returned.

Watched a film in the evening and during this time Woody wanted to go out and the laptop decided to freeze. In trying to fix it I made it worse (so I am now given to understand). I then tried all sorts of ways to finish watching the excellent film (The Physician) and in the end we connected the ipad to the TV and wirelessly streamed it from the Hard Drive.

I have made an appointment to visit the Apple Store some 8 miles away tomorrow afternoon.

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Day 13 - Peschiera Del Garda

Saturday night in Iseo certainly lasts along time. The locals must have all been out partying and certainly it did not go quite until well after 1am. We had intended to stay another night but what with the noise and the fact that the cassette toilet was near overflowing we needed to move on.

Stopped in Iseo at a supermarket for a few basics before travelling back to Lake Garda but we had chosen a sosta recommended on one of the forums. The cost is €12 per night but we do have the use of showers and electric. On first connecting up we kept tripping the supply as we had the electric hot water on…. it must only be a 6amp supply.

The temperature has been almost unbearable at 35 deg. I am reminded by Tina that we could do with a roll out awning. Maybe one day I will succumb.

Taken the boys for a walk down to the lake. It seems to be the place to visit. People and motorbikes everywhere. It could be Poole on a Tuesday night. We have all come back exhausted by the exercise in this heat… mainly the boys I must say.

The site was crowded when we first got here but many of the weekenders have now left leaving the site with a few empty pitches.

Hope to get the scooter off tomorrow and see where it takes us. Lets hope the weather stays the same.The forecast looks like it is staying and getting better later in the week.

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Day 12 - Iseo

Last night was really warm compared to those we have had since leaving the UK. It was very peaceful as we had our own corner of the car park.

We decided to make our way to a smaller lake west of where we were. It was a 60km drive which seemed to go very quickly. We were soon in Iseo parked up next to several Motorhomes and Coaches. Soon after our arrival we walked down to the lake with the dogs. There were many people sunbathing on the grass close to the waters edge. It was delightful sitting and enjoying the warmth and the views over the Lake.

Lake Iseo is much smaller but has its own charm. We the continued to walk into the centre of town along the footpaths. There were many restaurants with indoor and outdoor tables. Many people had decided to come and eat …. it seems a popular place. On the way back to the van we bought a slice of pizza each which we devoured.

The afternoon saw us relaxing in the van. In the early evening the car park started to fill with cars … more people coming down to enjoy a Saturday evening by the Lake eating at the many restaurants. We watched a film. The van door is still open at after 10pm as the temperature is still warm.

We will have to find an els an point tomorrow…. I really would like to stay here another night. Delightful place. Hope to go exploring the perimeter of the Lake on the scooter.

GPS 45.65363, 10.04487
///revisit.valley.composed

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Day 11 - Gardone Riviera

Leisurely start to the day. The night was cold as we were high up in the mountains. Tina found a mound of snow that had not yet thawed whilst out walking the dogs. Woody bounded into it whilst Bobby tippy toed through it however they both seemed to enjoy it in their own way.

As we travelled down the mountain the sun came pouring in and the temperature rose. It was the first time Tina had taken off her cardigan all trip. We soon stopped to get some provisions so that we will not be short over the weekend.

We then took the scenic road west of Lake Garda. Fantastic… mile of mile of road tunnels wending their way next to the shoreline. The Lake is enormous and we could not see the end point. As we travelled along we would come upon small villages, many hotels and restaurants. A real tourist area.

We had chosen a free parking area close to the shore and when we arrived we found that it was being developed so we could not stay here tonight. A short distance away was some coach parking. Upon enquiring we were told that €10 would allow us to park for the remaining part of the day and the night. I wasn’t going to argue.

Later in the afternoon we took the scooter down to the local town, Maderno, some 4km away. We sat and had coffee in a roadside cafe just as some of the locals were doing. Tina loved looking around the souvenir shops. She purchased a gift for Summer that we know she will love. Tonight we have spent a quiet time in the van… me catching up with some paperwork and Tina reading her book on the Kindle. Its hard work enjoying yourself on holiday. I am so pleased we were able to get to the Lake. We may visit another of the Lakes tomorrow.

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Day 10 - Mendola

More rain last night but awoke to find it a little brighter and dryer. Serviced the van and last use of the shower block and we were soon on our way.

We intend to be heading towards the lakes initially so a stop on the way is planned. I have picked out a free parking spot about half way. We spent about an hour travelling down from the mountains into Italy and into the valley below. The outside temperature got as low as 4 deg C. It certainly got warmer and sunnier as we came further south.

Soon we turned off the main roads and started to ascend the mountain again. It was a continous zig zag as we climbed ever higher. The views were spectacular… lush valley with snow capped mountains. The area has both a Germanic / Austrian as well as an Italian feel.

We have now parked in a deserted car park for a ski centre. There are no other vans here but it is very tranquil. We rode the scooter back into the town to look in the souvenir shops and also part way back down the mountain to get some better shots of the view.

Quiet night ahead of us looking at a film and early to bed. Tomorrow we make our way to Lake Garda Lets hope it is as scenic as today.

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Day 9 - Prutz

Slow start this morning as we are not travelling. We planned to take a ride up to a Glacial reservoir but the rain did not stay away long enough in the afternoon. Instead we spent the late afternoon and evening watching a couple of films I have brought with us.

We took advantage of the included electric and water supply to use our newly acquired twin tub washing machine. Copious amounts of hot water and electric to run the machine meant we got through a weeks washing. We then found a drying room in the main complex which they must use for drying ski boots and clothes in the winter.

Note to self: Do remember to collect our things in the morning.

Paid our dues for the 2 nights and will be moving on into Italy tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will soon get warmer and dryer. I understand that England may well be better than here. …. they just don’t have the scenery Ha Ha.

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Day 8 - Prutz

Today we set off for Austria and the Fern Pass. I was hoping that we would be able to enter and cross Austria without having to buy a GO box which is the toll system on the motorways. I have done a lot of research and read about the toll free route across the Alps from Germany into Austria. Now comes the time of truth. Yes we did it. It was really easy following the Tom Tom app on the IPad. No issues and no getting lost and taking the wrong road.

We enjoyed some fantastic views of snow capped mountains as we came over the pass. We stopped at a Restaurant and gift shop on the way and bought some gifts and had a meal. The large coffee mugs we bought will be the envy of the DA… or so I was told as a reason to buy them from my dear wife.

We continued along the way and eventually found the campsite but had to figure out how to get to it. The bridge across the river was closed. We soon figured it out and turned up and pitched ourselves as the office was not open until 5pm. We plan to stay for 2 nights and catch up on some R&R and washing. The weather was cold as we come across the mountains today and is not much warmer at the campsite. The outlook is not great… more showers and bright spells.

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Day 7 - Lindenberg Im Allgau

Last nights spot was lovely and we could of easily stayed another night but we decided to move on.

We made our way further south hopefully towards some better weather. We seem to be having continuous showers some heavy followed by some bright sunshine. I am hoping that we will see some warmer sunshine when we get over the Alps.

Our overnight stop was again close to a nature reserve. We had 3 neighbours. Locals were our walking, jogging and cycling. Once again we were able to get some TV. Our dose of Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Tina hasn’t got withdrawal symptoms yet. We then watched DIY SOS. There was a piece in the middle of the episode where Billy, the electrician, goes horse riding. It is so funny it had us with tears rolling down our cheeks.

Rain continues to fall and I worry about getting off from where we are parked on grass. It might need a call to the breakdown services.

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Day 6 - Burgbernheim

We serviced the van today and our luck dictated that it started to rain. On leaving the site we made our way west towards the villages making up the Romantic Road.

We found the Restaurant / Museum but their was no obvious place to park so we ventured onward to the next place a few miles up the road. The same situation occurred so we chose a third alternative which turned out to be a nature reserve on the outskirts of the village. A lovely spot where we had 6 neighbours.

We were able to receive some TV last night and we saw the last episode of The Crimson Field and I saw the last Match of the Day for the season. At least I now know who Bournemouth will be playing in the championship next season.

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Day 5 - Mannheim

Tina had invited Claudia and Hartmut over for breakfast. They arrived at 11:00am and we tucked into bacon & eggs. We had discussed that we would wander down and browse the many vans the dealer had for sale.

We looked at a van conversion and discussed the possibility of renting one for a short time. Not sure that they were that committed. We looked at all sorts of size vans and prices ranged from €30k to €135k. If only we could win the lottery. (Note to self: It would help if you bought a ticket occasionally)

We later had a coffee and sat and discussed whether they should move. This seems to be a perennial topic of conversation which will never be resolved. Claudia suggested that they pick us up later for a trip to the “Ice Parlour”. We have been a number of times before but not for a number of years. It did not disappoint. We all had a number of different varieties of ice cream and the evening was most enjoyable.

We then went back to the house for some wine and I helped set up the internet radio Hartmut had bought from Conrads. I struggled with trying to read German but we managed it and it was added to his collection. On leaving we made our farewells until we meet in a few weeks on our return to the UK.

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Day 4 - Mannheim

We awoke after a sleepless night being disturbed by the constant noise of trucks passing by all night. They seemed to be empty as they passed by hence they seemed louder than normal.

At 10:00am we were ready when Hartmut arrived to take us back to their house for breakfast. We all jumped in the car including the dogs. Claudia had laid out a sumptuous spread which we duly devoured. I was able to catch up on some emails and changes needed to the web sites.

Later Hartmut and I went to the technology stores. I was looking for a satellite receiver for the van. Conrads did not have anything however Hartmut did buy another internet radio. This now makes a total 30 he now owns.We then went on to Media Market and I was offered a complete portable satellite kit €89 but I really only wanted the receiver so I left it. We then went to the accessory shop at the stellplatz but the units for sale where far too expensive.

Claudia had arranged that we have dinner with some of their friends Anton & Maria. They arrived at the house at 18:30 and we had a table booked at an Italian restuarant  close by. Anton and Hartmut had worked together 40 years ago and had been friends ever since. Maria was a doctor and had her own practice. They both spoke good english and we had a lovely meal together before returning to the van around 22:30.

Another sleepless night to look forward to. I eventually fixed my iBoost but still could not pick up the free Wifi from the Motorhome dealer where we are staying.

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Day 3 - Mannheim

We left the car park around 09:00am this morning. Wanted to get away early as I was concerned that the car park would fill with cars as people arrived for work and they would make it difficult getting out onto the road. As iy turned out we did not need to worry. We had a pleasant enough night.

After filling with fuel soon after leaving we travelled the 430 km to the stellplatz close to where Claudia and Hartmut live. We arrived mid afternoon and called Claudia after a brief discussion we arranged a time to picked up to go for dinner. We were surprised and delighted to know that we were dining at the Greek restaurant 100m from their house. Some years before we had taken Mum and she had a few drinks. She still sends them a christmas card. On arriving they offered us a bottle of Ouzo to give Mum as a gift on our return. Lets hope she does not get a liking for the drink!!

We had a great night chatting, eating and drinking before being returned to the van. We were given an invitation for breakfast in the morning.

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Day 2 - Brussels

We woke early and made the van ready for the short journey to the port. We left at around 08:00 am hoping to be there for 08:30. As it happened we came upon traffic queuing for 1.5 miles to gain access to the main A2. We finally arrived at 09:00. So much for a 20 minute journey.

The crossing was smooth. We left on time at 10:00 am and the 2 hour trip took us to Dunkerque. I caught up on my emails using the slow free wifi on board.

We then made our way to Brussels for our overnight stop. I had planned to use some car parking area within the Exhibition / Convention centre however all the spaces were occupied so we decided to find an alternative. This turned out to be a rough car park but we did have 2 other Motorhomes in amongst the cars. Not sure if they are occupied.

I was able to find a FON hotspot and again had some free wifi albeit it was very slow. We tried the satellite and to my amazement we did get some television. I suspect that will be the last night we will enjoy TV for some while.

Off to Mannheim in the morning and find the stellplatz at a caravan / motorhome dealer. I understand that it has full facilities available.

Note to self: Don’t get tempted at changing the van.

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Day 1 - Deal

Our adventures continue with a trip to Italy via Germany and Austria if all goes to our expectations.

We completed the final packing of the van this morning with food, pills etc and set off to add the trailer to the van at around 11:00 am. After loading the scooter we filled with gas at the local fuel station and was on the road by twelve o’clock. We did not rush but still made good time. We stopped at a local Tesco in Dover for some lunch and a few other things before making our way to meet a cousin in Deal where we had arranged to spend the evening.

We found the property and it was not long before Alan & Sharon returned from work. Kettle on and a welcome cup of tea. Later we ventured into town and had some dinner in the local Weatherspoon's. It was steak night and Tina, Sharon & Alan tucked into a 14oz Aberdeen Angus steak whilst I had the Mixed Grill. If this is what the holiday is going to bring then we are in for a treat.

We spent a delightful evening chatting, eating and drinking and look forward to the next time we meet. We said our goodbyes as they would be leaving for work early tomorrow just as we get up. It is so good to know that we no longer have to work. Tina is now officially retired and I have a little time to go.

We are due to sail tomorrow at 10:00am so need to get to the port by around 08:30 which is about 20 mins away. Next stop should be Brussels.

GPS: 51.23022, 1.39618

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