Had crepes at dune de pyla camp, windy and cool, but ok behind the glass. Watched the sunset over the atlantic. The crepes were great. We are happy because we are picking up van tomorrow.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Well we have criss-crossed Bordeaux as we waited for our van
to be repaired. Saturday we headed to Saint
Emilion, a medieval village in the heart of Bordeaux wine growing area. (Our
new favourite place in France). It is a
world heritage site. We stayed in a ‘Yelloh’ camp in a 2 bedroom chalet. Well equipped with a heated pool which Michelle
and I paddled in (no togs – dam!) and a reasonable cost. We spent the weekend happily exploring the village’s
cobbled streets, sampling a variety of macaroons, and sightseeing in our rented
car all around the jurisdiction (local area) of Saint Emillion. We also did a tour of the underground church
and the catacombs, climbed the Monolitic church bell towers 196 steps for a
panoramic view of the local area, purchased goodies at a local market and did a
wine tour of Chateaux Cardinal Villemarine cellars carved out of solid rock –
complete with a wine tasting. Of course
we purchased and consumed local wine.
Monday we returned to Bordeaux city retrieved our bikes and
spent the day cycling around the city.
As the van was still not ready we launched plan B and headed in the
opposite direction out to the coast and another ‘yelloh’ camp this time near Arcachon. Our highlight today was visiting the ‘Grand
Dune du Pyla’ the highest sand dune in Europe.
We took silly videos of us running very slowly (we are all old people
who are afraid of injuries) down the dune.
The view from the top was spectacular but it was very windy.
Friday, 11 May 2012
Saturday 12th 8am
Les miserable! Disaster has struck! Friday stareted well with fine weather as we headed off towards the wine growing region. We stopped the the supermarket for a wee stock up. We left Nick in the van and happily trolled the shelves trying to decipher the writing on various products - always fun. As Greg tried to control Michelle and I as we shot off in different directions, Nick waiting patiently decided to start the van only to find our little machine was being unco-operative. Luck was with us - Spotting a mechanic across the road he managed to explain the problem and they came across for a look. No joy! The shoppers returned to be met with the news. Greg and Nick fiddled and poked around - even used the manual but only succeeded in spilling deisel across the car park. Michelle and I set off in search of help in the form of some sort of information centre but it was mid day and many shops close until 2pm. Our second piece of luck - we spotted a Ford sign along with what turned out to be a lovely french man who after we explained the situation sheperded us towards his car and drove us back to rescue the boys. He too poked around then drove off returning with a mechanic and a machine to test the battery. More poking around but to no avail. In broken french he told the boys to come to the dealership at 2pm and he would ring for a tranporter. After lunch we did this and burley Christoff the transporter man arrived. Now the truck only had space in the cab for 2 so Michelle and I were told to hide in the camper and we were winched on - a bit of a unnerving experience! As we lurched from side to sde Michelle and i told ourselves "it's all part of the adventure". Nick and Greg were concerned the camper would fly off with us inside if a low bridge didn't collect us first. however, we arrived at the Ford centre in Bordeaux and after some skillful manoevering on Christoffs part arrived at the garage. 100 Euroes lighter Christoff departed. The next 2 hour various mechanics again poked and prodded, used various computers but to no avail. Friday 5pm in France we needed a new plan. One of the mechanics drove Nick to collect a hire car the guided him all the way back. We frantically threw gear and food into the car as they needed to shut up shop, set the alarms and return home. Off we set through rush hour traffic back to our last camp groung to stay in a chalrt there. Here our luck ran out. All booked up. We were directed to local hotels and after 5 attempts eventually found a vacancy. off to the supermaket to purchase a portable BBQ then to the local park for a cook up kiwi style to use up some of our meat. What a day. Everyone stayed in good spirits despite our bad luck. We have meet nothing but kindness as everyone has tried to help us.
Les miserable! Disaster has struck! Friday stareted well with fine weather as we headed off towards the wine growing region. We stopped the the supermarket for a wee stock up. We left Nick in the van and happily trolled the shelves trying to decipher the writing on various products - always fun. As Greg tried to control Michelle and I as we shot off in different directions, Nick waiting patiently decided to start the van only to find our little machine was being unco-operative. Luck was with us - Spotting a mechanic across the road he managed to explain the problem and they came across for a look. No joy! The shoppers returned to be met with the news. Greg and Nick fiddled and poked around - even used the manual but only succeeded in spilling deisel across the car park. Michelle and I set off in search of help in the form of some sort of information centre but it was mid day and many shops close until 2pm. Our second piece of luck - we spotted a Ford sign along with what turned out to be a lovely french man who after we explained the situation sheperded us towards his car and drove us back to rescue the boys. He too poked around then drove off returning with a mechanic and a machine to test the battery. More poking around but to no avail. In broken french he told the boys to come to the dealership at 2pm and he would ring for a tranporter. After lunch we did this and burley Christoff the transporter man arrived. Now the truck only had space in the cab for 2 so Michelle and I were told to hide in the camper and we were winched on - a bit of a unnerving experience! As we lurched from side to sde Michelle and i told ourselves "it's all part of the adventure". Nick and Greg were concerned the camper would fly off with us inside if a low bridge didn't collect us first. however, we arrived at the Ford centre in Bordeaux and after some skillful manoevering on Christoffs part arrived at the garage. 100 Euroes lighter Christoff departed. The next 2 hour various mechanics again poked and prodded, used various computers but to no avail. Friday 5pm in France we needed a new plan. One of the mechanics drove Nick to collect a hire car the guided him all the way back. We frantically threw gear and food into the car as they needed to shut up shop, set the alarms and return home. Off we set through rush hour traffic back to our last camp groung to stay in a chalrt there. Here our luck ran out. All booked up. We were directed to local hotels and after 5 attempts eventually found a vacancy. off to the supermaket to purchase a portable BBQ then to the local park for a cook up kiwi style to use up some of our meat. What a day. Everyone stayed in good spirits despite our bad luck. We have meet nothing but kindness as everyone has tried to help us.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Thursday 10th
The fine weather has returned. We spent a pleasant day on Wednesday in the city of Bordeaux visiting all the tourist sights and just wandering aimlessly. For such a big city it was clean and they have retained all the old buiding in the centre. Michelle visited the dentist and has had her tooth 'glued' on and can smile again. We had a beer at cafe and people watched. (6 Euros)
Today is an RW day- rest and catch up on the washing. Extremely hot though we are not complaining. Managed to take the bikes out on their first outing and ride locally - though I'd have to say I almost melted. Michelle at the dentist having the prep work done for her tooth being repaired. Later we are heading into the city to sample the local cuisine.
The fine weather has returned. We spent a pleasant day on Wednesday in the city of Bordeaux visiting all the tourist sights and just wandering aimlessly. For such a big city it was clean and they have retained all the old buiding in the centre. Michelle visited the dentist and has had her tooth 'glued' on and can smile again. We had a beer at cafe and people watched. (6 Euros)
Today is an RW day- rest and catch up on the washing. Extremely hot though we are not complaining. Managed to take the bikes out on their first outing and ride locally - though I'd have to say I almost melted. Michelle at the dentist having the prep work done for her tooth being repaired. Later we are heading into the city to sample the local cuisine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)