A whole Nou world

We were all a bit excited. The day had come to visit one of the great football stadiums in the world, and the second largest (largest in Europe) the Nou Camp in Barcelona.

I have to admit that I had been a bit nervous about this part of the trip, as I had in all the major cities, Paris, Geneva etc. The thought of battling foreign traffic and regulations in a big old camper van, and then finding parking without height restrictions in order to do the tour was a bit daunting.

Fortunately we were able to get booked on a coach tour to the Nou Camp and Barcelona city so my worries were unfounded. It was an excited family group that boarded the coach at our campsite gates at 0800 hrs on Wednesday morning. Off we set with a very knowledgable tour guide giving us commentary in four languages.

By 1100 hrs we had our first glimpse of the iconic stadium and by half 11 we were wandering round the historic inside.

The tour was fantastic, and took in the changing rooms, pitch side and benches, press boxes, interview rooms, media suite and museum. It was a smashing experience and one none of us will forget for a very long time.

We visited the day before a big home match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. We could have tried to get tickets but because the matches in Spain are played late at night to avoid the heat, it would have meant 3 days of our tour dedicated to the Nou Camp and football ( plus tickets were ridiculously priced), so we made do with our little tour.

As part of our bus package, we then headed into central Barcelona for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, followed by a wander around Las Rambles a famous street filled with stalls and artists plying their wares.

We also got to visit the 1992 Olympic stadium and a spot high on the mountains great for pictures of lots of famous city landmarks.

The bus had us back at the campsite by 2000 hrs where we headed for the pool and a cold glass of wine or two.

What a smashing day all round, made better by someone else driving and taking the strain.

If you get a chance, make a visit. Or if you want a real treat, Elland Road is just off the M1.

Today we head off to a glass bottomed boat trip around the islands, snorkelling in the clear water and sea trampolining. I've never seen it before but looks great fun.

Of course I'll let you know how it goes.

Chris

L'Estart of a new adventure

France was great. Although by no means fluent, we have enough knowledge of the language to get by and can pas pleasantries no problem and understand what we need to to survive.

Spain is a whole different ball game. Our knowledge past Ola is pretty much zero. My army knowledge of the language only equates to phrases that would get us in trouble with local law enforcement agencies.

That said we weren't put off, just a bit excited to be travelling into the semi-unknown.

True to form, we split the trip from France by stopping en-route at Aqualand in Cyr Sans Le Mer. We had a great day again playing on the rides and scaring dad with things involving heights. I have to say, the Aqualand in Ste Maxime was smaller but easier to keep an eye on the kids in. The one in Cyr was bigger, with bigger and better rides, but also with bigger queues and longer waits. Still it was a really fun day, well worth the entry fee and one to visit if your in the area. The kids will love it.

After a day in the pools, we hit the road trying to get as close to the Spanish border as possible. Unfortunately, traffic around Perpignon was bad and there was also a big smash on the other side of the carriageway on the motorway. It caused us big delays, the first on our trip and considering the mileage we've done, we can't complain.

So we didn't get as far as expected, and pulled up in another free Aire, at 2300 hrs ready for a good kip.

We woke to find that the Aire was a pretty popular place, in high season on a saturday morning. The place was jam packed full, and just getting out took a lot of manoeuvring, plenty of hand signals and some more French style motoring assertiveness. It wasn't the nicest Aire we have stayed in, because it was so busy the toilets were stinking and the queues were terrible. But it served a purpose, and a couple of hours after leaving we were pulling up at our new home in Spain, Camping Montgri in L'Estartit.

What a great place. Busy but large enough to handle it easily it has all you want and more. We are camping in the lower section, next to the bottom pool complex. It has three pools, including one up the mountain side and loads of shops, cafe's, restaurants, shows, golf, horse rides etc etc and some nice shade, just what we wanted.

We had already planned to stay here because some good friends were coming here on a bus tour. We were also thinking ahead as the rest of our trip on the continent we left free to do as we pleased. So our plan was to see if the site was any good, and perhaps stay a few days extra if possible.

When we arrived, we left the van to explore and saw all the good stuff. We had some drinks by the pool and ordered some food. After all the bread and cheese and continental stuff we had indulged in in France, it was nice to be able to get some traditional English grub (on the menu as well as more traditional Spanish fayre). As the waiter plonked sausage, egg, chips and beans in front of me, in the shade on a beautiful Spanish sunny day, next to a glistening pint of ice cold cider I thought it couldn't get better. And then Leeds Utd came on the big screen, beating Wolves at Elland Road and I was sold! The extra days were booked so now we are stopping here til Sunday. Happy days.

Our friends arrived safely a day later and the kids were in their element. After three weeks on the road, it's been nice for them to have regular friends around to play with. And they have played some! It's almost impossible to drag them away from the pool to eat or drink because they are loving it so much. Jacks swimming, which was weak when we left uk has come on in leaps and bounds. As has our tans!

The beach is a short walk away and we have been for a look around town.

Tomorrow we are booked on a trip to Barcelona to visit the town, and more importantly the Nou Camp where we're doing the full shebang. Museum, pitch, changeling rooms, press box etc etc. really looking forward to it.

We also plan to go on a glass bottomed boat around the islands, to snorkel and sea trampoline (I'll tell all in a later blog).

We of course plan to visit a local market so that we have the privilege of bartering for tat instead of just paying for it, and will do another water park before we leave. In the heat, being near to or better still in water is a must.

It's a fab place, lots to do, see, eat and drink and were all loving this leg of the tour.

Until next time. Adios amigos

St Tropez baby!!

Our time in the South of France continued with great weather. It was fab camping right on the beach for a few days, but did become hard work, keeping everything free from sand and dealing with the heat and no shade.

Glad we can say we did it but would defo book a pitch with some shade next time.

Anyway our last few days at Camping Des Mures were quite busy. We had a trip to one of our favourite places in the world, Port Grimaude. It's like a mini Venice without the bad smells. I love a place where most of the houses have a berth for a boat than a car parking spot.

We also spent a day rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous in St Tropez. We have been a few times but it's always nice to look at the super yachts and soak up the atmosphere. It's also nice to dream a bit about a lottery win and what you would spend it on.

Top tip. Visit St Tropez in a car rather than a camper van. Because of height restrictions parking for the van was a nightmare, and one experienced by lots of people in their motorhomes. To be fair, we had a good look around the place driving in circles looking for a spot. We had all but given up when one became free and I drove like a maniac (or a Frenchman) to get in it and we were away on foot to explore.

We went back to the cafe where Kerry, Harry and I had shared a drink with former formula 1 legend Eddie Irvine 10 years ago. Well actually we just followed him in and sat close and paid nearly euro 50 for three cokes!!! This time we settled for a couple of photos outside and a slushy from a street vendor for a far more reasonable 2.50. You learn from expensive mistakes lol.

We watched super yacht 'Blind Date' head out of the harbour and googled it later that day. She was sold for £35 million last year. Who knows, next year we may own her, and be sailing on her to who knows where.

We had a good day and all enjoyed it. Later that day we had a wander along the beach to another camp site and enjoyed a meal in their restaurant. Jack ordered a 'cote des soleil' alcohol free cocktail that we all fell in love with and we had a great meal with lots of laughs. The van now carries our own ingredients for the cocktail so we can enjoy whenever we want.

The next day was a French national religious holiday so we played on the beach and were treated to an afternoon air show, with the French equivalent of the 'Red Arrows' performing. They were good, but not a patch on Red 1 and his buddies. Keep trying boys. They also had a load of firework displays all down the coast and we had the perfect spot at our tent to watch a few of them for free. Unfortunately most of the people in the SOF had the same idea and we ended up with rows and rows of onlookers lined up just outside our door to watch. I had a "get off my land" moment until I realised, and we all enjoyed the show. Us and our newest 300 best friends. Jack was less than impresses. We woke him when the fireworks started and all he said was "why did you wake me to watch this racket?" lol, one of those moments we won't forget.

And nearing the end of our time on our own bit of beach in the SOF, we took the boys to Port Grimaude fair. We thought it was going to be an expensive doo, but Kerry came up trumps again and got us bargain Multi-buy tickets for well under the market value. They allowed us all to go on 19 different rides for loads cheaper, it was just a job to get all the rides in in one night as the fair only opens between 2000 and 0100 hrs.

It was funny, all the scary rides we have been on and things we have done, and the kids haven't been fazed at all. And I took them both in an animated 5D show, 3D glasses plus movement and touch, and they both were terrified. It was only funny when we got out and realised that the audience was being filmed and shown live outside on a big screen. So Kerry managed to video us all inside and watch the boys squirm, cover their eyes and grab dad for comfort! Ha, that's one to play at a wedding!

And that was that. End of out time on the French med and time to move on again. Heading now for Northern Spain and a rendezvous at L'estartit with some friends and their kids.

Another top tip; always remember when your travelling, countries are designed to make the locals happy, not the tourists!

Until next time, Au revoir France.

Chris

Life's a Beach

So we arrived in Camping des Mures on the beach in the South of France with high expectation. Kerry, Harry and I had stayed here when Harry was just 2 and a half and the place holds fond memories. We were nicely rested after a night at an Aire and had had a good brekky( although it wasn't a full English)!

The last 10 years has seen a lot of development in this area, but we had bagged a pitch right on the front with the Med lapping at our feet, so wernt too concerned with the amount of traffic on the road on the way in.

It has to be said, our first day didn't go as happily as planned. I set out to erect camp, and Kerry headed off on foot with the boys to find a cashpoint and buy essential supplies. You know the kind of thing, dinghy, li-lo, umbrellas and assorted beach tat that only lasts until the first gust of wind.

Unfortunately we both underestimated our tasks massively. The heat in the afternoon here is over 30, and so putting up our awning and lugging heavy kit out of the van took its toll on me. A couple of hours work saw me off, especially doing it and trying not to burn. When I got finished, nearly passing out from the heat, I took a stroll the few paces needed to jump in the sea for a cooling dip which helped. It was then I realised Kerry and the lads had been a long time and started to fret.

You do hear horror stories of crime in this area in holiday season, but with no mobile phone to check, I was unsure what may have happened.

A huge sigh of relief was breathed when after an hour of scouring the beach for signs of them, they all trooped around the corner, laden down with afore-mentioned unnecessary tat. It turned out they had had to walk a good few miles in the heat to find a cash machine/shop and had then struggled to carry it back. Three hours they were gone.

Our day didn't get better. Having not long been in country the heat took its toll that first day. Setting up and keeping sand and dust free seemed impossible, it was a Friday and very noisy and busy on the beach until late and our illusion of a tranquil beach part of holiday seemed miles away. We were also worried about being robbed as so many people were about late at night and all our gear felt so very vulnerable. It was a somber couple of us who sat in the awning that night sipping warm wine and feeling a little deflated.

However it was only a short blip. The last couple of days has been a blast! Our pitch is on the front at the end next to a rocky pier which is great for fishing and we have spent hours trying to outwit the local tiddlers (count to date - 10 fish caught).

We're also right next to the jet ski centre and had a fantastic blast on a couple the other day All of us loved the experience and would recommend it to anyone wanting a buzz.

Yesterday we went to 'Aqualand' for the day which is jam packed with slides, pools and rides. The kids didn't stop all day and it was more than worth the entrance fee. So much better than wet and wild, cleaner, cheaper and sunnier.

We have also played and swam in the sea (almost every 10 mins to cool down) and had a drive around the bay, although not into Saint Tropez yet, that's tomorrow.

We have had some lovely food, local restaurants are good and supermarket reasonable for the area. Tonight we are going to visit the next door camp site for a meal and a few drinks. Now the wine is chilled the mood has got a lot better! Lol

We also plan a paragliding experience if we can get booked and maybe another day in another Aqualand later in the week. We're here til Friday and have so much to fit in.

And although the French in this part of the country at perhaps not as welcoming as in the north, they are certainly more aggressive on the roads and swarm around you on scooters and motorbikes like hornets, but we haven't seen any evidence of crime. Our beach tat has been safe so far.

We are embracing the culture. Remember, if you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you may as well stay at home.

Chris

Aires and Graces

Hi all. Sorry I have been a bit quiet, but we're camping on the beach near Saint Tropez and Internet connection is tricky as you can imagine. Plus I hav'nt made much of an effort because we are doing so much stuff. Today I'm going to make up for it and do two blogs to update you all.

So we left Geneva, phew, thank the lord. It was a lovely place and camp site, and we are definitely glad we went, but my bank card was having palpitations every time we did even a small daily food shop.

It really was that expensive for everything. We headed out on another beautiful morning in the general direction of the South of France.

As I have mentioned before, we have tried to break up all our journeys, for our sanity and to make the travel time better for the kids. As English people, we generally have a certain view of French people and culture, but one thing they do way better than us is motorway services or 'Aires'. They range from massive all singing all dancing sites with fuel, shops, cafes, etc etc, to smaller picnic spots just off the motorway.

There are no exorbitant parking prices at any of these places, you are welcome to just pull up and camp and make use of the facilities mainly for free. Some of the sites cater for motorhomes or caravans and have water, electric hook up, showers and toilets, although some do charge a small fee for these services. Even so they are way cheaper than camp sites and make travel so much easier and enjoyable.

These Aires are not just next to motorways. Some are located in beauty spots off the beaten track and are well used, well advertised and well maintained.

Kerry had done some research and found an Aire a couple of hours south of Geneva at Lac Montynard which would break up our journey nicely. When we arrived the place exceeded expectation, lovely turquoise waters, well used by water sports enthusiasts and campers but not overly busy. Toilets, shops and cafe with hook up and water if needed for Euro 9 per night.

We only needed to stay for a few hours to break up the journey, but if we are ever in the area again we would definitely think about staying.

We all had a good play on the beach and in the water, had a good scoff and an ice cream or two at the cafe and I managed a quick nap in the van to prepare us nicely for the onward trip to the South of France.

The kids loved it and even though we were really worried about the amount of miles they were going to be sat in the van for, our plan, with the help of the Aires has been pretty plain sailing.

After the Lac, we carried on south through the mountains and some breathtaking scenery until we stopped for the night in an Aire (for free) about 45 minutes short of our next destination Port Grimaude, just near Saint Tropez.

Lao Tzu once said: A good traveller a has no fixed plans, and is not solely intent on arriving.

Chris

Geneva or bust!

So Paris was a great start. And things have stayed that way. Kerry's planning is paying off and our idea to break up the journeys is working well.

We travelled down a couple of hours towards Geneva and stopped at Lac D'Orient. The sun was shining, the beach was clean and the water was warm. We all really enjoyed a few hours splashing about having fun rather than watching the motorway.

Lady luck was watching over us. As we headed back to the van, down came the rain. No problem at all, in fact a bit of a bonus when your driving as it keeps the heat down. So I drove late into the night. Kerry using modern technology to keep us updated with weather reports, travel info, Olympic updates and how everyone was doing on Facebook. The lads watched movies in the back until we stopped for the night at the Aire de Poulet en Bresse. (Pronounced Pooley on bress) which I thought appropriate considering our tour and blog. We had a good free night in the Aire and awoke to piping hot fresh croissants and coffee. Good too that we had managed to press on til about an hour short of Geneva, so our morning trip to our new home was short and sweet.

First impressions of Geneva were not great. Busy, confusing and needed a good clean were what we thought, but that was in part to arriving when the Geneva fair was on. And it was still raining.

We did consider just doing a u-turn and heading for the south and the sun but thank goodness we didn't. Point a la Bise is a beautiful little site right on the lake a couple of miles outside town. We were greeted by a lovely lady named Pia who treated us like long lost family. She gave us maps, free bus and boat tickets and even offered to drive us to the supermarket for supplies! And as we stepped out of the van the rain stopped and it's been 27 degrees pretty much ever since.

We are camped right next to the lake and have a wonderful view of the city and the shoreline. The site is quiet and tranquil (at least it was til Harry and Jack arrived) and has smashing clean facilities and plenty to do on site and nearby. Yesterday we set up and played on site. Today we have had a day in and around the water soaking up the rays and having a lovely BBQ with a view to die for.

There is a down side (and hence the title of this post). Geneva is expensive. Well that's an under statement. A couple of chicken breasts for the BBQ cost £10. A meal for one, without drink drink or starter or dessert will set you back nearly £50! Shocking, but don't let that put you off Geneva.

Travel tip for today, bring plenty of supplies bought in shops in other countries and enjoy the free welcome of the people and outstanding views.

A famous lady travel writer once wrote; before travelling lay out all the clothes and all the money you plan to take on your trip. Then ditch half the clothes and double the money and you should be fine. Never has a quote been more true than about Geneva.

Gotta go. Got to apply after sun and Kerry and I have a bank job planned tonight to pay for this leg of the trip.

Chris

To those we've met so far.

So the first part of our journey is nearly over. Today we head towards Switzerland and plan to stop at Lac D'Orient a couple of hours down the road. There's a lake and canal and free parking for the van so we plan to picnic and explore 'til evening, then I will drive so we are within striking distance of Geneva for the morning.

Yesterday we hit 'Gay Paris' and went local for the day. Following some advice gained on camp, we parked the van and bought our day passes for the trains. The queue for tickets was massive, but as we knew what we needed we just went on an automatic machine and were sat on a train heading to the centre within 5 mins. 45 minutes later we emerged from the Metro gloom to Paris sunshine at Charles De Gaulle Etoile station, right next to L'Arc de Triomphe. We then wandered down to the Eiffel tower, about 15 minutes away.

Unfortunately, everyone else in Paris had the same plan and the queue was 4 hours long at least. As Harry was the keenest to go up the tower, he was given the choice to wait or go. It was a no-brainer as far as he is concerned, he hates waiting, so we took plenty of pics, stood under it and hit plan B.

We got river bus passes and made our way leisurely back along the Seine, taking in all the sights, the French Parliament, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the botanical gardens. It was a lovely trip and we all really enjoyed it.

We ended our trip by walking to the Gare de Lyon to board a train back to the van. It made the kids day because they recognised a restaurant in the station used by Mr Bean in one of his movies.

All in all our Paris section of the tour has been a fantastic start, thanks to the kindness and friendliness of the French people we have met (unusual for a Brit to say that maybe but true) and to Mr Disney and his crew for some memories we will carry forever. More importantly are the other people we have met so far at the site that have made it such a pleasure and make it just a bit sad to leave.

Dutchman Bob, his wife Agnes and their three gorgeous girls. Always smiling and having a laugh.

Cath, Sean and Zara from Swindon who we shared an evening and too much wine! Lol

Our friend Simon the photographer from Fulham and his son Andoni, who we shared many a chat and cold beer. Andoni also made a friend for life when he shared his bike with Jack. I'm sure we will meet again sometime, either at home or overseas.

Mike and Pam, our seasoned traveller neighbours. Friendly and kindly souls who have shared so much info and knowledge. Their passion for travel has inspired us for the future and we wish you well on all of your exciting trips.

And lastly but my no means least, our exceptional hosts Stephanie and Olivier who are the hardest working campsite owners we have ever met. Despite the long hours and constant demands, always willing to help, advise, translate, share and serve. And all with a smile or a laugh. Never a shrug or an eye roll. Thank you for fantastic stay. We will be back and we will recommend you and your beautiful site to everyone we can.

So the moral of this blog is, it's not the points on the map that make a trip, it's the people and things that happen along the way that make it special.

Chris

A Great Start.

What a fantastic start to the adventure we've had. The ferry crossing was calm as you like, although a storm brewed when I found out it was going to cost Euro 90 (approx £70) to feed the family on board!!! That soon passed and Zeebrugge appeared the next morning to blue sky and sunshine.

We took the drive to Paris easy, a couple of roundabouts and roadworks on the way out of the port got me back into driving on the right hand side quickly. We had a few breaks along the way for food and leg stretches and to fuel up. Now that was nice, no rip off UK fuel to pay for.

Before we knew it we passed Disney on the way to our campsite, Les Etangs Fleuris and Kerry and I exchanged nervous glances as we seemed to drive further and further into the middle of nowhere. Our worries were unfounded as the site is smashing. The staff speak excellent English (and are prepared not to laugh at our attempts at French) and are very helpful and welcoming.

The site itself is a dream for the kids. It's got a brilliant pool and water slide (plus no health and safety lifeguard shouting at kids, just great fun). There's a playground, table tennis, mini golf, fishing and lovely clean facilities.

So the first day we arrived here early afternoon and set up camp while the kids explored their new surroundings.

Yesterday we hit Disneyland and did a full day until the kids tired (and us if truth be told) and today headed for Walt Disney Studios. The park today was far better for the boys, more suited to their ages and interests. We have had an absolute blast although my eyeballs were nearly sucked from their sockets by the vacuum caused by Mr Disney and his croneys sucking large amounts of cash from my wallet!

It's not cheap, but the memories are priceless and last a lifetime.



Tomorrow we hit Paris central and then head back to Disney in the evening for the parades. Busy, busy, busy, but we head towards Geneva on Sunday and want to fit plenty in.

Until next time, keep living the dream.

Chris