JCJ

Well getting to the end of our first ever road trip and it has been amazing. I am proud that I have driven across Europe - think we up to about 3000 kms - with no major hiccups (getting lost and caught in traffic was expected..) I think Sam has learn so much without even realising - he is confident and even tries to say merci and danke... ! We had a bit of a heart to heart last night and he confessed that he feels lonely for children's company as he hasn't talked to any kids for over 3 weeks now. I hadn't expected that he would feel like that but can understand how he feels. Brussels is a cool city - we are staying right near the Grand Place - the main market square ... read more

The plan for today was to go to Weimar for a coffee and then to head to the concentration camp at Buchenwald. I had mixed feelings about taking Sam there but he was interested and it is an interesting experience. Then we would head to Berlin, taking our time and either check in and get Paul, or go straight to the airport to meet him at 9.30pm. We were really excited about meeting Paul and the day started well with a swim before breakfast which we made in the room. As soon as we had parked the car in the underground car park in Weimar the heavens opened and we had to go back for waterproofs. Managed to wals to the market square and enjoyed a coffee in the Elephant hotel where the guidebook said was ... read more

Woke up late to a lovely sunny hot morning.. no driving needed so we could relax and do some serious sight seeing!! Sam had already decided he wanted to go to the Chocolate museum and I wanted to visit the cathedral. Neither were disappointing. Had a lovely walk along the Rhine and stopped for a coffee and some people watching too. The chocolate museam is a great place for kids - it gives the history of chocolate coming to Europe as well as a factory to see the various stages of making chocolates. The taste from the chocolate fountain was good and the whole place smelt lovely. Hotel is OK - only about 20 minutes from the city so we have walked for miles today. Both exhausted and are now chilling in the hotel. For tomorrow's ... read more

Well I managed my first ever drive on the wrong side of the road and after quite a long time - about 3 hours we reached Ypres. It took a lot of concentration and help from Sam who is a good navigator and reminded me where to look... at 8pm every evening there is a Last Post ceremony and while we got here about 8pm we checked into the hotel and just missed it. The gate is impressive and sad with all the names of the missing soldiers with no graves - 35000 in total. Need to go back into the car now and head gor Cologne so hope to update more later.... read more

Arrived back from Sofia yesterday with out delays unlike the way out.. mum met us at the airport and looked after us for the day, leaving Paul at the airport and the next time he sees us and the car we will be at Berlin airport to meet him! Not really a very interesting travel story... more like home even though I haven't lived there for 20 years! seems impossible to believe but Houghton Regis will always be home.. Tonight we are staying in Ramsgate to be close to the ferry port and to save the amount of driving in one day.... read more