Blogs from Nord-Pas de Calais, France, Europe - page 25

After a comfy night's sleep in London, it was up at 6:30am in time to enjoy the free breakfast (something which John couldn't quite get over...I tried to explain that, technically, the price of the breakfast was in with the price of the room, but he didn't seem too interested!). Have to say, it was better than I expected it to be-fried egg, sausage, beans, bacon and toast, and all washed down with juice and a nice cuppa. We were all finished and checked out by 7:30, and made the short walk across the road to St Pancras Station to catch our Eurostar to France. It was a bit of a scary start to the holiday; after all my stressing that things were going to go majorly wrong with our hotels, trains and pretty much everything ... read more

Dinner in St Omer was 2 hours and four courses of gorgeousness. To be honest the food in Tournus was probably better but tonight's meal was carefully cooked and beautifully presented. The service was impeccable and all this for a 25 euro set menu. Ashley started with marinated salmon and I had goats cheese salad. Then Ashley had tornedos of duck with ginger and coriander and I had steak with a creamy sauce with local cheese. We shared a good selection of cheeses (including rebluchon which is not local to here and a chevre that might have been along with three local cheeses of varying strengths). Then Ashley had sorbets with fresh fruit and I had the crème brulee. We took photos... And for the record, the restaurant is called Le P'tit Montmartre.... read more

Some reflections what worked and what worked less well. I must realise what sort of milage is sensible per day on a Harley. A Harley is for cruising not belting down motorways. I also should realise that taking the distance easy is better for me, more fun and less stress. Multi use items work well on the whole. A sweater is great for warmth on the bike and chilly evenings in northern Europe, a light one that packs small is perfect from when not needed, I got this right. Similarly light waterproofs work well, can still be used in the heat. Good riding gloves are essential, as is sun block for hands for when it hits 35C and gloves are not an option. Boots, I took a chance on a pair of good Kats, potentially good ... read more

It seems I have had several medical appointments lately for various reasons, which prompted me to reflect on the differences between my experiences in the doc’s office here and in the States. Let’s start with the States. So you arrive for your appointment early. The second you open the door to the office, the Doctor’s Office Smell fills your nostrils. You know the one - that oh-so-familiar smell of … of what? I don’t know exactly, but it smells vaguely of sterilized medical packaging and those wooden sticks they use to see down your throat. You walk to the receptionist’s desk where a woman dressed in some awfully patterned scrubs looks up at you (probably without smiling) over a high counter and possibly through a plexi-glass window as you sign your name, the time of your ... read more

Travel blog 21 Have been struggling with internet down in southern France. For last blog took our lap top into a hairdressers where Andy left me for an hour or so to catch up quickly on some e-mails. Funny sitting typing with hair flying all over the place, hair dryers blowing across my back and spray getting in my eyes. Pity I took Andy in as he got ideas above his station with the hairdressing lark. Thought it looked easy and decided he could give me a cut and blow dry. Whata mistaka to maka! Hair all different lengths despite his trimmers. Good job I am not too fussy. Andy happily watched his football and we were ready to move on again. Wednesday, 30th April Left the little harbour of Miramar in the pouring rain. We ... read more