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Published: June 18th 2012
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We are sadly now half way through our van trip and what's changed? Not much- We still get lost every day and everyone still thinks Michael is Dutch; however we have now had to invest in swimming caps so we can legally swim in the campsite pools. This week we have continued along the coast of Spain, back into France to the French Riviera.
The Spanish coastal City of Valencia was our first stop- we managed to see some hookers on the roundabouts before we even found our campsite. We explored the old city- seeing some more pretty churches and architecture before heading to the port to check out the Americas cup village, Grand Prix race way (which was getting ready for the upcoming race) and to try some Paella. Paella was first made in Valencia so we were keen to find a place that made a traditional version of this famous rice dish and thankfully we did. We had the Valencia Paella which is rice, vegetables, chicken and rabbit and it was delicious. It went well with a liter of Sangria. As it was a Saturday the Valencia esplanade was in full swing with Hen parties- all
with innovative ideas-ranging from a float being driven around town with all the girls dressed as brides and another had a marching band following the girls around.
Barcelona was our next stop- we found a campsite just outside the city across from the beach and must have also doubled as a cattery based on the number of cats which appeared to call the site home. Barcelona is a pretty city with La Rambla- Spains most famous boulevard stretching from the start of the old city down to the bustling waterfront area. We spent the day taking in the sights of the city including the fresh food markets, the cathedral and La Sagrada Familia- Gaudis famous work in progress church which was started in 1882 and is expected to be completed around 2020. Barcelona which was a very green city, was by far the most touristy place we have been to on this trip so far, and was therefore filled with street artists and men illegally selling fake goods, which is always fun to watch the grab and run as the police make a half hearted attempt to stop the sale of genuine fake Ray-Bans.
After saying Adios to Spain we headed back into France and after a coastal stopover in the small town of Agdes (with an Australian pub no less) we headed into Provence to search for the famous rolling lavender fields. Google research took us to the small inland town of Sault and driving in we saw that the lavender fields were sadly yet to bloom. Sault was a pretty hillside town and after talking to the visitor information we found out that the lavender was in fact flowering at Valares which was another small town about an hour away. Even though we had already had a big day of driving we decided to push on and were pleasantly rewarded as the drive was stunning with numerous little villages perched on hills, with surrounding vineyards- definitely the kind of area where you feel like you are in the ‘real’ France. Entering Valares we were excited to see that the Lavender was defiantly blooming, so it was great to drive around and see the rolling purple hills with the contrasting blue skies. Michael was in photography heaven.
Our next stop was St Tropez- Start of the French Riviera and playground
to the rich and famous. St Tropez definitely screams money with the latest Ferraris doing laps of the streets, huge super yachts parked in the bay, plastic women and all the big name Italian and French fashion in the shops. As we had to bike into town I felt a tad underdressed in my shorts! The bay is very pretty with glistening waters and is surrounded by hills. We found ourselves asking, whilst walking around the mega yachts how did each of their owners get to this point where they have the need for a 100 foot floating hotel? The only thing about money is there is always someone with more of it, and this could be seen in what looked like small ocean liners anchored offshore, as they were too large for the port. Their owners would get ferried in on what they would call a small runabout and we would call a 40 foot black stealth boat that looked like it just came from the set of the new James Bond film. They would step ashore with their pink pants freshly pressed and a matching sweater draped over their shoulders.
Today we spent the day
on the pebbly beach at Antibes- which provided great views around the coast to Nice, and made us thankful to have sand at home. Tomorrow we will head into Italy- a favourite country of mine. With the past five weeks consisting mostly of Spain and France the idea of heading towards Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Eastern Europe is an exciting prospect that we are eager to explore.
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Elisa
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Enjoy Italy
Hi Guys. Thanks for the updates. Looks amazing. I hope your going to Sorrento and capri while you are in Italy. If you are it is totally worth the effort of catching a ferry from Napoli to Stromboli (active volcano). If you take the fast ferry it only takes you half a day to get there. Leave your van at the port in Napoli. Also a nice break away from the van. All is good here. Lachy is growing up so fast. He reminds me of you Michael with the constant chatter. xox Leese.