Words of Wisdom .....

The beautiful one is now beginning to embrace all things fun bus. The words of wisdom inscribed on the wooden placard is akin to that used for dogs around this time of year ... not just for christmas but for life.

Festive Felicitations

To avid fans of all things funbus - we wish you and your extended families and tribes goodwill and much rejoicing.

Bish & Smithington's Top Christmas tip: Eat, Drink and make Merry!!

A Jefford esq.

He is indeed an inspirational iconic role model, whom we seek to emulate should we reach such longevity.

Happy Birthday Andy

The man who's knowledge of geography is legendary has just reached another decade.

Commenting earlier today he said what with this and getting a free green wheelie bin he feels like he has only just started!

They don't build them like they used to...

Rejoice and praise the mighty beast that is the funbus.

23 summers old and sailed majestically through the annual MOT - no work needed and no advisories (if only the Smiths male heir's Saxo of far lesser years would perform as well!).

So now the bus is safely ensconsed in its Winter quarters with a full A1 rating and will be raring to go in 2012.

Hibernation beckons..

So another year draw to a close for the funbus.

During 2011 it has visted strange new lands(Switzerland) and sought out new civilisations (the Germans) and boldly gone (Glasto) where no funbus has ever gone before!

Throughout its intrepid and demanding travels it has always displayed a healthy willingness to tackle new challenges with minimum fuss...A credit to the ministrations of the Bish who is truly blessed with a talent for the dark arts and mysteries that are all things mechanical.

So now a suitable resting spot has been sourced and secured for the mighty funbus to have a period of much needed rest and recuperation so it may return next year fresh and eager to carry and care for us and the beautiful ones on our ongoing quest for new adventures and escapades.

So as hibernation beckons we start to dream of possibilities in 2012....

Rewind @ Rick's

Huge fun was had by the trusty Rewind crew and chums at our reunion bash, hosted in grand style by Rick and Gill. Headache this morning but well worth it.

Looking forward to Henley 2012.

Man & machine in perfect harmony

 

2012 Rewind - book early!

Followers of all things funbus will be aware of the huge fun that was had at the 2011 Rewind bash at Henley. Suffice to say that plans have been hatched and speedily implemented to gain access to the 2012 extravaganza.

Tickets were quickly snapped up and I am pleased to announce the funbus will make its inaugural appearance at Henley in August 2012 to provide welcome shelter to the beautiful ones whilst Bish and I will reside in the servant quarters (that is our trusty 'Glasto' tent) at the rear of the van!

Tickets sold fast and indeed all campervan ones were sold out by Oct 7th!

So Top Tip for Rewind 2012 - Come and join us but Book Early!

Fun Bus mark 2 ?

Eat your heart out Top Gear..

Didn't need the Stig to prove there is a lot of life in the funbus

Bish & Machine in pefect harmony

Bish's debrief or Smithington's reflections

So in simple terms the fun bus has undertaken a round trip of c.1000 miles. We stayed at Les Sables-d'Olonne (the home of the Vendee Globe) and spent time boarding at two beaches; cycled around the local area; drank in local bars and had a blast. so here are some observations:

Les Sables D'olonne. ...in short it was closed! So quiet, even McDonalds was shut. there was obviously a 7 pm cufew for anyone under 60. Lots of old people wandering aimlessly around but I have to say they were on the whole rather jolly and spritely. Clubs were non-existent and restaurants few and far between. Bars that were open however were the real macoy - frequented by locals jabbering in French and quaffing Ricard and cafe - we felt right at home except for speaking french of course. Prices were expensive with 'pression' 25ml at anywhere from 2.50 to 3.50 Euros. Coffee was spectacular.

The campsite was interesting...top tip you need to take your own toilet paper and the communual shower block is exactly that - communual. Led to overhearing some interesting conversations in French as couples were obviously saving water and showering in pairs! Varied types availing themselves of the facilities - notable being the chapter of Honda Gold Wing bikers who were all over 85 and quiet by 10.30! The swimming pool and bar were closed but we are certain you could spend 5 euros and have a goood time (especially if glasses were included!). The receptionist was friendly once she got off her mobile and relaxed enough not to worry about paying until we left - cool. Nice boulangerie within 100 metres, a clean supermarket within 500 metres and a hospital within 200 metres.

Highlight was the 'Le Rucking bar' - 10 minutes bike ride from the camp site and owned by rugger fanatics. check out the twitters from funbusamigo for details...good times.

Obviously we spent time at the hallowed land and spiritual home of the funbus the la Terriere beach and were not disappointed. The only concern being that the burger/chi chi bar had gone !!
The other beach visited was La Tanchet - compact and bijou and book ended with a plethora of rock pools. Waves were good especially as it got close to high tide but volume of humans trying to have fun made life difficult.

So thats the end of the season for the fun bus. With the beautiful ones off to Las Vegas in October the opportunity will be taken to stem the onset of rust bubbles and 'pimp our wagon'....

The sun sets on a great few days

Look out for a more detailed debrief from Smithington!

France v Tonga

Half time, mood subdued in French bar 'Le Rucking!
Smiling inside
Celebratory cognac possibilities.

Just a small jelly fish

Come on England...

so chums - we have had a great day of playing on the beach and sampling some damn fine crepes and coffee - I was very healthy as I had lemon on mine (must be one of my daily 5) but the man had sucre! Waves were rather spectacular. Now ensconsed in bar quaffing Black Sheep - yes the same stuff I had up on the hills but this time in bottles. and wrestling with thoughts as to what to eat and do next. Lots of ideas but favourite is to move onto the Ricard and crisps!
We have found a bar to watch the jolly old rugger tomorrow and hopefully see many points put past an enthusiastic but ultimately losing team of Scottish types.
SWING LOW SWEET CHARIOT ....

One man and his kite

This is the life

A couple of hours bodyboarding in glorious sunshine followed by a couple of beers.

Arriveé

10.30 @ Sables d'Olonne
Waiting for mist to clear.
1st beers!

Sunrise

7am Le Mans
Coffee and croissant.

The journey begins in France

3.50am French time just left Dieppe

Ferry top tips

Pillow and sleeping bag are essential
ear plugs mean loud french people are less annoying
en route visit sainsburys as late as possible for large range of cut price tasty sandwiches

The smelly one...

On ferry to Dieppe

2 days time...

...and it's looking good!

Rambling again...

(me and 3 bix Eds)

Being a sucker for punishment and having forgotten how painful last year's national 3 peaks was, I was co-erced into joining the team of Leaper in the Yorkshire version. For those unsure of what I am whittering on about, I am referring to the Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge. 12 hours to walk c.26 miles and climb 3 peaks.

As the call came late I only had a month to train. Quickly decided I would hurt myself if I went to the gym and so took the Zen approach and told myself that each step will be a joy and a journey all of its own. As regulars will know, I do take my diet seriously and developed a new one called the four C's that I intend to patent... Chips, Chianti, Curry and Cider.

Anyway - off to Yorkshire in the fine company of '3 weetabix Eds' who has an interesting (albeit slightly feminine) penchant for walking boots and rain jackets. He is the fine fellow in the picture. At a jolly little hostelry we met up with fellow chums and sampled a fine local brew called 'Black Sheep'.

Starting out at daybreak in high spirits we spent a most enjoyable day wandering up hills, down dales, climbing mountains, fording streams, bog wading and laughing.

We achieved our goal in 10 and a half hours but I have to say at the cost of my knees which have now ceased to be ... they are no more ... they are ex knees!
So another adventure in good company has been enjoyed and now to plan the next one...

We love Jo Whiley...

Well fellow lovers of all things funbus...what can I say. We have a new fan.
Those in the know will be aware that a visit was made to Hyde Park to enjoy the foot tapping melodies of Jools, Imelda, Gary, Will, Beverley and the god that is Niles Rodgers.
Our tweeting good friend FUNBUSAMIGO was quoted live on air by Jo Whiley.
Listen and believe!

How good were the 80's?

Have just spent the weekend with new chums at Rewind - what a hoot!

YMCA'd with the Village People; shared a mystery with Toyah: fantasised with Earth Wind and Fire; drank red wine with Ali Campbell: Relaxed with Holly Johnson; visited Venus with Banarama; had a Fantastic Day with Haircut 100; went round again with the Average White Band; looked at love with ABC; Human League dont want me but to the Real Thing I am everything...lots of other acts but I think you get the idea.

Couldnt use the van but 'Glamped' in tangerine style with exclusive access to showers and loos that were better than Glasto (just!). Food good and lots to drink. Red wine and cheese at the end of each evening made it a very civilised experience

Worth going just to see 40 thousand people in fancy dress for 2 days..

Having fun in a Somerset field....

The Bus at Glasto..

Glasto stll having nightmares...

I shared a tent with these 2!

Suddenly it all makes sense!

Glastonbury 2011: what a blast!
A river of mud, equatorial heat, thousands of happy people, gruesome toilets, good food, lots to drink, fantastic chums and music.
I am sure its a marmite thing in as much as you would absolutely love it or completely loathe it - up to you to decide.
I loved it.
Even though I am not good in crowds.
Even though I had a 'Diva' tantrum over Coldplay who in hindsight didn't deserve my vitriol and neither did my chums (so very very sorry)
Even though I had to wear wellies
I loved it....even Beyonce :)

To one of the greatest weekends ever and the friends who made it such - never forgotten

Dartmoorheather

Soulmates Mike and Heaf have sent best wishes and will be playing spot someone you know even though they are cunningly disguised in a uniform of mud, hat, mud, cheesy grin and mud.

Instead of a large annoying flag we have a rather racy shark wind sock...so keep those eyes peeled as you rest comfortably quaffing the Chard.

...and yes peeing in the river is a rites of passage!

18 hours and counting.

Festivities nearly here...

With Glasto only hours away now, I am pleased to report the safe arrival of the mighty bus at casa Smith. Loading has commenced already with necessities for the beautiful ones who will be taking up court therein - whilst us lower mortals will be residing in a more traditional abode for such an event.
All is excitement and haste as we scan playlists and dream of sun.
The off springs are in the vanguard and will be setting forth at daybreak on wednesday to claim camping pitches as far as possible from us and the bus who will be joining them on site on Thursday.
Wish us well fair reader ....

Test run

Thanks to Malcolm and the Bish, the water boiler has been fixed and all running repairs completed. All that was left to do was to undertake an overnighter or two to test it all out in time for the Glasto spectacular.
So off to the jolly Gower we did trot for a couple of days of R&R. Spirits were high and the weather good as we sallied forth. Wales as ever was very welcoming despite the 40 minute queue to get into it! The bus ran well and the first camp stop for the Friday night was clean and hospitable. A cafe/bar within 20 minutes walk and in no time we were enjoying the local brews.
Suffice to say a pleasurable time was had.
Bouyed with the prospect of splashing in the famed Gower surf we were somewhat downheartened to awake to flat seas and becalmed beaches - O how we wished for a storm! But the sun came on strong and the scenery was wonderful so we took the opportunity to travel around stopping here and there to sample various victuals and libations and view the numerous beaches.
A quiet evening with a sumptious barbie, robust red wine and intellectual debate.
Not much to report but suffice to say the van is back in tip top order.
Next stop Glasto.

The beautiful one..

Now the beautiful one has checked my spelling and grammar on the last entry - she is now quietly snoring catching some rays and flies....and people wonder why I bother with the funbus.

Reflections

So..now back in Blighty and quaffing Pimms on the upper terrace at casa Smith entertaining the beautiful boss, time to update the chronicles and reflect on the past few days.
Friday was always going to be slightly anxious as we had politely declined the kind invitation from those very nice but a little clingy Middletons and Windsors and we were a little concerned that may dispatch a gun boat to insist we attend some function or other. Anyway, no gun boat and no threatening texts so all cool.
After winding our way down the moutain avoiding the cable car we took the opportrunity to continue following the river Saar north heading for the border. Lovely countryside worth a trip on its own with a bicycle or two. I must say that Germany is rather 'neat'. A fuel stop in Luxembourg (15 cents cheaper than in Germany!) prompted a heated altercation between the Bish and an insolent, slack jawed, ignorant teutonic plebian who justifies every stereotypical chracterisation of Germans by the equally moronic little Englanders! Nothing need more be said but I was truly proud of the Bish who showed huge restraint and dealt with the situation with great aplomb...how we chuckled afterwards.
So onwards through Belgium .. I have to say of all the travelling I have done (and the Bish agrees..) Belgiums are the worst drivers in the Northern Hemisphere. They lose all rational thought when sat behind the wheel of a car. They are taught to ignore the Highway code and other drivers. Their sole intention is to go as fast as possible 6 inches behind the car/van/lorry in front. ...a tad nervewracking!
Destination Bruges. As loyal readers will know..Bruges was a destination at Christmas with many fine chums so I will not dwell on the delights of this fine city. Suffice to say - campsite 20 euros and 20 minutes walk to the city centre. A fine evening where the remaining budget was blown on damn fine victuals and wonderful libations. Meandering back in the early hours we stumbled into a strange little bar full of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans listening to Tammy Wynette ( I kid you not) but they welcomed us with open arms and a fine bottle of Ricard - deep joy!
A slow start but beans, fried eggs and rolls helped! . A convivial meander to Dunkirk via an extended expedition to Decathlon and it was on the ferry and before we knew it back in Dover.

1500 miles and 5 countries in 5 days. The funbus did not miss a beat and given her advancing age had to be reigned back at times to keep below 80mph. Credit here to Bish who did the servicing - I just drive it.
Now having got the trip out of our system, the focus will return to boarding, festivals and fun with less motorways and more adventures.

Vive ut vivas...

"vir prudens non contra ventum mingit".

given the spectacular resaponse to the Q what is"vir prudens non contra ventum mingit". .... I have to tell you its... A wise man doesnt piss into the wind.

Lessons learnt

Ok chums...we are back in Germany (we do like Germany and are particularly taken with pigtails, beer, jolly people and good fries) Interesting journey in as much as we were both compus mentus after a quiet evening. Lots of irrelevant chat and general bon-hommie.
Anyway - we have travelled back from Switzreland into Germany, swerving into France en route (as you do) and are ensconsed in a rather pleasant bar on a campsite at the top of an enormous hill in North West Germany.
The Bish is hassling me to get on the cable car (...yes the hill is that bloody big) but I am strongly resisting given my aversaion to falling off things.

Had a few pleasant adventures off-piste that left warm memories in the heart but would lose something in transalation.

Here's the more straightforward version:
1) It's a long way to Italy, and not worth it if you are going to stay 1 day.
2) Luzern - Switzerland should be good, but low cloud and mist meant we headed back up and decided on a nice campsite in Germany.
3) Apparently it's no good being engrossed in replying to an email, when you need to be looking out for the next junction.
4) don't panic when you do miss the junction there's always another way.
5) Don't give up when your not quite there - it's normally just round the next corner.
6) I hate heights but I don't have a problem with chair lifts (now) - the reason to overcome the fear just needs to be strong enough (smithington hasn't found the right motivation yet..)

Remember the journey

Day two of our European trek is now drawing to a close. So far we have journeyed 700+ miles through England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland. We started with the vague intention of getting to the Italian Lakes and we are mighty close – however what is apparent is that motorways are tedious in any country. Today we have taken several opportunities to ‘go off piste’ and have to say have thoroughly enjoyed the adventures – we have had coffee in a surreal German town straight out of Steptford Wives, driven across a lake on a pontoon (Bailey bridge?) and seen some fabulous countryside. A decision has therefore been made – we need to remember our core focus and return to basics…The journey is more important than arriving. So dear reader we will not go to Italy but will meander back through many towns and villages off the beaten track and have a blast.
Last night we stayed in Metz. A garcon we named Colin treated us rather royally after a somewhat frosty start. Suffice to say we can vouch for the authenticity of the local Ricard, Red Wine, Beer and Cognac. All helped along by a fabulously undercooked steak with for me, a gorgonzola sauce and for the man a mustard one. Deep, deep joy but alas for the retribution felt this morning. Hardly a word spoken for two hours until we reached the sanctuary of a restaurant that supplied us with hearty baguettes and coffee.
In case you have not been following us on facebook or twitter (@funbusc or @funbusamigo) a disaster has occurred. The water boiler in the bus has sprung a leak. Bish is on the case and I think that secretly he is quite looking forward to solving the problem with his handy welding stuff. Anyway, for now it means we have to wash up using the campsite facilities but we will struggle through.
Whilst in the bus we have staved off insanity by pondering on many things. Some examples being: Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections? When you choke a smurf, what colour do they turn? Why do people who know the least know it the loudest? If love is blind why is lingerie so popular? A big thanks to Chassy B.
Feel free to add a comment or two……

Ferry

Leaving Dover, all ok apart from Smithingtons lumber jacket.

European sojourn

Well the time is nigh and the bus prepared. Target is Lake Maggiore via France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland...returning via Champagne region of France - Happy Days!

Setting forth from Dover at 8 tomorrow morning returning Saturday evening.
Catch our thoughts as they occur to us on @funbusc or @funbusamigo.

Words of wisdom... "vir prudens non contra ventum mingit". Feel free to share your translations.

I am pleased to announce that the bus has been passed A1 (fit for all duties) for another 12 months at little expense, although we did have to cross the palm of a tow truck driver with silver to help extract it from a quagmire! Further good news...again at limited expense, we now have a brand new windscreen which means we can now see where we are going.
So its planning time - target destination so far is Turin in Italy crossing lots of borders, sampling local produce along the way and having a good excuse to decline a wedding invitation from the Windsors. Further details to follow...

The Bish and I with our delightful Mem Sahibs had a spot of much needed R&R at Ranchero Ballo and rest assured avid readers, we did abuse our livers and laughed a lot - although the Bish was a little under the weather with a tickly cough.

A Bish Top tip: A precautionary ant-acid before bed helps after late suppers and vats of wine

Here's something else to ponder on..in the words of the great sage that is Jazzy B " You dont need eyes to see you need vision"