"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.