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...