San Sebastian - Spain, June/July 1985

Saturday 29th June
Got a taxi to the station at 6.15am and caught the high speed train to London at 7.00am. Weather cloudy but bright. Arrived King's Cross at 9.40am. Took a taxi across London to Victoria coach station, passing Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Horsegaurds Parade (saw a black Lamborghini Countach).

We left our luggage at the coach station and took a taxi to Harrods in Knightsbridge. Went o the food setion and bought a cake. We went up to the fourth floor for a coffe and scone, then back through the computer section. Took a taxi back to the coach station where we ate our sandwiches in the waiting room. Retreived our luggage and got on the coach at 1.30pm. We drove over Lambeth bridge and down Old Kent Road and Blackheath. Got to Dover about 3.30pm where we were informed our planned 4.30pm hovercraft would be late, but we could get on the 4.00pm crossing. We got our boarding passes and had a quick cup of tea, but then had to wait until almost 4.20pm to get on the hovercraft. Quite a rough crossing, seemed to last longer than 35 mins.

We collected our luggage and got onto the coach which was already waiting (48 people altogether). Set off from Calais about 6.00pm and got to Bully-Les-Mines at about 8.00pm for an overnight stop at the Hotel Moderne. We were given our room numbers then got off and carried the luggage inside. The room just had a double bed. Had a wash, changed then went down for our 50Fr meal at 8.30pm. Had soup then pork slices with peas, carrots, runner beans (tinned) and boiled potatoes. Then tinned strawberries and custard and a cup of tea. Afterwards bought some aftershave at the hotel shop for a discount price. Went for a walk with Stephen around the town. Did not sleep well, but had to be up at 6.45am for breakfast and suitcases packed at 7.30pm.

Sunday 30th June
Had coffee, sliced rolls with butter and jam for breakfast. Set off at 8.00am went through the outskirts of Paris. Stopped during the morning, then again for lunch at a motorway service station. Had 35Fr ham in mushroom sauce with boiled potatoes. Weather hot but not too sunny. In the afternoon we stopped at Amboise on the Loire, which had a castle.

https://travelguide.michelin.com/europe/france/centre/indre-et-loire/amboise/amboise-castle

Set off again, v hot on the coach. Stopped again for an orange drink then reached Mansle at about 6.50pm for an overnight stop. Had a shower, then down for dinner at 8.00pm. Had tomato soup and spaghetti, then a cheese pastry, then beef burgignon and croquet potatoes and icecream for dessert (55Fr). Afterwards had a walk around the town, and sat on the hotel balcony and had a beer 8Fr.

Monday 1st July
For breakfast had sliced rolls with butter and jam with coffee. Set off at 8.00pm. The sun did not get out until 9.50am. Stopped just outside Bordeaux (4th largest city in France after Marseilles, Lyon & Paris) at a Hypermarket and bought a bottle of water. Had a coffee there. Drove through Bordeaux then stopped at 11.50am for lunch at a motorway service station. During lunch our luggage was swapped to a new coach for the last part of the journey. Had chicken and chips for 26.50Fr. V hot. Got onto the new coach with a Spanish driver about 1pm.

The countryside got more wooded and hilly. Stopped in the afternoon for a drink of lemonade 5Fr. Went through the French/Spanish border and arrived San Sebastian about 5.00pm at the Hotel Cordina.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g187457-d237018-i145956376-Sercotel_Hotel_Codina-San_Sebastian_Donostia_Province_of_Guipuzcoa_Basque.html

Unpacked and had a shower. At 7.30pm went down to the TV room where the courier described the excursions on offer. Went for dinner at 8.30pm. Had a thin chicken and egg soup, then fish and boiled potatoes, then an orange. Had some wine. Afterwards walked down to the front and along the bay into town. As we could not find a bus back, we got a taxi which just cost £1.

Tuesday 2nd July
Went down for breakfast at 8.30am, bread rolls, a croissant and coffee. Weather was quite misty. Walked around the bay to the old town. There were a few shops in the narrow streets. Bought some postcards. There were police with guns everywhere.

https://thisbristolbrood.com/camping-san-sebastian-spain-review-camping-bungalows-igueldo/

Went in a church but v dark and gloomy; needed cleaning. Went back into the main square for a coffee. Caught a bus back to the hotel for lunch. Fried egg and bacon then chicken pieces and vegetables, then pink ice cream. In the afternoon we went swimming, then caught a bus into town and had a look around. Had a coffee in a cafe, then caught the bus back. For dinner we had thick vegetable (spinach) soup, then veal with peas and carrots and a piece of cake. afterwards we walked around the other half of the bay, but it was too misty to take photographs even when the bay island lights came on. Came back to the hotel and had a beer in the bar then went to bed.

Wednesday 3rd July
Still misty. Went for breakfast at 8.30am. Caught Benta Berri bus into town and had a long walk to a square near the river where we caught another bus to Biarritz (France) a 1 1/2hr journey, Both Spanish and French officers came on the bus to check our passports at the border.

The bus stopped at the top of the town, so we walked down to the front, stopping at a cafe on the way. We already had eaten our packed lunch from the hotel (meat & cheese sandwiches) on the bus. We walked along the front to one end of the bay, past the little harbour and up a steep path at the far side.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g187080-d6880761-r370213145-Port_des_Pecheurs-Biarritz_Basque_Country_Pyrenees_Atlantiques_Nouvelle_Aquitain.html#photos;aggregationId=101&albumid=101&filter=7&ff=153552947

On the wall there we saw a lizard and took a photograph. At the top we had a good view of the bay. We went down and then onto some rocks. Back on the mainland wefound some better streets and shops. Stopped for coffee and cake at a v good restaurant (£2 for each cake). Straight after we had to get a taxi (Mercedes) to the station to get back in time for the 3.56pm train. Nice train equivalent to a HST. Got off at the border. Passports checked on the French side then hurried through the station to find the San Sebastian train. Got on OK and got off at the central station on the far side of the river. Began to rain, walked around the shops before heading to the square to catch the bus back to the hotel. Rain became heavier and there was thunder & lightning. Got on the bus and stayed on as it was a circular route which took us to the front of the hotel where we dashed in. For dinner we had thick asparagus soup, then fish and oniony potatoes, then fruit cocktail with a glass of wine. Afterwards had a beer in the bar.

Thursday 4th July
After breakfast we went down to the beach. I swam in the sea though the water was cold. It was not very sunny so we came back. For lunch we had salad, then spaghetti (too much and also cold), then coffee ice cream. In the afternoon we set off to the bascillica and house of St. Ignatius of Loiola. We went up into the foothills of the Pyranees past the regions longest valley.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g844613-d2032846-r517227451-Santuario_de_Loyola-Azpeitia_Province_of_Guipuzcoa_Basque_Country.html

When we got there we had a coffee and a cake before going into the bascillica - a huge dome. In the house was a copy of the black madonna from Monserrat. On the way back we stopped on the coast at Zaguza?. Before that we saw the famous rock formation 'the mouse' jutting out into the sea. Had a look around the shops then walked along the front. Back on the coach the sea was coming over the wall on the coast road. For dinner we had ?, then steak and mashed potato followed by two plums. Caught the bus into town and had a coffee at a cafe on the main street then took a photo of the bay lit up and got the bus back to the hotel. Had a beer in the bar then went to bed.

Friday 5th July
The sun was shining so I put on mu shorts and went down to the beach after breakfast. Had a swim then sun-bathed. Came back to the hotel for lunch - lentils in thick brown sauce with meat and potatoes, then some meat and salad, then coffee ice cream. In the afternoon we got the bus into town and walked around the old town. There were cages of budgies and canaries hung on balconies overlooking the narrow streets. We walked around the harbour to the aquarium.

https://viewfromtheback.com/2010/08/02/postcard-from-pays-basque-iii/san-sebastian-harbour/

Had a look around, saw lobster, spider crabs, moray and conger eels, turtles, sting rays and a scorpion fish. Caught the bus back to the hotel where we joined the group to go up Mount Igueldo on the funicular railway. At the top the sun came out again so we had a super view across the whole bay and could even see the hotel.

https://www.sistersandthecity.com/wine-bistrot-bar-belle-epoque-en-el-hotel-monte-igueldo/

https://travelguide.michelin.com/europe/spain/basque-country/guipuzcoa/san-sebastian/panorama-mount-igueldo

Took some photographs and had a coffee in the cafe. For dinner we had omlette, then chicken and chips, then tutti fruiti ice cream. Afterwards  we went to the bar and listened to a guitarist.

Saturday 6th July
Weather was pretty dull and after breakfast it started to rain. Later on me, mum and Stephen went into town. We bought a plate for nanny and looked around. Had a coffee and piece of chocolate cake in the square. For lunch we had an assortment of salad and mixture of coleslaw. Then chunks of beef with potatoes and vegetables, then coffee ice cream. In the afternoon Stephen went for a swim. We went into town while mum and dad went to Fontarabia. Stephen bought a Lacoste tee-shirt. We stopped for a coffee before heading back to the hotel. For dinner we had salad then fish with boiled potatoes, followed by half a tinned peach (not a lot). Went to the bar later on.

Sunday 7th July
The sun was shining so we went down to the beach after breakfast. Went in for a swim, then put on suntan cream and sun-bathed. By the time we left to go to lunch, the beach had filled up consistently and the roads were jammed with cars. The weather had got hotter through the morning. For lunch we had fried eggs and ham, then chicken and chips followed by coffee ice cream. Walked around the bay to the harbour where mum, Stephen and I got the boat to Santa Clara island in the middle of the bay.

https://www.civitatis.com/en/san-sebastian/santa-clara-island-boat-cruise/

The sun seemed even hotter here. We climbed to the top and saw lots of people in camps preparing meals, washing dishes etc. They appeared to have come for a day out on the island. We came back down to the quayside and had a glass of Sangria which was good and cool. Then we got the boat back to the mainland. Stephen and I went to a cafe in the square and I had a coke in the shade. Went back to the hotel and got swimming things and went to the beach again. Had a swim around. The water was warmer in some places but the beach was v crowded. Came back at 6.00pm with the beach still full. Packed suitcase. After dinner, came down to the bar for a while.

Monday 8th July
Got an early call at 6.45am. Had breakfast at 7.30am. Heavy thunder and lightning as we set off at 8.00am. Half an hour to the border; got through OK. Stopped during the morning for coffee. For lunch we had chicken and chips at the same place where we had stopped near Bordeaux on the way down. Changed coach and driver. Had a stop for coffee in the afternoon, now sunny. Got to Blois around 7.00pm at the hotel Grand. We were high up on the 4th floor. got changed and wwent for the evening meal at the hotel de France et de Guise.

https://www.tripadvisor.in/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g187119-d758309-i233207011-Hotel_de_France_et_de_Guise-Blois_Loir_et_Cher_Centre_Val_de_Loire.html

We had soup then pork and sauteed potatoes with mixed vegetables followed by ice cream. Afterwards Stephen and I went to the castle to see the Son et Lumiere in the courtyard. This was a light show with a recording of music and a tale from the past.

https://www.bloischambord.co.uk/explore/the-chateaux/the-royal-chateau-de-blois

https://www.lightzoomlumiere.fr/photos/ainsi-blois-vous-est-comte-son-et-lumiere-du-chateau-royal-de-blois/

Got to bed around 11.30pm.

Tuesday 9th July
Got up at 6.45am and after breakfast we set off at 8.00am. Sunny day. After a coffee stop, we got to Paris and picked up a guide for a sight-seeing tour. Went in Notre-Dame, saw the Arc de Triumphe. At the town hall there were lots of Spanish flags everywhere as the Spanish King was expected - later in the tour we saw his entorage. We were able to have a quick stop at the Eiffel Tower. We stopped on the other side of the city for lunch. I had ham & spinach with chips as on the way down. Got to Calais about 5.30pm, had a cup of tea and got onto the hovercraft about 6.30pm. V good crossing 25-30 mins (at 70mph). Got to London about 7.50pm. Got a taxi to Regent Palace Hotel, but when we got there we were told we were not booked in so we had to get another taxi across London to the London West Hotel at Earls Court.

Got changed then went down to one of four eating places. Had gammon & pineapple with chips and cauliflower followed by strwberry gateau and fresh cream.

Wednesday 10th July
Had a continental breakfast, then packed up and got a taxi to Kings Cross but found the left luggage was closed so we could not move with the suitcases. After a coffee in the buffet we decided to get the 12.35pm HST back. Had lunch on the train - chicken soup then ham and tongue salad with boiled and saute potatoes followed by fruit cocktail with fresh cream. Changed trains and got back home at 3.45pm.

Kitzbuhel - Austria, August 1984

August 17th
Set off for Coventry about 8.50am and arrived around 11am. Parked car and looked around the modern Cathederal and old Cathederal ruins. Drove to the airport and had a sandwich lunch. After going through the check-in we waited in the lounge. It turned out the flight would be delayed for an hour until about 5.45pm. During this time we had an ice cream. The plane arrived on time at about six. It was a Viscount which had four engines compared with the two on the Spanish holiday. Inside it had five rows of seats and a gangway compared with the Herald.

https://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/955793/g-arir-vickers-viscount/

While the plane taxied, I checked the life jacket and emergency exits. The plane turned and accelerated away. It was quite cloudy so we could not see much. The plane cruised at 250 mph at 14,000ft, above the clouds and the journey took about 1 hour. As we came down we could see the dunes on the Belgian coast. Landed smoothly, disembarked and collected our luggage and got on the waiting coach, which was already half full. Put watches forward one hour and set off in the coach at 8.30pm.

Stopped at a service station at about 9.30pm. Had a plate of chips which had to be paid for in English money as we had no other money, and got no change back. Crossed the border into Holland then into Germany. We travelled all night through Germany. Crossed into Austria between 7-8am the next morning.

August 18th
Weather warm and sunny. Arrived Kitzbuhel and waited for our rooms at the Kaiser hotel to be ready. V sparse furniture, so we changed the room to one with a bath. Went back down for some lunch. I had a ham omlettte.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g807441-d940972-Reviews-Kaiserhotel_Kitzbuhler_Alpen-Oberndorf_Tirol_Austrian_Alps.html

A courier told us about all the excursions then had a walk up the hill to the Alpenhotel on Lake Schwartsee. We stopped for a beer and an ice cream. Walked back and changed for dinner at 6.45pm. Had tomato soup with bread rolls, chicken and chips, pineapple and corn, then a piece of apple strudel. Afterwards we went out into the main square and listened to a string and brass band, then back to the hotel.

August 19th
Woke up at 8am for breakfast. Bread rolls and butter with apricot jam and coffee. Walked to a swimming pool which had a whirlpool, waterfall and gushers. Walked back into town for lunch and saw a Tirolean band on the way. I had cheese and tomato pizza. Walked up a hill to a cable car station for the Hahnenkamm, but walked up the path instead. Saw lots of ants in the woodland - bigger than British ones.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1498428/walk-the-scenic-alpine-ski-slopes-in-summer/

 Walked 3/4 of the way to the top. For tea we had green bean soup, pork in batter with salad and boiled potatoes, then raspberry and apricot ice cream.

Afterwards we watched the news and weather on TV, then walked into town and had a beer at a cafe whilst listening to an accordian and zither.

August 20th
Got up at 6.45am. Breakfast was bread rolls with butter and apricot jam and coffee. Got on the coach at 7.45am, picked up others at villas and the Alpenhotel, then down the valley through towns and villages. Through Innsbruck over the Europa bridge (highest in Europe) onto the Brenner motorway (most expensive in Europe - £92m for 20 miles. Toll £20), through the Brenner Pass into Italy.

https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/photo/brenner-pass-and-europa-bridge-high-res-stock-photography/583574280

We stopped in Vipiteno where it was warm and sunny. Went to a wine shop and had free samples of Masala and Muscatel, upstairs were leather goods.

https://www.suedtirolerland.it/en/south-tyrol/valle-isarco/vipiteno/city-of-vipiteno/

For lunch we stopped at arestaurant further down the street. I had Spaghetti Bolognase. Took photos of the main street, saw the Orient Express, then back on the coach and up a very twisty route up to 3000m+ then we stopped to look at the view. The back down the same way and onto the old Brenner pass route which passes under the Europa bridge. We stopped to take a photo, then we went back to Innsbruck.

Here we saw the winter olympic ski jump and ice rink. Also saw the famous golden roof and took a photo.

https://www.tirolo.tl/it/cultura-e-territorio/attrazioni/tettuccio-doro/

On the main street we stopped at Clara's cafe for a cup of tea and a cake. Then had to return to the coach and got back to Kitzbuhel at 6.15pm. For dinner we had beef soup with noodles, then turkey in mushroom sauce with rice and mixed vegetables, then banana cocktail. Afterwards watched TV then I washed my hair.

August 21st
Sunny day. Bread rolls and butter with apricot jam and tea for breakfast. I put on my shorts and we walked into town to buy food for lunch. We then set off to walk to Lake Schwartzsee. V hot. Had lunch then moved round to a grassy area for sunbathing. Stephen and I hired a rowing boat for 1hr. Then came back to the swimming area. Water v cold at first but easy to swim in. Also nearby was a water skiing machine which would take you round in circles.

https://www.tyrol.tl/en/highlights/nature-and-landscape/lakes/lake-schwarzsee/

Then walked back to the hotel over the hill. For dinner had leek soup, then pork chop with chips and apple strudel. Walked into town afterwards and had a beer at the Park hotel, then back into the main square to hear the string and brass band. A lady with Schnapps came round, but not to our table.

August 22nd
Bread rolls and butter with strawberry jam and tea for breakfast. Then Stephen and I went shopping for our lunch (ham & cheese rolls). At 9.45am went outside to wait for the coach to take us to Grossglockner glacier. Another V hot day.

https://www.bahnbilder.de/bild/oesterreich~berg--und-seilbahnen~sonstige/528820/grossglockner-gletscherbahn-zwischen-kaiser-franz-josefs-hoehe-und-pasterze-27072011.html

We went up on a funicular railway which was very steep. It started quickly and went into a tunnel that lasted for ages until finally it came out at a cable car station on the Kitzstienhorn at about 2,200m. Then a cable car took us to the summit at 3029m, passing over a glacier and the world's highest cable car support post.

At the top we got out and followed a long tunnel down to a viewing area balcony. The last part of the tunnel was hewn out of the ice. From the balcony we could see the Grossglockner peak (3,798m) the highest mountain in Austria. V lucky because we had good views without a cloud, it was quite cold though so we were glad of our extra clothes.

https://www.kitzsteinhorn.at/en/service/tickets-prices/up-and-downhill-ride-tickets/hike-and-swim-ticket

Then we went to the restaurant and had some bacon and pea soup with our sandwich. Went up to the panoramic terrace to get a higher view of the surroundings. Then it was time to get back in the cable car and down the funicular. Back on the coach, we went to Zell am See.

https://www.alpenblick.at/en/a-holiday-in-zell-am-see/zell-am-see/

It was boiling hot so we went down to the lake and had tea and cake in a restaurant, then back on the coach to Kitzbuhel. For dinner we had soup, then chicken in a sauce with noodles, then raspberry and vanilla ice cream. Afterwards we watched the news and weather on TV then walked by the river into town and stopped at a restuarant (where I had a pizza before) for a beer.

August 23rd
Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with strawberry jam and tea. Made sandwiches for a packed lunch and set off to the cable car station at the base of the Kitzbuheler Horn. V hot and sunny. We got off at the first station (1,300m) then walked up the very steep path to the Alpenhaus station where we stopped for lunch just below, watching cows being herded in the high meadows. We stopped at a restaurant at 1,700m for a piece of chocolate cake and cream with a mineral water and orange. V good views of Kitzbuhel and valley.

https://www.ebike-holiday.com/alpenhaus-am-kitzbueheler-horn#filter=r-fullyTranslatedLangus-

Got the cable car back down later for free. Went back to the hotel for a bath and rested. Dinner was pancake soup, chicken with roast potatoes and green beans, then apple and plum [pudding?]. Afterwards we walked out looking for mini-golf, but could not find it. Had a beer in the main street - Tenne hotel.

https://www.skisolutions.com/accommodations/zur-tenne

August 24th
Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with strawberry jam and tea. Walked into town to get things for a packed lunch. Cloudy day. Walked to Lake Schwartzsee where we had lunch. Then Stephen and I hired a rowing boat. Just as we got back it started to rain. This got heavier so I [we?] ran back to the hotel. Waited for the rain to stop and later went out to find the mini-golf. I got 63 and a hole in one. For dinner we had vegetable soup, then fish fillet with chips and peas then fruit slice. Afterwards we walked into town and found a restaurant with a piano playing and alot of other British people there. As we came out it was pouring with rain.

August 25th
Still raining. Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with strawberry jam and tea earlier and caught the bus to Salzburg at about 8.10am. The bus crossed the Austria/Germany border twice to shorten the journey time. Very low clouds. When we were dropped off in Salzburg we had to walk through a tunnel to the main centre (the town is surrounded by hills). While dad looked in a record shop, we went for a cup of tea in a top restaurant. Wandered around the shops, bought a Mexi-burger from a Nordsee fish shop (fish cake in a bread bun with sauce). I found a shop selling 4711 items and managed to get my spray.

Crossed over the river that runs through the centre to the more modern part. Shops shut at 12.30pm. Found our way to a park area where we ate our sandwiches. Took photos of the gardens, walked back to the old town into a large square and went in the Cathederal. There was an orchestra and choir practicising.

https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/churches-cemeteries/salzburger-cathedral

Many paintings high on its ceiling and dome with white walls. On our way back we saw a Fransican church which had a massive golden alter.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vladnet/38806453734

When we got back to the hotel it was still raining. For dinner we had Smokey bacon poached egg soup, then gammon with mashed poatato and mixed vegetables, then fresh fruit salad. As it was raining we stayed in and watched TV and had a beer,

August 26th
When i got up it was still raining. Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with strawberry jam and tea.  As the rain had eased a little we walked into town to see the start of the Kitzbuheler Horn race. A lot of competitors were taking part. Had a cup of tea in a restaurant then went to the zither music place for lunch. Then went to the Aqua-arena. While Stephen and dad swam, I had coffee and apple strudel. For dinner it was potato soup, chicken, rice & peas and chips, then yoghurt. Stayed in and had a beer.

August 27th
Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with strawberry jam and tea. Caught the train to St Johann at 10.19am, still raining. Walked around the shops. Had lunch on a seat near the river and army training centre.

https://www.skistar.com/en/Summer/summer-in-st.-johann/

Then it started raining again so we went to a sports centre and watched the swimming and played pool. Went to the dry toboggan run which was a concrete slipway and you just had a brake to control your speed.

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/34410384635832047/

Got a chair lift to the top. So good had another go. Bought a cake and ate it at the station while we were waiting for the train. Had a bath when we got back. For dinner we had cauliflower soup, then roast pork with boiled potatoes and salad, then stewed apricots. Afterwards as it had stopped rainiing we went to the zither place for beer and apple strudel.

August 28th
Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with apricot jam and tea. Bought things for sandwiches then set off walking (it was a sunny day). Walked to the lake then onwards up through forested areas. On through meadows, got a good view of the Kitzbuheler Horn. Walked on to another lake then had lunch. The back through the forest to Lake Schwartzsee. Stephen went swimming then we went round to the Alpenhotel for a raspberry ice cream soda. Walked back to the hotel. For dinner (our last night) we had a candle on the table. Soup then goulash and vegetables, then pineapple rings. Afterwards we went to a bowling party. Had a free beer when we got there. We were divided into teams. The first game was highest score wins. Winners had to down a Schnapps. We won the second game and I had a Schnapps. Got back at 12 O'Clock.

August 29th
Breakfast was bread rolls and butter with apricot jam and tea. Had to be out of the rooms by 9am. Walked down to the mini golf, there was a free competition. Went round with the Vaughan's, got 75. Then walked into town and bought chocolates at Spar. Had a cup of tea then went to a pizza place for lunch. I had totellini and some spaghetti and chips. Then wandered down to the river and watched trout. Walked with mum up to Schwartzsee to get places dor the coach journey. On the way we looked in a church with paintings and a very decorated alter. At Schwartzsee had a Bilberry special ice cream (Sch48 - £2) and a lemonade. Waited until 6.30pm before we got on the coach and then picked up some more people from hotel Kaiser. Stopped in Germany at about 9pm. We had sandwiches with us so just had a coffee, Back on the coach we saw a video of Airplane, which was great.

Only slept about three hours through the night. Stopped at about 6.30am for five minutes to stretch legs, then on into Belgium where it was raining. Arrived at Ostend airport about 7.15am, had some orange juice, bread rolls and tea. Waited in the lounge after checking in the luggage, then went through to the departure lounge. Coventry plane arrive before the Lydd one so we got on that flight. It was cloudy back in England at 9.30am. Set off at 11 from Coventry after taking a few wrong roads. Stopped at motorway service station for lunch - steak & kidney pie, peas and chips, then on into a sunny afternoon. Stephen drove on the motorway until the exhaust fell off. The car made a roaring noise but was safe enough to get back home at 3pm.