Our holiday has nearly finished.

This is the last post before leaving Camping Manjastre on Tuesday. The weather is glorious - perfect sunshine and very quiet because most people have left. There will no no photos of me for a few days (or weeks) as I have a black eye, which I have put down to a camping accident whilst perfectly sober (10 a.m.). In full view of all and sundry I walked out of the caravan with a full basin of soapy water. The intention was to tip it under a tree. However, I tripped over a tent peg and fell forward (heavy basin tipped me) onto the pedal of the bike. (Honestly this is true). I cut my eyebrow and bruised my cheek and the final humiliation was being covered with soapy water and dirt. My pride was severly damaged in the process. I spent the next few hours sitting with an ice pack on my face which has helped. However there will no photos.

The wind also started blowing yesterday morning (a southern type of mistral) and by 10 p.m. I thought our caravan was going to blow away. Then it stopped suddenly - it has been reported that there will be another wind tomorrow. (Or so they say!) The wind here can send you mad.

The food and wine continues to be excellent. We had a trip to Ikea (always important to do a bit of shopping) and other than only having square pillows they sell the same products as in the UK. Donna bought a new laundry basket and we bought a new bin and lights for the annex - both are very smart.

On Thursday we went to the port of Londe - took ages to find, although it is only a 10 minute drive away. This was a lovely find and one we did not know existed. I think it is a very well kept secret and one the locals don't want the tourists to find. It is all very quiet, lovely restaurants and a very sandy (and not busy) beach. I have attached a photo of the port of Londe (it still looks luxurious I know).

Holidays - South of France

Donna and Rose dressing up in order to take the bags of rubbish to the collection point. It is important when on holiday to always make sure you look your best - you never know who you will meet. In actual fact they were going to Le Lavandou for a few drinks, after they dropped the rubbish off!.

Scott and Lucy trying their very best to stay on the tyres on the rapids ride at Acqualand.

Camping Manjastre

We have been here 10 days now and time is going by too fast. I am currently sitting in the bar writing this blog - the stars are out, full moon and it is warm. We have just finished our wine - great meal too which I have cooked. The teenagers are sitting behind us giggling - I think we are in their space.
What have we been doing? A lot of eating, swimming and generally doing nothing. Donna and I get up at 8 a.m. and go for a run - at least Donna runs and I tag along half heartedly. We then go for a swim which is the reward for running. The water is currently warm - last week it was freezing. At least we feel we are doing something in the way of keeping fit and running off the food.
Yesterday I took the kids to the water park - they did the energetic things and I sat in the shade and read. Great day. Today Donna and I went to the beach and spent time looking at everyone else doing the same thing. Unfortunately swimming was marred by objects floating in the water (plasters, washing up sponges, bits of carpet etc). I think this was due to the storm a week ago which has moved some of the debris sitting around on rocks. I hope this is the reason!
We went to Bormes market this morning - had to park on top of the hill because there were so many cars which was great going down to the market but hard work going back. The market is impressive because there are so many local arts and crafts for sale.
So life goes on here - relaxing, drinking, eating and swimming - but sadly only six more days to go.

Family photos

Hans and Jose relaxing at the campsite.

A photo of us all. It was great to catch up with Hans and Jose - has been too long since we last met.

Our camping spot.

Eating, drinking and talking - a great life. Honestly! I know everyone looks a bit grim but they were happy before the photo was taken!

Relaxing by the pool.

Camping Manjastre

Camping Manjastre - South of France. After a very long trip on the trains (Eurostar and TGV - fast trains!) we finally arrive in Toulon. Of course we were all tired (wedding and birthday party the previous day) and were laden down with baggage and three tents. The group consisted of Walter, me, Donna, Scott, James (Scott's friend) and Lucy. We arrived to find blue skies and warmth - fantastic. We travelled to Nice Airport (2 hours away) the next day to pick up Donna's friend, Rose. We are now settled into camp life - doing nothing much. The pool looks fantastic as usual. I have started running in the morning which is then followed by a swim.

Jason and Angela were married in an old and picturesque village church in Grafham. A truely beautiful and happy occasion.

Rudolf and Connie, the proud parents, looking very dapper.

Lavenham

The old Guild Hall and a street in Lavenham

Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and all that

Where has the time gone? Three weeks into the holidays already and only two more to go - except that I am not going back to school because I am retired! What a lovely thought. I spent the morning checking that all is going well regarding my pensions which should start in September. As I will receive my last pay at the end of this month, some income is important next month. A new era.
On the holiday front, we have had a busy week. We travelled up in the motorhome with Connie and Rudolf following us in the car. They also had the Sat Nav which went absolutely crazy when I sent us down a road in the opposite direction (I was trying to follow a map and not used to the old way of doing things anymore!). We stopped off to have a look at Lavenham - not a motorhome friendly town as the car parks were too small, even for our modest sized motorhome. A very interesting town though - and very picturesque of course. Twinkle, twinkle little star was written by the child of a well known Lavenham family.
We then went off to Norwich to spend a relaxing two days with Aaron, Kylie and family. We were parked on the green - the neighbours are very considerate. Then it was off to an expensive campsite with Mia and Abi for a further three nights - a lovely wooded area by Cromer. We spent most of the time in the indoor heated swimming pool which the girls absolutely loved. Great being with the grandchildren.
So now it is home again for a spot of housework and sorting out pensions. Tomorrow we are off to Jason and Angela's wedding in Grantham and then it will be the South of France on Sunday. Must keep moving!

A typical day at Brighton beach - wet and windy.

A day in Brighton touring the Pavilion. What a house! King George IV was lucky that there was not a revolution amongst the masses over his extravagant spending.

A day out in South East Kent

Today we travelled to Canterbury via the A2/M2 and no holdups, which started the day well. Canterbury was very busy with large tours everywhere. We were all impressed with Canterbury Cathedral, which has opened up extra areas in the grounds. We ate sandwiches in the park, very pleasurable and restful, and away from the crowds. We then travelled to Sandwich (a lovely town with lots of atmosphere) and then to Ramsgate (very impressed). We then went to Margate and it has certainly gone downhill since we were there last - where is it going to end up. At Herne Bay we sat and listened to some music and oldies dancing (we are not one of them) and onto Whitstable. Altogether a fantastic day.

During the last four days we have visited Sissinghurst, Knole, Chartwell, Dover and a Roman Villa. It has been fantastic to view all the beautiful gardens and houses. We went on a guided tour of Chartwell (Winston Churchill's home) and to hear all about life at home for the Churchills. This gave us a personal insight in his life. Knole is situated in Sevenoaks and is the home of the Sackvilles, who acquired the house during Elizabeth I's time. Of course the connection there is Vita Sackville-West. At Dover we visited the keep, which has been set up as it was in Henry II's time and the war tunnels. A re-enactment of the civil war after Henry II's reign was taking place while we were there. It was very busy. Altogether you are reminded that a very few people owned a lot of England.

A day at Sissinghurst - resting in the sun. The gardens were absolutely beautiful.