Monday 24 August 2009

THE AFRICAN CONTINENT WE LOVE

.... but most people don't see.


Africa is a beautiful CONTINENT of more than 50 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, most people [even in the 21st century] still refer to it as 1 COUNTRY?!?!?

The African continent is awash with colourful attires, languages, dialect, flora & fauna and there is more to it than swatting flies.



Plan your next trip to one of these countries:
Algeria
Botswana
Cameroon
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Ghana
Kenya
Lesotho
Morocco
Namibia
Rwanda
Swaziland
Tanzania
Uganda
Zimbabwe

....................we all look forward to welcoming you with our warm hospitality.

Monday 10 August 2009

REFRESHED WITH A FRENCH TAN!

Setting off early in the morning, we arrived at Dover at 05:30 ready for a bit of French air. Sailing was smooth and we finally made it to Calais at 08:25 local time. Exit from Calais was very quick.
After a 6-hour drive, we decided to stop at La Chapelle St Laud.

I am really impressed with these spots ("Aire-de") as they allow you to enjoy the countryside without necessarily stopping at service stations to spend a penny.

After paying €42.1Euros in toll fees and a 15-hour drive, we finally arrived at the lovely campsite. Set in 14 hectares of tranquil land, the campsite has a swimming pool and enough space to lay your weary head. Although it does not offer disabled facilities, it is very easy to move around in a wheelchair and the showers are pretty decent.

With 2 rascals in tow and a mum who does not swim, we decided to visit Le Chateau des Aventuriers.

This is a very lovely adventure park - ideal for families who prefer a bit of history, nature and fun without the stomach churning rides. The adventure park is about 1 mile from the campsite but you need very comfortable footwear for the 3 hours of fun!

Down the road is La Rochelle - a very historic old town with a marina and very expensive shops. I almost wet myself when I had to drive the family to this place.

Further down the coast is Les Sables d'Olonne with a beautiful sandy beach. A very very lively place with lots of places to eat.

We could not travel all the way to France without a trip to Paris. With this in mind, we left La Vendée for the 6hour drive. With temperatures around 25°C, I was not in a good mood when we had to queue at a toll booth (about 60km from Paris) for an hour!!!!! It was very chaotic and expensive as well at €25.20Euros.

Although I have visited France on several occasions, this was a first trip with a disabled "teenage" daughter. One thing I noticed was the constant stare which was sometimes uncomfortable.

Saturday 1 August 2009

AU REVOIR

It is always stressful when you have to organise a trip, pay and then pack everything minus the kitchen sink - but there is some relief to know that the destination is a castle.
Ehm, well, it used to be a castle.
Whichever way, I am sooooooooo ready to feel like a queen even if it means sleeping under canvas!!!
The time is almost here.

À bientôt.