Day One - Tuesday 10th May 2005 - We depart for Greece!
Up at 2am. Had to deflate the loan blow-up the beds; not as easy as inflating; especially at 2 in the morning. Rosie confused but accepting that whither we went etc. Extremely grateful to Helen, dog-walking friend, for kindly lending us the beds - saved our lives. Am definitely too old and tatty to sleep on the floor! I don't think I was ever young enough for that. Finally got away at 3.30. Packing car something of a nightmare. Back seat, however, was rather nice for Rosie at that stage as there was the duvet and pillows beautifully arranged for her to lie at the right height to be able to see out or kip as the mood took her.
Took ages to find Helen's house to drop off beds
4am news as we drove out of Swindon. We were booked on the 11.15 ferry Dover to Calais. Richard had been given price of £30 provided that was the one we took. He indulged me in my fear of missing planes, trains and boats and allowed 6 hours - this is how we were waved through to catch the 8.15 ferry to Calais! We'd even stopped off for bacon and eggs along the way. Rosie had to stay in the car on the ferry but I went down to visit her accompanied by a crew member.
We had to wait on the ferry at Calais as they hadn't fixed the berth that collapsed some time ago, but only half hour or so.
We found Rheims fairly easily.
Stopped on the way in a delightful rest place. Played football with Rosie to stretch her legs. The French certainly seem to know how to do rest places. Good, well-presented food and lovely picnic areas, all in the same place.
We were booked into the Hotel Balladins in Rheims.
We stopped in the city, fantastic view of the cathedral and we parked in a tree-lined avenue. Unfortunately, it should have been exit 24, not 23 as Rich had been told. Back into the car. I stopped two gorgeous young policemen on bicycles who directed us. Quite pleasant B&B, no bar or food unfortunately.Shower appears to be an afterthought, sort of portaroom but perfectly usable. We went to La Campanile for dinner down the road apiece where we drank, ate, drank and had very pleasant meal. The waiter was fairly determined we should understand him, so repeated himself - unfortunately we hadn't understood him the first time, and simply repeating it..... Wended our way (hic!) back to the B&B for an early night.
