IMG_7629[1]Today marked Day 1 of round 2 of our European trip. A quick 10 days back to Wales. It ended up being two days of travel to & from Canterbury. A great stop for motorhomes with all facilities minus electric. The main reason we came back was to get the dreaded MOT (WOF). The Tuesday we arrived in Wales we booked in for the thursday, and only on the way back to Pontyclun did we realise our radiator was leaking bad. Better here than overseas to be honest, onto Ebay Jas went and one was delivered that afternoon for £50. We were parked up at our friends Justin & Emma’s, parked in their drive like gypsys. They were great hosts for 8 days, letting us do washing, free power, showers and internet and even cooking us some meals. Felt like 5 star after cruising on aires for so long. I managed to catch up with my girls over dinner, and stopped into work to say hi a few times.I have missed everyone so much. It was never going to be cheap heading back but we did alright as we passed the MOT, had a service and the radiator fitted for £300. Insurance £500, ADAC breakdown £99, two new batteries – starter and leisure fitted for £250. Dogs groomed £60 as well as other various bits and bobs ended up being about £1500. We are happy with that as we managed to live within our budget including maintenance on the motor home. The ferry was something I dreaded on the way back as Storm Ali hit the UK. Its been very windy, but the crossing was ok. Coming from someone who gets seasick just sitting on a boat. The ferry is a great way to travel, two hours and you are there and its so much cheaper than the tunnel. Customs checks are easy, everything booked online, so no paperwork. Great views as you travel and is straight off and on you drive. We are back in Burgues tonight for the dogs and their annual vacs tomorrow at the vet. Its quiet here, with not many motorhomes. I’ve been down to get wine and a few other essentials. I didn’t have to buy meat as Emma’s parents kindly filled our freezer before we left. So we are stoked, especially as Jas got black pudding as well. Being back in the Uk was great, the first thing Jas wanted was mashed potato and gravy. Gregg’s steak and cheese sausage rolls and squash (cordial). The small things you miss, and I finally had toast. I did notice how much white bread we ate, its different to France. You have a roll or baguette but it doesn’t make you feel bloated, maybe because I wash it down with wine a lot. This next year we hope to see all the places we havent seen. I’m so happy people are loving the posts and instagram photos. I promise to keep you travelling along with us. First of all we are travelling down France and then into Italy and Greece for winter. I really want to submerge myself in the language and food of Italy. I’ve told Jas he should head of to some traditional cooking lessons. Dont get me wrong he can cook, but to learn the old-fashioned way, what an experience. We want to do more farm & vineyard stays and sample the produce. We would like to do shorter travel times and longer stays. And we would like to see if we can still maintain our budget or even save in the future……