Toulouse and the South of France

Just prior to leaving for the South of France (holiday destination of choice!) our friends Jasmine and Dan came to visit and to begin their own van trip.

Cooking up a storm after a few bevvies. We decided we wanted hot chips, however nothing was open! Had to put the Jamie Oliver skills to the test.

Their van, following our van. A convoy of sorts, except theirs was heading to France and ours was staying as we had to go to work for another 2 months. More than a bit jealous!

Our backyard. To the left is Kensington Palace, over the hill is Hyde Park. You are looking at Kensington Gardens.

Cut to Touslouse. On Capitol Square with Nikki! Drew had to constantly shove the girls to keep them moving and didn't have a chance to say much all day. Not that they would have heard him anyway! Drew who?

The Capitol

Best shop in the world! Perfect name, perfect products.

Having coffee in a little street in Toulouse, waiting for Matt to finish work so we could play.

When you finish work, you REALLY play! This is a "Giraffe", and holds about 2 litres. Fantastic concept!

The old city of Carcassonne. Formerly a moat in here.

Not conducive to walking in high heels. Not that we did. Drew wore joggers this day. Sensible boy!

Yummiest lollipops in the world!

Collieure. We think the spelling is right. Beautiful town in the South of France on the Med.

Skipping stones with all the other kids not far from our hotel in Cebere, not far from Collieure. Note- Yes, Drew is wearing shorts!!!

Beautiful evening. Where else would you rather be, and what else would you rather be doing?

The view from our hotel room.

Looking in to the harbour from the breakwall at Cebere. Didn't want to leave, as you can imagine.

Looking at Spain. Just over the hill from Cebere. Note the sign for Spain!

Peg on a beach in Spain, on the Med.

The Pyrenees.

Ville Franche. Another old city. Quite touristy, built in the bottom of a valley with steep mountains all around for defence.

Finally! When in Europe, back to the Strawberry juice! Can't get this stuff in the UK.

Ville France again. From the outside.

On the same day we saw people sunbaking on the beach, we saw snow on the Pyrenees.

The Capitol Square by night from our hotel room...

...and by day

Mini Van Trip to Cornwall

Over the Easter long weekend, we took our newly acquired 1984 VW Carthago Campervan to south west England.

On the way to Cornwall we decided to get "off the beaten track" and see Stonhenge, however you can't miss it from the motorway, and we literally almost ran into it!

Some rocks. Guess where we are...

Everyone's favourite rock artist...

Drew standing next to the Notter Bridge

Drew standing ON the Notter Bridge

Beverages of choice, at a location of choice. We were going to be entirely self sufficent on the van trip, however decided that the pub would be sufficient by itself.

Well, we couldn't just have 1!

Taking up quite a comfy position which we think will be fought over in the months to come on the big van trip.

Our home away from home away from home!

St Michaels Mount, not far from Penzance. No pirates there, either.

The end of the world. Aptly named 'Land's End'. Next stop, America

Not the warmest place on earth.

Time for some wine! We had a big day and needed some refreshments. A solid 4 hours driving that day. It's tough.

Eating fresh stir fry for dinner. Note the freshly picked flowers and the vase whose original contents we consumed for the display. Tres Chic!

Tucked up in bed in the bed made for 1 and 3/4 people.

Happy Easter! Good things come in small packages. Note- more Easter eggs off shot.

Chowing down on a Cornish Pasty just out of Cornwall

Stopped by some road-side hippies not far from Glastonbury for some awesome strawberries. I think they lasted about 5 minutes after the picture was taken.

Nectar of the gods. Matty Lang!!! Can't buy this in England, I hear you say?

Due to the fact that, in Newcastle, we had THE best neighbours in the world, we were spoilt one day when a bottle of the good stuff arrived by post.

Needless to say not a drop went to waste. Thanks Matt and Brett!!! You are uber!

Divine... What a combination.

Van envy

The Roman Baths at... Bath. Beautiful city, also home to Drew's favourite tourist attraction to date. The Louvre? No, Eiffel Tower? No. The Jane Austen centre! We both had a great time there!

Same deal as Stonehenge with audio guides. Quite helpful.

Drew sitting in front of the main Bath. There is steam coming off it constantly though it's not heated. Not even Peg is cruel enough to push him into that murky stuff. Tempting though...

Testing the photographic capabilities of the staff at the Baths.

Explanation: A gourmet chocolate shop down a side street in Bath, run by a crazy, authentic French chef who, when asked who these were modelled off, replied "A very special woman" (Said with bona-fide French accent)

Peg in front of the bridge which we thought we were looking for but weren't because it was somewhere else. Took a photo anyway, and had an ice cream.

Our designated driver piloting the brave vessel

Our brave passenger. How was this photo taken? What's that look supposed to mean? I think Drew's in trouble.

Best named shop in the world! No idea what they sell. Looks kinda boring though. Except for the name!