BLIGHTY and cold (also some travel figures)
Got back Sunday, now weather has turned chilly, had hailstones yesterday. Woken up by aching knees, wet outside with 4degrees.
INITIAL ADMIN
Took over an hour to read the mail and sort flyers/marketing drivel. Found DVSA not happy with me for not SORNing vehicle, also HMRC wanted a word, had to say sorry to VAT collector for a late return, then sort car for missus, pay homage to the bank manager as well as read Christmas cards.
Hadn't realised 3months away would generate so much work. And to top it all had to break into the car as it locked itself while I opened the bonnet to prep it for MOT, grrrr. So a replacement quarter window ordered and only a broken toilet flush handle and leaking shower to fix before cutting the grass sometime soon I hope.
The JOURNEY
Enjoyed the Spain experience meeting so many different people of all nationalities, will now go to Greece again to compare it, before setting the plan to tour Portugal in future adventures.
My first use of a SATNAV also, it got me into trouble on occasion but did save a lot of planning and double checking, although still not certain which travel mode is best. Use of POIs and suggestions from others about stops was super helpful and relieved heartache.
Some Numbers
Over the 3 months away from home, 2weeks in Ireland, 2weeks through France, remainder in Spain.
Ferry UK to EIRE (Pembroke - Rosslare) £120
Ferry EIRE to FRANCE (Rosslare - Cherbourg) £180 Inc cabin)
Ferry across river ? To avoid Bordeaux (£47)
Ferry FRANCE to UK (CALAIS - Dover) £54
Mileage/Kms = 4900m / 7840km
Fuel = 169g / 769litres costing between 86p (Andorra) and £1.12 (France)
Food averaged at £11/day, Inc pub and restaurant visits, typically once a week.
Launderettes cost£16 for 2large loads and drying.
Entrance fees to various museum's, churches and cathedrals = £2 to £5, spending approx £100.
Overall for the nigh-on 100 day adventure including Xmas and New year in Ireland at various locations with family our expenditure was approx £25 /day. Next time we shall budget for 30 to allow us a little more freedom and opportunity.