I will elaborate a little...
We left the UK on the Dieppe ferry.....No, already bored!
Our choice of bike for this trip was an opening to many experiences, the bike wasa Harley Electraglide Ultra Classic, not only did it make for a most relaxing experience, but it afforded us many friends along the way.
The bike was a talking point at most junctures, in my opinion it just looks like a fairground ride, all bling and glitz and a bit silly looking if I am truthful, yet people liked it and that was the opening of many conversations that spanned the ages and differences of so many.
Every place we stayed, ensured that we had secure parking for the night, this was never requested, but always offered....It was an offer gladly accepted and always appreciated.
We went to a place just south of Le Mans, a tiny little village that had a hotel that was fantastic for our first night, with a chef that was proud in his work...We just took the signs from the road down a little country lane and were rewarded with excellence in every aspect, hospitable, tasty and convivial....You could not want for more.
We arrived at Orande Sur Galne to experience the silence of a village not touched since the Nazis massacarred the occupants, it was a humbling experience, but we did meet a bunch of Aussies in the new village and had a laugh and a joke about everything in life. Also met a German prisoner of war who was held captive just south of this village by the Americans at the near end of the war, he was an interesting person to speak with, despite him being quite rude about the English, infact I was pleased that he was open and honest in his exchange and felt relaxed enough to be so.
We then went onto Lourdes, this was at the suggestion of the Aussies.
The place was absolute shite, but I am glad we made the effort.
We then entered Spain and stayed in some really nice 4* hotels in medievel villages off the beaten track, the people were grumpier, but always had secure parking....Why do these people eat so late? Not good for digestion eating so close to sleep time and I found the language difficult.
However the people were still nice, if alittle different....I wondered why there were so many females in the bars and restaurants, seems there are 4 females to every one male in most parts of Spain, something to do with Franco and killing males
The architecture in Spain is very good, fantastic Cathedrals and Castles.
We made it to our friends in Madrid after 6 days.....within two hours of arriving, three of us had consumed 6 litres of local cold beer, this was pointed out to us by our friends wife when she arrived at 3ish! She is Spanish and a lovely, lovely person....The next three days were spent eating out with their friends at local restaurants and I cooked a curry one night...Ever tried to get fresh coriander and a chilli with heat in Spain???
On the Monday we headed straight back to France, to the lush green land, where I can understand and nearly be understood....The food, once again was fantastic and the hospitality, second to none.
We ended up in a place that was owned by a classic car nut, who was just like the guy out of the Pink Pnahter movies, Closseaus boss, the one with the twitch....It was a funny time with much talking and drinking.
We then headed north, as La Rochelle was windy, rainy and not very inviting, eneded up in Niorts for Bastille Day, wonderful fireworks, good wine and a fun, friendly and relaxing atmosphere....Good night was had by all.
Next day we decided to head for Port, missed the Dieppe ferry by 10 minutes, so decided to get the train back, we did this and was indoors in Sussex by 11.00PM.
I will add some piccies if I can be arsed to download them later....But don`t hold yer breath.
In conclusion....Our time was made by meeting people local and other folk travelling, the stories, experiences of each other and advice given, yet more importantly we met others who were out for the same as us...A good relaxing time with decent food and trust....We achieved this by just being ourselves and not by being judgemental of others.
A brillaint holiday filled with interesting people.
