Tired boy

Oscar had had such a busy few days, I think it all caught up with him, despite being on his favourite thing in the whole world... the Underground!

Holiday snaps and stories

So, we left for france on Monday 25th June. The ferry was choppy. Span felt rough. I actually enjoyed it. I think the weather was concerning us a little even then.

We finally arrived in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe at about 4.30. It was wet and windy. Span, heroically put the tent up. I was getting tetchy about our severe lack of food, and the apparent lack of ANY restaurants in the town, so I did my first driving on the right. Its amazing how situations make you get over your "fear"!! It was fine.

Span's parents arrived the next day and weather hadn't really improved. In fact it didn't really improve that much more. We went to Le Mans for the day and had lunch at the race track and it was pretty nice there, but I can't say I was that impressed!

We then moved on to Royan on the Thursday. We kept driving further and further south and the weather still didn't really improve. We went through band after band of severe rain. We did however go on the quietest motorway I have ever seen. I think in 100kms we passed about 40 vehicles. Crazy, but fabulous.

As we came of the A10 to go into Royan the weather suddenly improved. I was SOOOO happy. We got there around 4, got the tent up slowly and had a great evening meal at the campsite restaurant.

Apart from that, we had one day of very very good weather. Every other day there was wind, rain or just ominous cloud. And needless to say the temperatures weren't that high (for camping) either.

We did have a lovely time. I love Royan so much. Its relaxed, cheap, by the sea, with semi-decent shops and a great market. I hope we can go back soon.

We managed a few good trips out. We went to a local zoo called La Palmyre, went to Rochefort (not of the cheese) which was interesting. Rochefort did not get bombed during the war, however Royan was (by the allies, to get rid of lingering germans) So you can really see the contrast in the buildings. As much as I love it, some of Royans buildings are 50s ugly!

We also went to a garden museum place, and spent one, blissful, day on the beach.

Os and jas spent some lovely times with their grandparents and we got some time to rest too.

By the Tuesday, we went off to an internet cafe where we confirmed that the weather was going to be rubbish, so we decided to cut our losses and go home early. We did the whole Royan to London stint in a day (13hrs, of which 11 was driving) It was worth it, as although we had to fork out for a Eurotunnel ticket (the seas were still rough) we didn't have to pay for a hotel.

I'll post about London another time, but all I can say is. ROLL ON NEXT SUMMER! :)

Oz in Fresnay

Jas at Le Mans

Our view in Fresnay

Jas in Royan, first day.

Oz's breakfast... Pain au Chocolat... yummy!
Oz at the Zoo A rare nice pic of Jas and me Jas and the goats. You can climb into their enclosure and pet them

Oz and the goats

Jas

Oz eating his tea

Jas asleepOz in this great Maze we found in Rochefort

These were supposed to be beautiful, sandy, sunny beaches....

Back from hols... early!

We got back home on tuesday, but spent some time in London to "commiserate" a little!

Holiday was good, but the weather was just so inclement. Not cold, not totally wet, just not particularly suitable for fair weather camping.

I have pictures, but I can't be bothered to resize and upload tonight. It won't be long soon.

We went to Royan, http://www.royan.fr/FRAccueil.asp for our main hols. Beautiful place. I want to go back.. for a 6th time!

We had a great time in London. I took jas to see a bit of the Tour de France in London, which was a perk of being home early. It was soooo busy. Jas slept in the sling and I saw flashes, which I assume were cyclists, before I gave up and went to meet the boys at the natural history museum. We also met up with C and C. Great fun was had. Oz had such a good time he fell asleep on the Tube (no mean feat since it is is favourite thing ever. He napped until dinner. Cried while we encouraged him to eat his sausage and mash (his fave), I gave up and took him to bed, and he slept from 6 until 8am the next morning. The boy was TIRED!! he also napped on the way back to Manchester the next day! Lazy whatnot!

Oz is a handful, a real handful. I love him so much, but it is so hard right now. I think I'll save the rubbish toddler moment post for another time though!

Jas is wonderful. Babbling and pretty good on her pins, with help. In to everything though, which is bringing back strong memories!

So, photos tomorrow if I have time :)