Friday 8th September 2017

Today was a real retail therapy day, we ventured to Cite Europa which is a shopping mall on route to Calais. We ventured first of all to the Outlet unit where we spent an hour or so, then made our way to the main shopping part. It is a lovely building and we had a good time wandering about. Picked up a few goodies along the way. We stopped for lunch then Aileen and David went for a wander and we agreed to meet later, which we did. Unfortunately the weather was horrendous and it rained constantly when we were loading the car, so much so we were drookit. We then headed home for our last night to have a meal and pack up as we are leaving first thing in the morning. It has been a good holiday just wish the weather had been better.

Thursday 7th September 2017

Today we went to Montreuil on route to Amien. It was a pretty little town with a few shops, bars and cafe's nice little stop. We then headed on to Amien which is a lovely place, with a glorious cathedral. We had a nice lunch in one of the restaurants in the square. We then had a little retail therapy experience which was most enjoyable. Our next stop was Abbeville firstly to see the town and we had a wander in the local church which is quite stunning. Aileen and I lit a few candles. We then headed round to see Marie-Anne and Malcolm at their house where we stopped off for coffee. We said our goodbyes had a few photos taken and then head d back to Saint Josse another lovely but tiring day. Well done Arthur. 

Wednesday 6th September 2017

We headed off today to Arras, we stopped at the market for a short time and had a wander along the street but the biggest problem in France is that everything closes for lunch. You have to either get there early in the morning or late afternoon. We then headed on to Albert. On the way we stopped at the Queens cemetery to walk round and look at all the graves of the soldiers who perished in the First World War. We were heading to Thiepval memorial. It was an absolutely stunning building with all the names of the soldiers engraved on the wall 72,000 soldiers are named these are the ones who don't have graves. So so sad. There is also a cemetery behind the building. It totally brings home the horrors of the Somme. We finally reached Albert where we stopped for lunch. Croque Monsieurs for all, very enjoyable. Aileen and David went to the museum of the Somme they thoroughly enjoyed it. Arthur and I went into the chapel it is a beautiful church, there is a sculpture of Joan of Arc. I lit a few candles and bought 3 hanging decorations for the Xmas tree. 1 for Aileen 1 for Marie - Anne. We had a fabulous day we then headed home a quick change and out for dinner. Aileen and Arthur had fish and David and I had chicken yeah. A really nice meal. All in all a fantastic day. 

Tuesday 5th September 2017

Today we travelled to Le Crotoy to catch the steam train. Aileen David and me got on the train and Arthur drove the car and would meet up with us at the harbour. The train took us to Saint Vallery, the train took an hour, basically it was rather slow, however, it was quite quaint and it was an experience. When we arrived Arthur was waiting for us, it took him 13 minutes to get there, so much so he even had time to go for a coffee. We then continued on to Le Tréport a beautiful little place. We parked at the top of the hill and caught the funicular down to street level. We wandered along and found a restaurant Aileen and Arthur had surprise surprise FISH. David and I had steak hace (a beef burger without a bun) the food was good. After lunch we had a wander along the front checking out the various shops. The boys were checking out the people fishing on the pier. We then headed home where we had a nice evening where we sat round the table eating various little snacks, plenty of wine. Played a game of lateral thinking but the biggest surprise of all was David with his number prowess. We were calling out words and he would shout out the number equivalent with the alphabet. We could not believe that we have known David for over 40 years and did not know he possessed such a talent.

Monday 4th September 2017

First item of the day was to phone Gayle and wish her happy birthday. After breakfast we headed off to  Fort Mahon Plage to join Malcolm and Marie - Anne for coffee. It was lovely being able to show Aileen and David where we stayed on our travels to France. We said our goodbyes and headed off to Conchil de temple to see the lovely horse which is a special breed known as Henson. We were lucky to see one and what a beautiful beast he was. We then went to visit Bellle Dune which is a holiday village known as Pierre en vacance I suppose the equivalent of Butlins. Nice wee place, then onto Berck where we stopped for lunch. Mary had a ham and mushroom galette and the other three had omelettes. Lovely  unchanged then onwards to Le Touquet. Sadly the rain started we were having a walk about but unfortunately Aileens tummy was playing up so we went into a bar to be near a toilet and then we wandered about when madam announced she needed to go again, we carried on to the public toilets thanks to Arthur's impeccable sense of direction. We decided that we will return another day. Went home had dinner at the house and worked out our plans for the next day. I'm sure it will be good.

Sunday 3rd September 2017

We all had a well earned sleep. Today Marie-Anne and Malcolm were coming for lunch these are friends of Mary and Arthur's. Weather was lovely and when they arrived we sat outside with our aperitifs our lunch started at two and ended around six. A lovely day was had by all. When Our friends left the four of us settled back and had a few bottles of wine. We were perfect but the twallies known as Arthur and David were total reprobates. 

Aileen and David's trip

Friday 1st September 2017. Saturday 2nd September 2017

Picked Aileen and David up and at 21.30 we headed off to Dover to pick up the ferry to Calais. A very pleasant journey made good time, for once very few road works. Our ferry crossing was for 8.30 am 

but due to our good timing we were allowed on to the 7.30 am ferry. Good crossing, however, just as we got on we were walking towards the seated area when Arthur was looking around and did not notice the lady in front of him who dropped a euro and bent down to pick the coin up, he almost fell on top of her, but Mary saved the day by stopping Arthur in his tracks. Needless to say Aileen and David were absolutely gutting themselves. When we left the ferry we headed straight to Boloigne the weather was perfect, we parked up and had a wander through the market and then had a wander round the town. We then made our way to Saint Cecile for lunch where Aileen and Arthur had moules and frites and the other two had pizza. Onward to the house in Saint Josse. We met the owners son Stefan who showed us around. House okay but Mary and Arthur disappointed in certain aspects of the house not as good as the photograph shown in cottages4you. All in all won't stop us having a good time. Headed off to Aldi for essentials, mainly for wine. Got back had some grub and wine sat outside in the sunshine had a lovely evening retired to bed. 

Coquelle Friday 7th April

We drove to Saint Josse as we are returning there in September with Aileen and David. It looks nice. We then carried on to the Kyriad hotel in Coquelle. It is a lovely wee place, near Calais and we stayed there as it was easy access to the ferry in the morning. We then spent the afternoon in Europe Cite shopping mall. We loaded up and headed back to the hotel where we had a beautiful meal. We retired to our bed for our early start. We have had an amazing trip. Home to Kilwinning tomorrow .

Abbeville 6th April 2017

Today we visited our friends Malcolm and Marie - Anne. It was a nice journey with lovely sunny weather. Marie - Anne and I sat out in the garden relaxing in the sun. We then went out for dinner to the local Chinese buffet restaurant. We stayed over with them. We had a lovely breakfast in the morning fresh croissant and pan raisin. When we were leaving we were given a box of Pettit fours. We then headed on our way to our final destination. Coquelle. It was lovely seeing our friends again.

Caen 5th April 2017

Left La Rochelle with a heavy heart as the weather was fabulous and the hotel was great. Today is a bit of a lost day as we are heading to Abbeville and we don't want to be driving too long . I mean Arthur driving. We are stopping at one of the little hotels on the outskirts of Caen so that we can pick up the motorway in the morning. Took about four hours to get here. Came into the hotel no one around and Arthur noticed the self check in machine. Novel. Gave us the key to get in to our room. Got in room fine until we opened the ensuite only to discover that the shower is outside in the corridor it only had a toilet and wash hand basin. This will be fun and games in the morning. As they say in France oh la la. We then headed out to find Festi which is a party supplier store this is where I get my fancy table coverings. We then drove about looking for something to eat. We stopped in at Le Clerc which is a supermarket to get a gift bag. We stopped to look at the cakes and couldn't resist these two puddings staring at us. Arthur had the isle flotant and I had the pear belle Helene. We then drove about trying to find somewhere to eat and would you believe it we ended up in McDonalds. Actually the food was good. I had a Mc chicken and Arthur had the 280 original which had real beef. We then came back to the hotel and scoffed our puds. Delicious they were.

La Rochelle 3rd April 2017

Arrived in La Rochelle had been here 2 years ago and the sun came out for us. It is a beautiful place and our hotel is gorgeous. Masq hotel. Sorted out our room then headed out for lunch. Arthur I had his moules and frites and I had a ham and egg galette. We had a great day walking around the old town and round the harbour it was so warm. We came back and rested and then went back out for dinner in the evening we ended up sharing a pizza I find the food in France hard going as they have so much fish and cheese dishes and the only chicken dish I have come across is a chicken curry dish. Not my favourite. Hopefully today will be better. Today has been a lovely day. We went walking around the old town, it has been 2 years since we were last here and we cannot believe the changes that have taken that have taken place. They are certainly going all to improve the walkways, there are far more up market shops like massimo dutti, Swarovski, Agatha and Arthur. I was going to buy Arthur a pair of boxers from his namesake shop but at 39 euros a pair I declined. We went into a jewellers called Retour de Plage where I finally spent my Xmas money from my father in law. I bought a handmade necklace and bracelet. The jewellery was beautiful and the jeweller is onsite to make any changes. I got her to add a few links onto my necklace. We then went for lunch. I decided to bite the bullet and go to a fish restaurant as I knew Arthur really fancied oysters. He had his beloved oysters followed by fillet of sea bass served on buttered mash. I had prawns and battered fish with little sautéed potatoes. For my pudding i had the most delicious chocolate mousse with a salted caramel topping. Arthur had the smelly cheese. We were so lucky as the weather suddenly changed and just as we got back to the hotel, the rain started, thankfully it didn't last. Just getting everything condensed into less bags so that we can get the car packed properly as we return home on Saturday and I want plenty space to accommodate my last bout of shopping. Tomorrow we head for Caen. 

Biarritz 1st April 2017

Travelled to Biarritz from Santander, sadly it started raining as soon as we began our journey and it continued big style when we got to our destination. We stayed in an old fashioned hotel called Anjou right bang smack inthe centre of town. We had private parking which is a big plus albeit it cost 24 euros for our 2  day stay. The hotel was lovely and clean, downside was we were on the top floor, a few flights of stairs later and we reached our room. Luckily we were happy with it. We went out for lunch it was torrential rain so we jumped into this little bar. Ordered 2 croque monsieurs and a glass of wine and a small beer. It came to 26 euros. We soon discovered how expensive France is, especially Biarritz. We continued on our travels around town but the weather was so bad that we had to call it quits and return to our room. The next day thankfully the rain stopped so we got out to see the sights. Biarritz is beautiful and you can appreciate the opulence of the buildings of a bygone era. The church of Saint Eugenie is stunning as is the virgin on the rock. So much to see and thankfully the rain held off. Delighted we seen the place that's another tick on Arthur's bucket list. 

Santander 29th March 2017

Drove from Alcala through to Santander it was a beautiful drive aided by the lovely sunshine. The scenery was stunning you could have been forgiven for thinking you were in Scotland. We passed the snow topped Cantabrian mountains. On route Arthur pointed out this church it looked magnificent the town looked very medieval so we decided to stop. So glad we did, what a beautiful little town built on a hill so plenty of hills to climb up and down. The church was amazing and on the rooftop there was a nest. Arthur just said that looks like a storks nest and just at that moment a stork appeared carrying a big load of twigs. There was a market in this little quaint square. The name of the town was Lerma. We then carried on to Santander. I never realised that Santander is so hilly when we arrived at our hotel I was a bit apprehensive as there are apartment buildings all around but you soon realise that space is premium. The hotel is absolutely stunning I asked for an upgrade so we could have a balcony. OMG when I opened the door I could not believe our luck. The room was gorgeous and the balcony was amazing, we overlooked Santander bay. We sat out with our glasses of wine watching all the boats come and go. The hotel is called Art and the art work inside is stunning I know i have used this word a lot but I cannot think of a better word. We loved the hotel so much that we extended our stay. We went out for a walk and it is quite hairy as you are walking down a hill all the time. It is so steep in parts that there are escalators dotted all over the place to get up to a higher level. Santander is a beautiful place there is so much wonderful architecture and lots of lovely eating places. We stopped in a little restaurant as I reckoned I could have something off the menu as I can be a bit fussy. I was thinking Spanish cuisine, however, it turned out to be Peruvian chicken soup it was delicious although I did pass on all the chicken hearts etc, but a lovely fresh flavour to it. Then I had chicken an chips and salad it was really good. Today we went downtown shopping, came back to the hotel and sunbathed. I'm now going to beautify myself as we are heading out for dinner. I love Santander.

Madrid 28th March 2017

This morning we got up had breakfast at the hotel then headed out to the train station. Caught the 10am train and it takes 35 minutes to Atocha station which is right in the heart of Madrid. It only costs 6.80 euros return. It is quite an impressive train station. We caught the Madrid tourist bus as in order to see as much as possible. The architect is stunning I don't think I have ever seen such beautiful buildings in all different styles. We just hopped on and off when places took our fancy. We stopped for lunch at the Cafe Vergara in Vergara Street, it was so quaint and authentic. I had gazpacho soup, grilled chicken with rice and chocolate tarte washed down with a glass of rose. Arthur had chicken soup, iberico pork with Roquefort sauce, cheesecake and a glass of red wine. It was lovely just chilling. We then continued our bus trip. More wandering about then we caught the train back to our hotel. We had a fabulous day and the weather was beautiful. I am so pleased that I managed to see Madrid that's another place I can tick off my bucket list and my other place on my bucket list is Santander which I will see tomorrow. We just had a walk around Alcala de Henares before turning in. Early night for early start tomorrow.

Alcala de Henares Monday 27th March 2017

Arrived here today, quite different from what I expected it is quite a large town but it has the medieval part to it. The train station is literally a five minute walk from our hotel so we will be catching the train to Madrid tomorrow. Looking forward to it. We went for a walk to the big shopping mall it was about a mile away. Very nice shopping centre I had to buy new shoes yet again as my feet were killing me. It is becoming a joke that I am officially a centipede with the amount of shoes I have bought. Came back to the hotel then went for a beer at a local bar, very friendly. People are very friendly here.

Quesada 26th March 2017

Today is our last day with David and Carol they took us for dinner to Da Silvas we had a beautiful meal. We have been with them for a month which has been a great break for us, not so much fun for David and Carol, although I did tell them we won't be back for a while. Eternally grateful to them both. Tomorrow morning we leave first thing and set out on our adventures. Bye bye Quesada

Quesada 17th March 2017

We went to Crevillent to find the Museo of Sant Semana which houses all the figurines from Holy Week and different festivals. After winding through all the little streets we finally found it only to discover that it only opened at 6pm somewhat unusual, however we will go back the next time we're here. So we just wandered round the market instead.

Quesada 20th March 2017

Aileen and David arrived today it was great seeing them. We just had a night in which was lovely having a catch up. Tuesday we went downtown Quesada but at night we went to a dinner dance at The Coopers Arms, we had a great time, the three ladies danced the night away. There were two cabaret acts the first was Darren Jones who was a bit rank but the second guy Ritchie Alexander was brilliant right up my street he sang lots of Motown songs. Wednesday we went to the Chinese restaurant. Thursday the Indian restaurant and Friday dinner at the golf club. Then Saturday came and it was time for Aileen and David to go home. All in all a great time was had by all.

Quesada 15th March 2017

Today Carol and I went on a bus tour to Benidorm, we spent a few hours at the shopping centre and the remainder of the time in Benidorm not one of my favourite places, but at least the weather was lovely.  We left there at 5pm and got back to Quesada about 6.15. Arthur and David were waiting for us to go for something to eat. We went to the Hungarian restaurant Rosa and Stein. The food was beautiful but the service was a bit slow, there was a waiter there called Daniel who was very sure of himself, making stupid jokes etc. We left and walked to the car when Arthur realised he had left his phone on the table of the restaurant . We went straight back only to discover that it wasn't there, we couldn't believe it, this was all within five minutes and there were only 4 other people in the restaurant. They assured us it wasn't there, but the lady took my number should  it turn up. We went outside and retraced our steps but Arthur was adamant that he had left it on the table, the strange thing was when I rang his phone it was switched off. We eventually went home and Arthur tried to call his mobile company to block his phone, but we couldn't get any reception, so we went out in the car to find some. I just said to Arthur pull over I think we have service when my phone rang it was Arthur's phone. When I answered it was the lady in the restaurant to say they had found it. We went straight there and she told us that Daniel had apparently picked up the phone with the rubbish and that her husband went through the garbage and found it. She then said that Daniel was a professional waiter and she didn't understand how he could make such a silly mistake. We were convinced it was him who took it, because initially when we went to get it he was at our table and quickly went through to the back of the restaurant. The main thing is we got it back and the couple gave us a voucher for a free bottle of wine on our return, can't quite see that happening. It somewhat marred an otherwise perfect day. As for Arthur I'm buying him a man bag.

Quesada 24th February 2017

Arrived In Quesada the weather was great bright and sunny. David and Carol looked really well. We had a fish and chip tea from the new shop, it was quite good, we had a few drinks then retired to bed. Saturday the 25th we drove down the town, did some shopping, then stopped for some breakfast then back home. Sunday 26th we went to Zocco market, had breakfast then headed home to chill out. We then went out for dinner to Da Silva's, the food was excellent, we had a great time. 

Quesada 13th March 2017

Yesterday we went to the Lemon Tree market and it was very warm, got a few bargains. Cannot believe that today has changed completely and it has been raining non stop. We went through to Alicante today as Arthur and David require a fishing licence, th Spanish are very stringent about this rule. Eventually after a bit of tooing and vowing we got it. It continued to rain all through the night. Got up this morning, at least the rain has stopped but it is very breezy. Heading to Benidorm tomorrow with Carol on a girls day out.

Quesada 6th March 2017

Visited the cave houses yesterday at the Artists exhibitions. It was really interesting, you can walk round their houses and studios that are actual caves. Some are better laid out than others and you can understand why people will buy them as a cheap method of buying a house. One of the exhibitions incorporated a cellar that has been made into a celebration of dead people, a bit like a catacomb, sounds a bit macabre but it was a lovely idea. You can write a message for your loved ones and throw it into this abyss of colour. I put a message in for my mum dad, Russell and Anne and hope that it will remain there for a very long time. We have visited, Rojales, LaMata, we have been out and about every day, lunching and shopping. We had a night out on Saturday to the Country Club to watch the band Classix they were good and we had a great time, singing along to all the old hits and dancing away. Today the 12th we are off to Lemon Tree market. Having a wonderful chill out time. We will be staying here until the 27th March then moving on around Spain. Aileen and David are coming out next week for 5 days, so that should be fun.

Quesada 14th March 2017

Still here with David and Carol, we have been very lucky with the weather. Been to Rojales and surrounding areas. We have eaten out at the local Indian restaurant and the Golf Club the food in this area is of the highest quality. Arthur and I had a day out to the beach at La Mata it was a beautiful day. Today we are going to the caves market at Rojales

Barcelona Thursday 23rd February

Weather not so nice today a bit dull but still warm. We stopped off for lunch. Arthur had a catalunyan soup and grilled fish.

I had a ham tortilla and chicken escalope. Arthur had a beer and I asked for rose wine she brought me a bottle I did manage two glasses of it. It was a great deal for 10euros, neither of us could have the pudding. 

We watched a film crew set up for an act that appeared to be called ankle breakers, the security were everywhere, we don't know who they are but there was no fans around but what a set up. All the crew were having their lunch, it looked amazing.

We then headed over to Sagrada Familia, the queue to get in was ridiculous so we gave it a miss, so we just walked round to get some photos of it, this is the first time I have seen it without scaffolding round it, the last twice we have been you couldn't get near it.

Have just returned to the hotel to rest my wee legs. We have covered some miles over the past few days. We will go out later for dinner but will have an early night as tomorrow we head to Quesada to see David and Carol. 

Barcelona Wednesday 22nd February.

We headed out at 915am headed to the metro. Got the metro to La Rambla it was a beautiful sunny morning we walked down the length of la Rambla making a detour into the market for Arthur to get a wee snack. Wild Deer sausages.

It seemed appropriate to stop for breakfast. I had my favourite Bocadilla Francesca an omelette baguette. Arthur had bacon and eggs.

After another wander we headed to the harbour and booked a boat trip. It was a lovely day for a sail on the water.

We wandered about again and caught the metro back to the hotel for a wee rest.

Headed out to Glories which is a large shopping mall with lots of eateries around. It was about a mile from the hotel, a really pleasant walk. We had a look round the mall then headed out to find a restaurant.

We came across Mussol which is a catalunyan restaurant. We had stuffed olives and copa bread to start with. The bread was amazing it is like focaccia toasted with tomatoes rubbed on top of it, they give you alioli to put on it, it was so garlicky but delicious. I then took chicken on skewers with mushrooms onions and peppers. You also got a little pan of baked veg. Absolutely delicious. Arthur had a tiny little chicken spatchcock it came with baked potatoes and baked veg. We shared a bottle of wine, Arthur had a small beer and I had a coke. I couldn't eat another thing we got the bill and it was 36 euros no wonder the place is really busy. A great restaurant. 

We then had a nice leisurely walk home and it was so nice to be out and about at night time.

A fabulous day all in all.

Limoge to Barcelona Tuesday 21st February 2017

After a few hours sleep after the alarm debacle we got on our way to Barcelona. 450 miles later we arrived in sunny Barcelona we booked into our hotel Capri by Fraser we were given a studio apartment it is absolutely beautiful, so modern and spacious. This gift was courtesy of Gayle and Steven and Gareth for our Xmas. It has been a lovely sunny day. We got washed and changed then headed out locally to nearby cafe where we had a well waited for meal, really good. We have come back to the hotel to chill and have an early night to be ready for our excursions in Barcelona tomorrow I am sure Arthur is enjoying not having to drive around the city.

Folkestone to Limoge 20th February 2017

Continuing our journey we boarded the euro tunnel at 6.25 and the train left at 6.50 it was alright but I much prefer the ferry. Arthur thought it was brilliant from a driving point of view. Another 500 miles later and we were at Limoge, rubbish weather and raining, however we had a beautiful meal in the restaurant across from our hotel The B&B number 1. The restaurant was called au top roullier. You helped yourself to a buffet salad and dessert table and the main meal was served to you. I could have eaten the salad bar all night. I chose grilled pork and Arthur had the coly fish in a Buerre blanc sauce. Lovely meal then we headed back to the hotel as we were getting up at 5am to continue our journey. We were enjoying a lovely sleep when we were rudely awakened by the extremely noisy fire alarm. You could just hear everyone moving about so we quickly had to evacuate the hotel. Typical it would be raining just as we are herded out to the carpark. I was like a right loonie in my nightdress and coat. At least my red shoes matched my nightgown. One can never afford to let standards slip.

Kilwinning to Folkestone 19th February 2017

We are beginning yet another road trip. We left this morning at 7.30 and just took our time getting to The Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone we are leaving for France tomorrow. It was approx 500 miles.

Quesada Oct 3rd - 20th 2016

Just spent two weeks with David and Carol in their lovely house. They both look fantastic the Spanish air is totally agreeing with them. We were at a bbq with their local neighbourhood committee everyone makes a dish and brings it along it was a fair choice as there are several different nationalities. I even managed to swim in the pool most days. Carol and David think I'm mad but they are a couple of softees now. As usual had a wonderful time plenty dining out, the food is very good in their local area. Will be returning in February cannot wait.