Grenay to Calais

On the move again today - nearly completing the circuit of France we began back in June. The journey took us past Méteren, the village in which my grandfather is buried. 

The last resting place of William Sayer - killed 23rd April 1918 - RIP. 

Méteren was totally destroyed during the fighting of WWI. Before the destruction in April 1918 Méteren was an important market town in northern France. 

The above images were taken today on a plaque in the main square of Méteren. How eerie to see the top left postcard - the same as the one I have, sent by William Sayer in 1918 to my mother, who was only three, perhaps the last message to his family before the fateful day in April. 

The William Sayer post card  from the Western Front in April 1918. very treasured possession. 

We had a coffee at Méteren before driving on to Grande Synthe, near Dunkirk, for lunch. After this we headed for the Cité Europe in Coquelles, Calais, where we planned to do some shopping - mainly French wine - and spend the night. 

The day did start with an early morning walk again. Our route took us past the local Boulangerie/Pâtisserie which we couldn’t resist! A baguette and a box of mille feuille later, we returned to the van for breakfast. 

We will miss you, France!

Another Day at Grenay

Yes, another day here at Grenay. The usual routine today - a walk, a little shopping, and most importantly the baguette purchase!

Not quite the creative French way of transporting the baguette, but a good effort nonetheless!

Listened to the cricket off and on today using the ABC Listen App. We have used this app often during our travels - strange to listen to the afternoon programs while we are having breakfast - still banging on about the traffic “crisis” in Hobart! 

Lay Day in Grenay

A sleep-in this morning. By the time we surfaced for our morning walk, three of the five overnight vans had left for yonder parts. So, a walk around the streets of Grenay,  and a visit to the British Military Cemetery, before we settled back for breakfast. 

Spent the rest of the morning starting the tidying-up process with the van before we head back to the UK on Wednesday. 

All very exciting!

Had a delicious chicken dish for our even meal - seen cooking away in the picture above. Again, all very scintillating!

France Day 1

Woke to a beautiful clear morning at Dover - views across the Channel indicating a smooth crossing. We left for the ferry a little over an hour before our crossing was due , but on arrival at the ferry terminal we were pleasantly surprised when asked if we wanted to be in the ferry just about to leave. So, away by 7.30 am to France!

Part of our ticket included access to the Lounge - breakfast champagne was quite a novelty!

After a very smooth crossing we did what one normally does on arriving in France - go shopping at Cité Europe. Stocked up with some essentials before leaving for Grenay. 

Interesting the marketing strategy of the same Australian company in France and in the UK!

Now that’s a lettuce - €0.99 too!

Passing through the north of France you could see the benefit of the recent rains in these parts. The lush growth in the crops (cereal, sugar beet, hops, potatoes etc) made for a very pleasant view across a normally uninteresting terrain. 

We arrived at Grenay mid afternoon, joining three other vans at the aire. The sign that greeted us reminded us of the value the French place in motorhomers. Got to love the French!

TRENDING:

It was noticeable that school children no longer carry or wear backpacks - they have packs with wheels!