Well, I survived my five-day trip abroad.

All was, on balance, enjoyable. The enterprise - a night in Calais followed by lunch in Veurne and then four days in Amsterdam, dinner in Bruges on the way home - once again reminded me how much I love those Low Countries. The cleanness, the public transport, the lack of hassle, the quality of stuff. I mean, compared to Oxford these days even Amsterdam is not an expensive place to be. Sobering. Time to make that move.

My efforts with the camping would have been greatly enhanced had my inflatable mattress been capable of a bit more sustained tumescence, but it wasn't and I survived. For a trip full of "lively debate", gallons of beer, minimal sleep, and - er - extracurricular activities, it turned out to be a good one. I think six people is a lot for group dynamics, but that's a lesson learned the proper way now; by experience. It was handy to split up the cost of taking two vehicles over as many ways as possible. Paid dividends for the shopping in Calais though, that. Extra carrying capacity is always a plus. I now have a hell of a cellar and a lot of good chocolate. And I'm knackered and I need a break :>

I don't know whether or not I want to make more trips in the Ford Buzzbox though. Fun though it is, it's noisy and juicy and small. I can get the same performance, better economy and a lot of luxury in the Chrysler 300C CRD. I wanted one of these a year ago, and I still do. Maybe time to talk to the dealers.

There are a few Flickr pics up. For some reason I wasn't very photographic on this trip, which is a shame. Still, now I know I can get away without being ill all the time watch this space!