2359 On My Way

[B][/B] Just thought I would keep you up to date on the move.
My car arrived today from France Left hand drive Nissan Terrano 7 seater racing green bought it on ebay. Took a risk but its wonderful got a really good price. Had a mechanic look it over and its fine.

He drove it from Normandy to Leeds, got an MOT IN DERBY on the way it failed on 2 bulbs had them replaced then passed. Years tax, Five new Tyres. But problem with uk Registration its not come through yet so driving on French plates for another 3 weeks. He is going to send the UK Plate to Italy and I need to have a garage swap it over. He arrived this morning and then I drove him to LEEDS AND BRADFORD to catch his plane back to France. Scarred at first driving left hand drive here. But he gave me a tip drive over the grates and once I got that I was fine [B]:rolleyes: [/B] I was laughing to my self because had a few cars over take me. I bet they thought look at that French woman driving that car ([B]ha! Yorkshire woman giggles[/B])
Got back in to my uk car this afternoon what do they call it an [B]Ambidextrous [/B]Driver. Wagon coming friday to take everything as well as the kitchen sink.

Booked ferry for Calais for Friday £45 4 PASSENGERS CAR AND 2 Dogs, booked the flight for my friends to come back to uk 24th Jan (coming with to help unload furniture at other end) Ryan air [B]44 euros [/B](bargain for 2 people from Milan to Liverpool)
ONLY THING havent found is Hotel in Calais for 4 people and dogs but been sent some links so thats final job. FRIDAY fill the car with diesel load kids, dogs, food/drink musn't forget Portable dvd players a must for kids
Set the Sat Nav and my new life begins I am so excited I cant wait. My mum is driving over to Italy on 16th of March from Lanzarote where she lives so
everything is falling into place:p
Hope I dont bore you all with my excapades but its great to share with others who feel the same as I passionate about Italy that is!
Italy is my future and I am going to make it a happy one if it kills me!

Category
General chat about Italy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/13/2006 - 13:39

Kym,

I'm so excited and happy for you. Sounds like everything is well planned and working out. How exciting for a new chapter in your life book;) . You will do awesome in Italy! Good luck to you and your kids, enjoy the trip, make some fun memories on your way to your new life.

Peggy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/13/2006 - 14:26

in a misspent youth i drove what they called overland trips for an australian firm ...who started us off in english coaches...but because they were so dire then bought dutch coaches... part of the initial deal was to visit the dutch company and train with them to drive these left hand coaches and then have the mercedes factory that supplied them do the mechanical training... i got the same piece of advice... but in reverse to yours...when you get into france...follow the white lines.... and you will get used to it...follow the gutters here and you will find your driving on the pavement...

funny enough all us uk/australian drivers managed ok... but one of the dutch drivers wanted to try the english bus.. he had been accompanying us as a trainer... he promptly hit a lamp post... after having a hard time for a week with him ... it wasnt something we were too sad about

generally best not to plan to much on a trip like yours... it puts you under pressure... take it as it comes... am sure the hotels will be easy to find... and welcome you and dogs....

the best of luck with your trip down

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/16/2006 - 08:19

Kym,

That's excellent planning!! Your trip sounds highly adventurous! Fingers crossed all goes well & you'll manage to find somewhere to stay in Calais...

Just take it easy at first driving with a left-hand drive car... perhaps do a few rounds in your local area, where you know all the twists & turns before taking it onto unknown roads. When I swapped a left-hand for a right-hand drive car, I kept looking at the wrong side of the road & also inside the car, eg, grabbing the door when going for the handbrake!! :eek: Most dangerously, when I had to swerve for debris on the road, I nearly went up a bank because I swerved to the wrong side!!!

It takes a while to get used to swapping sides, especially when you move to somewhere where everything is 'on the other side' lol...

Best of luck & take it easy! :)

Stephanie

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/05/2006 - 05:49

has anyone heard if they ever arrived ... i know there has been lots of snow...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/05/2006 - 13:07

Please call in let us know where you are and that all are safe, kids and dogs alike....are we all thinking about our own escapades as we this thread, I am...hey...would you do it again?

Definately, but might make a few changes but hopefully I'll not have to do it again?