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DAY 1
Still in England and time to load the bus and the
trailer in preparation for the first leg of our European Tour. It's
been a long time since I toured on a bus (it's been a long time
since I toured at all actually!) but I do remember that touring
by bus was always the easiest and least stressful way. It will take
a while to get used to the fact that the bus becomes our semi-permanent
"mobile home" and the daily routine is quite different
but this is a great group of people and it shouldn't be too long
before we get then hang of it!
Our bus is a "Trathens Star-Rider" and, from the outside
it looks for all the world like a regular coach (this makes a lot
of sense from a security point of view of course!). On the inside
though it couldn't be any more different! We have twelve bunks (I
brought my own pillow!) and two lounges upstairs as well as a small
"kitchen" and below is another lounge and the "toilet"!
There are some rules we all have to follow but, as I said, this
is a "civilised" group and we all look after each other
and respect each other.
Setting out from Liscombe Park, in darkest Buckinghamshire, we waved
goodbye to Martin and "Eddy Baby" and headed towards Dover
to catch the overnight ferry to Calais in France. This particular
weekend is unusual because it is what is referred to in England
as a "bank holiday" (they take a couple of extra days
to count everyone's money!) and it is also extended as part of the
Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. She has been our Queen for
50 years and I think she's a cool lady actually! On top of that
the World Cup began today (not a word about Senegal beating France!!)
so there is an air of celebration and craziness around that definitely
found its way on to the roads!!
At one time it looked as though we might not get to Dover at all
but we made it on to the 2am ferry and now it's time for bunk!
Next day...
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