Malta Holiday with family......

** reader warning, this is a long one, hope you've made a coffee and sitting comfortably! **

This time it's a Jet2 holiday with Hubby, sisterS and bilK flying out 20th June and back 30th June but lasting two days longer as S&K are sleeping over at ours the day before and the day after so we airport in just the one car.

I managed to get my packing done just in time as R, E, and O had done sleepovers in various combinations from Thursday to Sunday so no free bed to put suitcases on till Monday and beds needed to be stripped, washed, dried and remade for our guests.

S&K arrived Tuesday lunchtime and Daughter with R and O called round to see them (and also to use the kiln). Lunch at home with all leftovers into the freezer and dinner in the pub so no effort or washing up, and our holiday was well underway. 

Wednesday 20th  It was a late leisurely start which seemed odd, we're more used to getting up and out when it's still dark but this time we had later flights so breakfast at home and just a light snack at Stanstead. Easy at the airport with check-in and baggage drop stuff and the flight all went to plan. We all liked Jet2 with very helpful friendly staff and seats with plenty of leg room. Of course travelling later meant it was already dark when we arrived at Luna hotel, think it was about 9pm. We checked in dumped our cases in our rooms then straight out to find dinner. Came back had a drink in the bar then up to bed about 11pm. I spent some time unpacking, Hubby got into bed. It was really hot and stuffy but I couldn't get the aircon to come on, so he got out of bed again but couldn't get it to work either, we both fiddled with all the bits on the control box that needed fiddling with and we opened and closed the balcony doors a couple of times for good measure (aircon won't work with door open says the sticker). So as Hubby wasn't dressed I went down to reception armed with a photo of the aircon control box so I could be talked through what fiddling we needed to correct it. Receptionist Jorges was very helpful and said you don't fiddle with the controls as in one of the drawers there is a remote control. So back up and a treasure hunt for us both with no prize. Back down I go and this time Jorges comes back up with me and we stand back while he hunts (actually Hubby isn't standing he's sitting up in bed). Jorges had no luck either so came to the conclusion that not all rooms have the super-duper aircon and ours is manual but the symbols on the box had worn away. He left to make some phone calls and true to his word he kept us informed that he could find no fans for a temporary fix and the very best he could do was move us to a vacant room for tonight but we'd need to confirm with the manager next day to see if we could stay put or have to move back. So we hastily repacked and moved rooms at 12.45am. Of course I then couldn't sleep even with air-con! 

Thursday 21st First thing was to message S&K to say don't knock for us we've moved, second thing was to check at reception and yes they've rearranged their bookings and we can stay in this room.  We decided to stay local today and get a feel of what's nearby. So we went for a walk towards the bay and found Blu Beach Club for breakfast, a very modern restaurant with inside and outside dining spaces and a fabulous view across the bay (look how clear this water is),

and we met the lovely waitress Cheryl who looked after us remembering everything we ordered without writing it down, impressive! After breakfast we continued walking around Mellieha bay, some concrete, some rocks but mostly lovely sandy beach typically covered in umbrella shaded sunbeds. It was getting very hot but thankfully a gentle breeze. Of course we've come away during the World Cup so back at the hotel our men sat in the bar with football, beer and nibbles, we left them to it and went out for another walk in the opposite direction

Back to Blu for dinner as it has the best views and very good food. We were early to bed but I still couldn't sleep.

Friday 22nd  We decided on a lazy late start and out for breakfast again to Blu and a lovely welcome from waitress Cheryl who not only remembered what we'd ordered last time but automatically brought out the brown sauce that K had asked for yesterday. Back at the hotel for the Jet2 rep welcome talk, very useful and we think we'll book the night tour but not just yet although we did buy the 7 day bus cards for unlimited travel for €21 each.

Knowing we wouldn't want an actual meal before the evening we bought lots of fresh fruit from a stall near the hotel and headed out for the afternoon. We took a bus to St Paul's bay (even the bus stop had a great view)

and another bus to Bugibba. We passed a sign that said Bognor which made me laugh. A pretty little town centre, so we had a walk around then the men settled into a bar with screen showing football, after a drink S&I went shopping, she bought a dress and while she was trying them on and debating I gratefully stood under a fan hahaha. When the football ended we got 2 buses back again. Hubby had carried the fruit but we didn't eat any till we got back, typical eh? We tried another local restaurant/cafe

and all ordered the local Maltese dish of Bragjoli (stuffed beef rolls braised in wine and tomatoes) and all enjoyed it. We ended the evening with a silly trivial pursuit game on the laptop.

Saturday 23rd  Up and out early for two buses into Mosta for breakfast. We went inside the Rotunda, Roman Catholic Church,

Which is most famous for the fact that during the war while part way through a service to a full congregation a bomb came through the domed roof but didn't explode, nobody was injured and it has been celebrated as a miracle ever since.

Another two buses took us to  Ta'Qali (they pronounce "Q" as "Oh") craft village, which had been highly recommended. Just a few units here and lots of building work going on so more a village-in-progress. First stop jewelers, famous for its silver filigree and the owner gave us a short demonstration, S bought earrings and I bought a Pandora charm. Next to the pottery but no purchases, then to the glass place where unfortunately the fires were raging but no demo, must be siesta time. I just bought two glass sweets to put in my sweety dish as a souvenir. Think there was a wood place but it was closed up so a short walk to the Aviation museum which our men really enjoyed. When we found their refreshment hut it reminded S& I of our childhood Nissan Hut home.

A slightly better version than their other huts

Having seen it all it was back by two buses to our hotel for BBQ Karaoke night which was a fiasco! Advertised on the board as starting at 8pm and the flyer advised to book, so the night before we told them at reception and it appeared they made a note. We walked out to pool side at 7:30pm planning to have a drink first but not only was the bbq well under way and the salads looking more than half empty, but there were no free tables and no staff coming forward to assist, so we left and went back to Zafarino (nearby restaurant we'd eaten at on our first night) for dinner. I ordered pizza and it was massive!

Sunday 24th Just two buses but totally crossed the island so on my bum for 2 hours. We went into Marsaxlokk ("x" is pronounced "sh") which is famous for its very popular fish market alongside the marina with very unusually decorated and colourful boats

 (fishing boats called isusu).

Actually only the end quarter was selling fish and the rest was normal market stuff that is sold everywhere so nothing different to buy.  We did half the market then stopped for breakfast, very welcome as it was nearly 11am and we were all starving. Of course we had to get back in time for the football afternoon kickoff as it was England v Panama so two packed buses back and we must look old, tired or needy as we always get offered seats which with my poorly knees is most appreciated. The men got off the bus in Mellieha Town to find a bar with a big screen and we stayed on till the hotel. S and I dropped our bags into our rooms then walked down the road to get gelato then we just sat talking in reception area as it was cool. We had heard some cheering from the hotel bar so knew the game had gone well and our men came back very happy as England won 6:1. Another local dinner as men didn't want to get back on a bus but a restaurant we hadn't used before overlooking the jetty and launch ramp and as it was evening we watched all the boaty people bringing their dinghies in and onto trailers and one even brought in all the cushions from their boat which gave us lots of speculation and conversation.

Monday 25th It was a bright sunny early morning and we had plans so Hubby and I waited in reception for the others, but then it went really grey and started raining which quickly turned into a full storm with thunder and lightning and the road outside looking like a river. It was fun to watch while we waited it out and once it stopped it dried up quite quickly. So out for a later breakfast and surprised that it didn't smell fresh like after a UK storm but muddy as everything is so dusty dry normally. Then back to the original plan and took the bus to Cirkewwa ("c" pronounced "ch") to catch the ferry to Gozo. Thankfully our prepaid bus card could be used on Gozo too and we used lots of buses as they only radiate from Victoria in the middle so if you go outward you have to come back in to the bus station to go out again. We visited the Citadel in Rabat

There were other museums all within the same grounds and one of them had more stairs inside than I wanted to use, so the others explored and I chatted to the museum lady who recommended Shara as a place we must go to, which we later worked out was spelled Xaghra! There we discovered the Ggantija Temples which are just the remains and restoration but the museum attached is so interesting

Lots more walking then bus back to the centre then ferry then bus to Luna hotel. Time enough to shower and change then another local dinner in a bar with football screens!

Tuesday 26th I slept really well last night for a change and didn't want to get up! The plan for today was the three island boat trip which included time for diving and snorkeling, K was really keen, S and I are terrified of boaty things but assured there would be opportunities to explore on firm dry land and Hubby as always was happy to go with the flow! So we gathered all our stuff together including beach towels and headed off for breakfast noticing how windy it was. The boats in front of our breakfast table were getting quite bouncy as the waves got choppier and eventually we talked ourselves into a postponement or maybe a not-at-all. So we took the opportunity to go inside the Tunnara Bay fishing museum which as the name suggests is dedicated to tuna fishing

We took a slow walk back along the shore line, it was hot but still quite windy and far from calm waters. Back to our rooms to drop bags etc and I had the start of a migraine! We told S&K to go out without us and we stayed in our room till we met for dinner at 7.30 thankfully I felt so much better by then, think it was the heat getting to me again. They reported that they'd bussed into Valletta and it was extremely hot and walking was all steep flights of stairs and hills so I'm glad I didn't chance it.

Wednesday 27th Out for breakfast as usual. As we'd booked the "Malta by Night" tour which leaves too early for us to have dinner first we decided we needed a substantial late lunch. We'd promised ourselves a visit to the local church at the top of the hill and its daytime cafe was highly recommended, so today was the ideal opportunity.

This picture was taken from our usual bus stop so you see it's only about 20 mins walk away but all uphill so we chose the bus. It was really interesting inside the lower church that had a full exhibition of its restoration and the visit from the Pope some years ago (no photography allowed inside).  It has been the place for many personal miracles and there is a whole wall displaying thank-you messages and abandoned crutches, walking sticks, plaster casts etc. Unfortunately the main church was closed. The cafe looked nice and was busy but didn't have enough food choice mostly sandwiches so we went into a restaurant/bar nearby that had the football on (happy men). We were back in plenty of time to get ready for the booked Night trip.

Pick up from our hotel was late by 45 mins and apparently they had informed reception but given our wrong room number so we never got told, even though we were sitting by the front door in front of reception for an hour! Then it was a mini bus transfer, making other drop-offs then finally us to our Hop-on-Hop-off tour bus and Hubby took us all straight upstairs on the open top deck for a better view, it was really blowy and cold up there! If only we'd known we would have brought blankets. There were headphones to plug into the bus to get a running guide. First stop was in Valletta then a short walk and up in a big lift and into a cinema for a 5D show. We had the history of Malta condensed into about 20 mins, 3D imagery (hence the very attractive glasses), we followed a flying bird some of the time to get an aerial view, and when he swooped and glided and dived so did our chairs, when we witnessed riders on jetskis passing right in front of us we were sprayed by their wake and when snakes slithered off of a table under some chairs we could feel them against our legs. All good fun.

Back on the bus then another stop for us to take a walk along the main street of the old city of Mdina.

By the time the bus completed its circuit and we then had our mini-bus transfer back it was a very late night but really enjoyable.

Thursday 28th. Yes another football day but not till the evening! So first a bus to l'Imgarr because on the map it showed a church and two temples and a museum. It was a long bus ride and people kept getting off and no others were getting on until eventually only two locals were left on the bus apart from us, an elderly man and a lady with her grocery shopping who kept looking at us then eventually asked where we wanted to go as obviously this was not a tourist spot. She told us when to get off, the place looked deserted. The church was shut, the temples apparently were a long walk away, the buses were hourly and we hadn't eaten. So into the only restaurant bar and they didn't have a breakfast menu so we all had burgers. We spoke to the waitress who said there really wasn't anything to do in this village and she hoped we wouldn't die of boredom hahaha. You guessed it we got back on the next bus back to the hotel! Here's the church we didn't go inside, the umbrellas are where we ate and we're standing at the bus stop and that's about it.

We spent the afternoon in the hotel, hubby had a sleep when he was bored of the afternoon football, think K went for a swim but it was all hanging about just waiting for the football. We decided to go back up to the local Mellieha church as the bar we'd eaten in before has a huge screen. We got up there really early and after checking that yes they were going to show the England v Belgium game but no they don't reserve tables, the men sat down and guarded the best table, while S and I had a look round the now open church. We ate there first and soon after the game started us girls left them to it and came back to the hotel. The men suddenly arrived back at half time as that place had a great screen but no atmosphere, they watched the rest in the hotel bar but said it was a boring game and England lost although it didn't matter as they were through anyway.....seemed a total waste of time to me!

Friday 29th. We were staying local as it's our last day here and our bus tickets had expired so we tried breakfast in the hotel which K had always thought expensive but actually it was much the same price as we'd been paying in other places and a really nice and fresh buffet variety. Then we set out for a walk. I'd got about half way but there was no breeze and no shade at all so I decided to turn around but insisted the others went on without me. They made it to Anchor Bay and overlooked the Popeye Village taking great photos. Popeye Village was originally the film set for the 1980 musical starring Robin Williams but now it has grown into a theme park.

I took a slow stroll back and popped into the supermarket/souvenir shop but couldn't bring myself to buy any tat that's the same in almost every holiday souvenir shop anywhere with just a different country name printed across it. They returned and found me in the reception area with a mug of tea in hand making use of the WiFi.

It seemed really busy everywhere including the hotel. K wanted a swim but there were no vacant sunbeds so after a refresh S&K decided as it was the last day they would go for another walk and walked up the hill to Mellieha Town and had a drink, at least the journey back for them was all down hill. Hubby and I just ventured up to the hotel's sky bar had a drink and watched all the boats, jetskis and wind surfers in the bay. Our last dinner was Hubby's choice of back to Sunbank which was lovely.

Saturday 30th. Checked before bed and notice on the Jet2 board said transfer was pick up 7.35 to 8am. Hubby and I were packed and down by 7.15 and mini-bus man was already waiting for us so I messaged S&K and they were down soon after. The driver was very funny making us laugh but also very informative as a bit of a tour guide shame we hadn't meet him sooner. There were lots of other pickups but at the airport in plenty of time. Check in and baggage drop was queue-less wow and all so easy. The girl on the desk was chewing and I laughed and said "you're making me hungry, I've not had breakfast yet" she apologised and when all the checks were done and cases sent on their way she returned my passport and boarding pass together with a mini twix, winked and said breakfast, how lovely is that! Oh well it was all going so well, we'd enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, not far to the boarding gate, all on board no problems..... then flight delayed on the tarmac for an hour and a half. The pilot was brilliant keeping us regularly updated and even opened the cockpit to visitors, and once we got going there were no other hitches. Bit of a panic when Stanstead car park wanted £200+ to let us out when we'd prepaid, but that was soon sorted and home at last and pub meal and sleepover to round it off nicely.

Sunday and all too soon we were up, all had breakfast, S&K headed off home via fuel and shopping and I got stuck into the huge pile of laundry!
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Crete holiday with family.....

I haven't blogged for ages so went into this to maybe start a new post and to have a little browse at what had gone recently.......when I noticed it, in draft, an unfinished unpublished post, not an unimportant waffle but a lovely holiday memory.

I'm now assuming it was my impending surgery and all that related to that before it that was the priority and distraction from this.

Now more than three months later I can't do it justice with details, nor can I have no record at all of a really lovely holiday for Hubby and me with sisterS and bilK. So as a compromise here are the notes I'd left for myself, added to a bit, followed by some of the photos.

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Thursday 5th October
Dinner out and sleep over here with sisterS and bilK so we get a very early start to the airport in one car to save car park costs. 

Friday 6th
4am start and Hubby is doing all the driving from now till we are home again. Uneventful travel thankfully.

At Gatwick airport we had a Lebanese breakfast because all the main eating places were really crowded and this one was the furthest away and had plenty of vacant seating. We only ordered normal breakfast stuff but it was nicely cooked and very good service so we were more than happy.

Kokkino Chorio was the name of the small village we were staying in. The villa we had rented from a friend of sisterS who also included use of their car. We were told that it's not usually rented out so fully stocked for family use. The owner said to feel free to use anything already there (food, beer, toiletries, etc) but replace them before we leave ready for their next visit.

When we arrived there was no power! We had been warned about Greek electricity supply being a bit irregular and told all about the consumer unit upstairs, unable to get anything to work we had to knock next door where neighbours Margaret and Allen were very helpful.

Made use of their car into the next village Plaka for the supermarket and noticed lots of places there to eat. So back to Plaka in the evening to one of the many taverna's for dinner. We all loved traditional Greek food and it also seems traditional here for the taverna to charge for the bread and oils/dips they bring out first without asking but not to charge at the end when they bring a repeat of your drinks orders and cake or fruit and Raki. I actually don't do well out of this as I don't drink alcohol so only on water and the fruit arrived in Greek yoghurt which I also don't eat but the others made the most of it all.

This is the villa, cloudy when we arrived but that didn't last long. Only two villas within a gated area and sharing the pool.

Beautiful views, so breakfast outside every day. Only got the sunbeds out by the pool once as it was a bit too hot for me to just lie there for long. BilK was the only one to use the pool and he only did that once as the water was freezing.

Saturday 7th
Outside having breakfast that bilK cooked when we heard an enormous crash so Hubby went to investigate and discovered a very large picture had fallen off the wall and glass was all down the marble stair case! Hubby spent ages clearing it all up. Knew it wasn't our fault but still not the best start to the day.

Heading out in the car and unfortunately Hubby caught the back of a delivery lorry which scratched the car badly when it took the door mirror off! The lorry was fine of course and the driver waved us on but we all felt really bad, especially Hubby.

Georgioupoli
Trying to find a picture to replace the one that smashed, but all these were so expensive.

Another taverna in Plaka - more free stuff

Sunday 8th

Hellenistic and Roman ruins and baths and amphitheatre in Aptera

Mishap of the day was Hubby banging his head on a very low ceiling

Lunch in Aptera where we just wanted a small snack. S&K ordered what looked to be starters off the board and Hubby and I asked for small Greek salad and with the complimentary loaf of bread etc filled the table. We were brought complimentary plate of grapes and asked if we wanted Raki, but even K can't do that stuff lunchtime! We thought it was called Tabepna but discovered that was just another word for Taverna.

Our two men in the front using two different satnav and the driving around these roads is always eventful and taking twice as long  as it should because of missed turns and roads too narrow to drive through. Apparently we were only about seven kilometres from home and it took nearly 25 minutes hahaha.
K is walking ahead to see if we can fit through, we couldn't and had to reverse.

Evening meal back into Plaka

Monday 9th

First thing to do today was send a happy birthday message to our son.

We took a drive into Chania and had a good walk around the market. Hubby had said he wanted a day not driving so we bought provisions for lunch for tomorrow, the cheese stall holder gave us lots to taste before we bought.

Lovely lady at a clothes stall pulled me in to say, only in Greek, she had tops in my size and showed me one after another after another until actually there was one I really did like enough to buy.

We walked back to the car to put our purchases in the boot then off in the opposite direction to find the old town and the old Venetian harbour.

It was beautiful and stopped for lunch looking at the posh boats docked there. According to my phone app we've walked nearly 10km.

Tuesday 10th 

Lazy stay at home day

Wednesday 11th

Thursday 12th

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Can't remember much more now unfortunately and couldn't understand why I hadn't done more while we were there, which I would normally do, often writing up the day before while I'm waiting for everyone to get ready in the mornings. But now I remember getting frustrated when I'd typed up loads and the flaky WiFi didn't save it.

As another afterwards note we'd obviously told the owners about the broken car and picture and they were really good about it. No problem about the picture they were just glad we hadn't been hurt by broken glass. They said they would take care of the car when they arrive the day after we leave and let us know the cost as we insisted on paying of course.
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Holiday in France - 8 to 18 September.......

Thursday 8th
Lovely leisurely morning. Really easy drive (for three hours) to sisterS and bilK's. They cooked, we all ate, watched Jersey Boys film and eventually all up to bed.

Friday 9th
All up and breakfasted and tackled the luggage-in-the-boot jigsaw puzzle. SisterS and I got comfy in the back (we are both short and sit low in Hubby's car, so I'd made booster seats and foot rests for us, she loved that) and men in the front. Last check of "have we got everything?" and we were on our way!

Their house to Folkestone was an easy 2.5hrs, but we did have just under an hour delay on the shuttle.....the Marshall at the front of our queue told us that one cause was a dodgy carriage door that took 10 mins to open and close each time, then there was the Ford Escort car rally convoy when 26 of them boarded an earlier train and one went up the ramp when it shouldn't and damaged its underneath spreading oil over the ramp, sending the following cars sliding backwards down the ramp! And while we were waiting he got messaged over his radio about a Rolls Royce that had gone the wrong way and blocked the entrance to the train refusing to move, so they called the police. So an entertaining wait :-)

Our first night was at the Brasserie Des Sangliers, in a small town called Crecy-en-Ponthieu.

First of course a drink outside, still really sunny and warm.

Then a local walkabout and discovered a really small museum.

The curator was adorable. He insisted on guiding us around and explaining as much as he could so he could practice his English (a big struggle for him).

                                   
Saturday 10th
We were back on the road early for the six hour journey and arrived about 6pm (ish) at the Novotel Hotel in La Rochelle. We'd made a couple of stops, first at Angers but no food places were open so apart from also stopping for fuel and loo at an Aire we managed with the snack bag I'd packed. After we checked in at the hotel we went out for a walk (desperately needed as we were all car-shaped). Down by the harbour we found a scruffy looking outdoor cafe and had, amongst other things, burgers, beers and live jazz. Shame it was a great success for only three out of the four of us.

Sunday 11th
We wanted a lazy day after all the driving but lots of walking locally. Our hotel is right in town but actually set inside a park, so to walk to the centre we have a very pretty route.

 La Rochelle also has a great marina, beach and foody streets and we seemed to walk them all.

Unfortunately I now seem to be the only one totally insect bitten, I noticed the first ones a few days ago but today's have reacted the worst with my left hand really swollen and one on my leg blistered right up. My companions have none, so I'm at least providing a service by keeping them away. More than a dozen bites hot itchy and kept me awake for two nights!

Monday 12th
We took a walk down to the marina for petit dejeuner (breakfast) and went to a restaurant where the bread was fresher, the croissants flakier and the waitress smilier than the place we went to yesterday! Then back to the hotel just to get in the car and drive to Île de Ré, which had been very highly recommended, making stops on the island for driving/eating/drinking at La Flotte, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré and Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and the rest we drove through with some very narrow roads!

Very hot day but we found a little shade on a bench outside a church to have our picnic lunch  then took a look inside.

Back at the hotel we had a late afternoon laze on the hotel terrace by the pool (men had beers of course) then later out for a yummy Italian meal.

SisterS and I also had a nightly ritual with whoever was on reception asking for tea bags and fresh milk to take to our room, they provide kettle and stuff but never quite enough of the stuff we want and those little pots of long life creamer is yuck in tea!

Tuesday 13th
Just like yesterday we made our way to the same restaurant overlooking the marina and the lovely waitress remembered just how we all like our breakfast! Impressive!

We had this day planned long before we'd even arrived in France. Many years ago SisterS worked with a lady who with her husband moved to France and has lived here for 15 years, they've always kept in touch and sisterS has visited twice before (second time with bilK). As soon as they knew we were staying nearby we were all invited for lunch and even sent precise directions. We also have the satnav (which sisterS calls "Satarina Navratilova"). They live in Montmouton, Écoyeux just over an hour away but the hardest part was getting out of La Rochelle as roads were closed because of the market and the satnav couldn't cope!

We were all very warmly greeted and shown round Y&D's lovely home, sisterS admiring the changes since her last visit, and even their dog kept saying hello

Conversation never stopped, lots of laughter, lunch was drinks and nibbles followed by a really delicious five courses! Not sure I'll need to eat again this week! They have a pool and we'd taken swimming things but it kept raining so nobody got in. We stayed for hours and hours they made us so welcome.

Wednesday 14th
For breakfast it was back to the marina and our favorite place, but different staff were on so it wasn't as good, shows it was that one waitress that made it special. Today we visited Île d'Oléron, very highly recommended by Y&D and they are so right it's a beautiful island. We stopped at La Cotiniere and Saint-Denis'd'Oléron and drove around the rest.

Tonight's meal was in a classier restaurant, we ordered three courses each and had three more "amuse bouche" dishes too!

Thursday 15th
SisterS was told about a theme park we would like which isn't full of rides or tat. So we booked online for Grand Parc du Puy du Fou. It was about two hour drive away so we skipped our usual breakfast and drove off early with our croissants in a box!

However I try to describe the place would not do it justice, so here is the link.
It is history, divided into eras and portrayed in shows. Sounds simple but it is far from simple, each show is an extravaganza!  You cannot hope to see every show (and they tell you that often). We first collected headsets so each show came to us as an English translation.

Our first show was
RICHELIEU'S MUSKETEER
Experience the romantic adventures of Richelieu's Musketeer's, set against the backdrop of a giant 17th century theatre (covered theatre with 3,000 seats). A magical show with capes, sword fights, flamenco ballets and incredible special effects!
.......And the arena filled with water!

Our second show was
ORIGINAL 2016 CREATION: LE DERNIER PANACHE
Discover the biggest day show in the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou's history. Follow the glorious destiny of a french naval officer in 1793. The life of this hero of the American War of Independence will definitely change during an ultimate fight for freedom.
........And this was all done in a 360° cinema with very live performances enhanced with film while the audience rotated to where the action was!

Our third show was
THE SECRET OF THE LANCE
A spectacular medieval adventure inspired by the legend of a mysterious lance with magical powers.
......And the horsemanship and acrobatics on horseback was breathtaking!

Each show was just over 30 mins so with walking around the Parc to the right place, arriving early, being seated and being entertained by the warm-up guys it was nearly an hour each one, so all too soon it was time to go, but not before a stop for crepes mmm. We will definitely have to come back to see more.

By the time we got back to the hotel it was raining and we were all too tired to walk into the town centre so we ate at the hotel, which actually was really nice and no more expensive than we'd been paying elsewhere.


Friday 16th
We'd packed up the car and checked out of our hotel and on the road just after 8:30am. There was a slight delay leaving as sisterS had to make another check on her son and his partner who are currently on the labour ward awaiting their first baby. Hard for us all to leave the safety of WiFi when expecting such exciting news!

We've had torrential rain all day, so got wet loading the car and got wet when stopping for breakfast at an Aire, then got wet when trying to stop for lunch so ate in the car.

We were booked into the Hotel de la Cathedrale which is right near the Cathedrale (of course) in the middle of Rouen. We arrived about 4:30pm and drove round and round then parked on the road and then hunted through the boot for all the raincoats and walked. A young lad, seeing us confused, crossed the road to offer his help, he couldn't speak English and didn't know the hotel but thought he knew the street name so with lots of pointing and our merci's we splashed on. Found the hotel and the men got instructions on where to move the car to (they had to walk back and drive exactly to where we'd stood with the young lad which was nothing like the receptionists directions).

Into our rooms and immediately connected to WiFi but no further news from the parents-to-be!

It was a really charming old hotel with lots of character. Flushing the toilet in my room was hilarious as the very old suction/pump/small pipes system was really really noisy!

This was the view from our bedroom window

But unfortunately there was no bar or restaurant, so the men forced themselves out in the rain again to look for the best place to eat, with the incentive of a couple of beers each. They did remember to come back for us and out we all went. Our waiter spoke quite good English but we soon realised he'd learnt all he needed to know just to get his diners through the menu. We managed and all had a great meal with the men sharing a bottle of wine. As we finished desserts they got the most important phone call saying their new granddaughter had arrived! Lots of very excited conversations on the phone and passing the phone around the table. BilK ordered champagne and even though we explained the poor waiter hadn't a clue what all the fuss was about hahaha.

Saturday 17th

The plan had been to leave the hotel by 9am to reach Calais an hour before our 12:20pm train booking but we were all too excited to hopefully meet the newest family member, so we skipped breakfast and checked out at 7am and when we arrived at Le Shuttle terminal we were given a boarding pass for the 10:50am train, then read on the display boards that there was an hour delay. So into the terminal building to buy coffee and croissants. ....but just as we sat to eat the board changed for us from "wait to be called" to "please proceed" so breakfast became takeaway! 

Au revoir France, we loved this holiday.

But our adventure didn't end there! Nobody wants a great holiday to end but we had the best reason ever to rush back. Now UK side and a slow journey as the M25 was its usual crawl/standstill/crawl. Arrived at sisterS and bilK's house in time for a quick lunch then off to the hospital.

How adorable is she?

Out for dinner which didn't go quite as hoped but I'd found a 40% discount voucher and we all eventually enjoyed our meals so not awful just another tale to tell.
None of us were late to bed, it had been a long and exciting day.

Sunday 18th
Up quite early and bilK cooked us a yummy English breakfast.
Then all too soon we hugged and kissed and Hubby and I headed home.
.