Great Britain - 29 Nov to 5th December 2007 (GR1)

Germanic tribes from Europe arrived in Britain around 4000BC and the Iles where frequently invaded by the romans, Vikings and even the French from Normandy . Expecting all this history, we were rather surprised that driving through England and Wales rolling hills also satisfied our lust for nature. Arriving at the rather unattractive port of Dover , we were greeted by the white cliffs and Britains legendary grey wet skies. Heading west via Folkestone we spent our first night in a little village called Woodchurch, with friends Raymond and Erika from South Africa that we had met in Sudan . What a joy to sleep in a heated home! With the clock ticking, we were forced to say sad farewells the next day and made our way to cosmopolitan London , where we spent 3 glorious nights with a dear friend Donald Hearne from Port Elizabeth and his hospitable family Connie, Clive, Kim, Megan and Iviriah.

Thoroughly overfed, we managed to motivate ourselves to take in a bit of this great city- Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London and the iconic landmark Tower Bridge . Unbelievable was the electricity and volume of people on the subways and touristy Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus . Harrods was quite entertaining but the London Dungeon had the kids nerves rattled while educating them on the 17 century plague, Great Fire and mans brutality. The 3 rd December saw us drive through Western England and the mysterious Avebury with its stone circles dating back to 4000BC. Distances being relatively small, we managed to see Bath before spending the night with Graham and Matilda in Bristol , a couple we had met in Florence . It was comforting to experience such warm-hearted hospitality. Thanks again to everyone in England- the first country that we did not sleep in Tipperdee!

Driving through Wales the next 2 days was a visual delight, especially the Snowdonia National Park . The Welsh language proved just as entertaining as we tried in vain to pronounce words on signage along the road. After visiting the centre for alternative technology just outside Machynlleth we spent the night at a campsite in Dolgellau. The centre is an inspiring place to learn about renewable energy and sustainable living- even in the rain. Travelling North via Betws-y-Coed and West via Bethesda , we were rather sad to have rushed through Wales but our ferry was waiting at Holyhead for our crossing to Dublin , Ireland .

Regards