As we now see ourselves out of lockdown and looking forward to more services and shops opening, there will also soon be the possibility of foreign travel.
With all of us desperate to escape to 'anywhere' different, this will be an absolute delight to many. I have to confess, I have very much missed the odd trip away or short break through these difficult times.
However, I have not missed the actual travel bit. I mentioned some of my travel challenges in the “Oh no not luggage” blog but there have been other experiences. I’d like to share one in particular, as it might be of value to those of you planning a road trip or drive to sunnier climes.
When the kids were a little younger, we had some great family trips to France. These involved long drives and ferry trips - all very exciting. Well, exciting on the surface but the actual travel can be a real pain. I hope it isn’t just me but I’ve always found them a challenge. Many people say “it’s all part of the holiday” or “try to relax and enjoy it”. Not me, if I had my way I’d try and get it done as quickly as possible. But with all the speed cameras these days, especially through France, travelling as quickly as your car is capable would see a vast collection of speeding tickets stack up in no time. With that in your mind you set off with route planner printed or sat nav at the ready and put yourself in autopilot for the long drive.
Oh, that’s after you’ve tackled the ferry trip which, due to those super fast ferries, seems to resemble a special type of roller-coaster. The swell causing many to carry a sick bag and the cleaning teams pretty well fully employed with a mop and bucket - yuk! The first time we travelled it was so bad that we chose to travel on the late boat the next time and booked a cabin. Sadly, this had no windows and those four fold down beds from the walls - absolutely no chance of sleeping!!! It was more like lying on the floor whilst someone shakes you - with the added fear of falling off. Not fun. Especially not fun if the morning task involves driving for eight hours to your destination. More coffee please!
Speaking of the drive, the story I want to share is about our daughter during the first French road trip we took. She was about five years old and pretty good in the car. She didn’t suffer from car sickness and was generally very happy to watch things on the DVD player, which I had expertly strapped to the seat in front (no fancy iPads in those days). We had prepared well and had loads of movies and all those CBeebies shows of the time for her to work through. The bigger challenge was when a “pit stop” was needed.
I’ll try to give you the details as clearly as I remember them. As this was a lengthy trip, a toilet visit would have surely been essential, you might think. After a couple of hours we decided to make our first stop. This was fairly easy. We picked up some snacks and whomever needed a quick wee, went and did their business. On this occasion our daughter chose not to go as she had ‘emptied’ on the ferry.
We had travelled with family too, who had been in a separate car. They had shared a few stories of their trip so far which included one occupants struggle with ‘fidgets’. A horrible sensation which causes the sufferer to have an overwhelming urge to move their legs, now more commonly known as Restless Leg Syndrome. The only short term cure is to stretch the leg out. We chuckled over a coffee about the leg out of the window, or foot pressed against the ceiling and stretching between the front seats whilst being hemmed in by an excess of luggage over-spilling from the boot into the cabin.
Great discussions and some amazing laughter. Then, with snacks aboard, off we go again.
The second stop a few hours later brought about a change of view! Although again our daughter was not desperate for the toilet, we did the right parenting task of persuading her that a quick trip to the loo would help make the next stint more comfortable. Sadly, on inspection of the toilet facilities on offer, it was clear she was ‘unimpressed’. Rather than going in, she turned to my wife stating “I think I can hang on” and with that, proceeded back to the car. It’s not as if it was that bad - a little shabby but ok in the main.
It was the third stop that the view changed alarmingly. With the need for a wee ever more apparent with the shifting around in the seat and the slightly pale look on her face, the next services was to be the one - or we had thought! On stopping, at this slightly more ‘make-shift’ services, my wife slowly walked our daughter to the sign marked femme. On opening the door, my wife showed our daughter inside. The response was fairly immediate... There was not much in the way of sound; and the event was short-lived - she gave a simple but extremely stern and forceful “NO”. That was it, nothing more and she turned on her heels straight back to the car. This experience had not been a pleasant one for her, the toilettes à la turque or squatting toilet is a sight she will keep with her forever - poor her! When we managed to get her to speak again, a full 20 minutes afterwards she was still a little rattled and shaking her head said “where was the toilet? it was just a hole in the ground” and “the smell, did you smell that smell too” followed by “no, no, it has to have a seat”.
So in true parenting style, we spent the following 45 minutes checking out the next few services to ensure ‘M Lady’ would be happy. Until eventually we found one - with a seat - and the flood gates could be opened!!
On the next trip we took a portable travel loo!!! Good job the car had a big boot and tinted windows...
So to all those off travelling and taking some time out - beware of the wee drive!
Komentar