The Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum is always a treat. A quick run through to catch up with some favourite exhibits including the Chihuly glass sculpture.
Left Paris from Gard D'Este on the TGV. A fast train that got us to Reims in 45 minutes. Travelling at 300 kph the countryside was a blur. Fi and I walked to the Europcar depot through a beautiful park and got our wheels for the week. A few hiccups between driving on the right and navigation we got to Cormicy. Unable to check in for a bit we went to Supermarche for essential supplies (wine) and parked outside the digs. The church at Cormicy The area was ruined in the Great War and church dating back to 12th century was rebuilt as was the Chateau. 18 of us were here now with last 4 arriving Saturday. We gathered at cafe whilst we waited. Fairly sure we increased their turnover enough to afford a new villa! The nearly whole gang + random local After a few hours we got the all clear to enter the premises. The place has been here in some form since 1179 and this reincarnation since 1925. We will be given a tour of cellars on Tuesday which are of the 12th century! Our erstwhile organis...
Was a slow start, but being a Sunday, shop was only open until 12.00. Meant we had to get out for supplies. Our room Donny and I went to Supermarche for essentials and then drove on to one of the many war grave sites in this area. This one at Hermonville is for allied soldiers and poignantly the date of death for many was today 108 years ago. We returned to the Chateau where a catered brunch was being provided in the gardens. Our idyllic setting We sat and soon decided it was not too early for rosé and champagne! Served up we enjoyed the repast. Our menu Following the meal the children (all of us) decided on archery. Fortunately the arrows were rubber tipped and our target was an apple on the head! Donny's turn as target A lot of fun had and consensus was Peter Hack was most lethal. The afternoon progressed and Bocce was played as the day slipped into darkness. Once again 11.00 came and we retired indoors and one by one we sidled off to bed. Cannot be sure when last trooper retire...
It was time for call stumps on our epic 10 weeks away. Last night in London we met up with 8 others at the Green Room in Waterloo for drinks and dinner. Farewells all around until a next time. Scott, Fi and I We made our way back to Leann's and a last sad drink on balcony. Up in morning to pack and then to Deptford for brunch with Sian. Fi and I then had one last look at the Dog and Bell before inevitable time arrived. With extra luggage on return we had booked a car for travel to Gatwick, which arrived spot on 5.45 pm at Leann's. Teary goodbye and we were off. Put luggage through at Emirates desk then for the herding through security and border control. Flight to Dubai first then again through their security before resting in terminal. Did not feel like 9.00 am, so beer and Bloody Mary time! Final leg home to Brisbane then shuttle to Main Beach saw us home by 10.00 am. Total travel time of 31 hours and very weary. Showers then a quick trip to shops as nothing in house. Brough...
Looks great. Love the V&A
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