3 weeks travelling, 6,000kms through Spain, France and Italy shared with two really good friends Lourdes and Jayne. Having been home a few weeks and reliving our experiences and adventures through my photos, it's time for reflection. Would I, could I have done anything differently?
We spent virtually 24 hours a day for the three weeks in each other's company without one cross word between us. There was the odd time when frustration surfaced, mainly when we were tired, however it quickly past or whatever might have caused it, resolved. It was easy going, relaxed and so enjoyable. I really can't think of two other people with whom I would rather have spent such an intensive time. We worked well together as well as seeking an individual approach to what we wanted from the trip. We gave each other space whilst also really enjoying a togetherness. I wouldn't have changed a thing as far as my travelling companions were concerned.
As far as the itinerary, driving, hotels and distances in between were concerned, I would liked to have incorporated a stay in Monaco. It was, I learnt when we stopped there, a dream that Jayne had to visit the port in particular. It just wasn't possible on this occasion.
I would've organised a Spanish commentary on the sat nav for Lourdes. Although her English improved and she certainly understood more by the end of our journeying.
I feel that the all elements of the route planning, sharing of the driving and the distances in between destinations worked really well. There was only one hiccup as far as hotels were concerned, otherwise we were comfortable and it worked out extremely economically.
The itinerary was mostly planned with regard to comfortable distances to drive, however the locations selected proved to be everything and more than we'd could've hoped for (with the exception of Civitavecchia). It was interesting that we each had a different favourite location. La Spezia for Lourdes, Avignon for Jayne and Florence for me.
As far as our ultimate destination was concerned, Piaggine, although we were made extremely welcome, another time I'd like to be involved more. It means learning the basics of the language as well as seeking out projects in which to contribute. English is taught at the local school, maybe I could help out there. I'd also like to explore more of the area on foot and learn of the agricultural practises and efforts with regards to tourism.
In answer to my reflective question, I think I can say with confidence that basically the answer is no, I wouldn't have done things differently. A success then!
We spent virtually 24 hours a day for the three weeks in each other's company without one cross word between us. There was the odd time when frustration surfaced, mainly when we were tired, however it quickly past or whatever might have caused it, resolved. It was easy going, relaxed and so enjoyable. I really can't think of two other people with whom I would rather have spent such an intensive time. We worked well together as well as seeking an individual approach to what we wanted from the trip. We gave each other space whilst also really enjoying a togetherness. I wouldn't have changed a thing as far as my travelling companions were concerned.
As far as the itinerary, driving, hotels and distances in between were concerned, I would liked to have incorporated a stay in Monaco. It was, I learnt when we stopped there, a dream that Jayne had to visit the port in particular. It just wasn't possible on this occasion.
I would've organised a Spanish commentary on the sat nav for Lourdes. Although her English improved and she certainly understood more by the end of our journeying.
I feel that the all elements of the route planning, sharing of the driving and the distances in between destinations worked really well. There was only one hiccup as far as hotels were concerned, otherwise we were comfortable and it worked out extremely economically.
The itinerary was mostly planned with regard to comfortable distances to drive, however the locations selected proved to be everything and more than we'd could've hoped for (with the exception of Civitavecchia). It was interesting that we each had a different favourite location. La Spezia for Lourdes, Avignon for Jayne and Florence for me.
As far as our ultimate destination was concerned, Piaggine, although we were made extremely welcome, another time I'd like to be involved more. It means learning the basics of the language as well as seeking out projects in which to contribute. English is taught at the local school, maybe I could help out there. I'd also like to explore more of the area on foot and learn of the agricultural practises and efforts with regards to tourism.
In answer to my reflective question, I think I can say with confidence that basically the answer is no, I wouldn't have done things differently. A success then!