Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Our new toy

With John's impending semi retirement as from August - a three day week - we have indulged in a new toy. Something that I've wanted for years but John was not so keen. Anyway, with a sudden change of heart he agreed that we might think about it. Well, with that I was on the case and went headlong into searching which did not take long I can tell you. With just a small amount of prompting and a visit to a local showroom John finally took the bull by the horns and said yes. So - this is it. Meet our little VW campervan



I'm absolutely overjoyed - a dream come true.





For our first trip we visited our daughter and family who have a static caravan on a site at St Lawrence Bay in Essex





It was a bit of a learning curve but because we were with experienced caravanners we knew we'd have help if needed.



We've had a couple of overnight stays so far but now our holidays are all out of the way we hope to spend more time 'glamping' (which is something I'd never heard of before but apparently the 'in' word at the moment)





 So - at the end of the day John is smitten with our new toy and hasn't looked back. Looking forward to some great weekends away and lovely days out.

Be in touch again soon x




44 comments:

  1. Oh oh oh oh! I'm jealous! I'd love to have one of those. I hope you have lots of fun times in it.

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  2. I can foresee lots of exciting and interesting long weekends ahead. It looks really lovely and fulfils that little Wendy House need that we all have, but much better as it is on wheels.
    Are you back in the UK or still in France?

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    1. I always wanted a Wendy house Rosemary and you're right it ticks all the boxes. Loving it. We're still in France visiting friends, returning on Saturday and can't wait to get started. x

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  3. Oh, It's just lovely! Think of all the wonderful places you will be able to travel to. Enjoy it and have fun!
    Betty

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  4. Lovely! I hope you have some happy times and memorable visits in your new toy:)

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  5. How wonderful. Unfortunately with my insomnia and DB's snoring, we aren't able to take advantage of such lovely things. Ah well, love knows no bounds!

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    1. Its been a long time coming DC. Can empathise with the snoring though x

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  6. How exciting! You are going to have such great adventures in your camper van! Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what it is like on the inside - very cute!

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    1. We're very excited Kristien, glad you like it x

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  7. Oh how great for you, I hope you have many wonderful times with it. Very envious:)

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    1. Thanks Amanda, we're really looking forward to it x

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  8. Brilliant, Patricia! You'll enjoy it so much :-) Our first camper van (nearly 25 years ago) was a classic VW camper (the old flat-fronted one with the engine at the back) and we had such fun with it. The beauty of a small van is that it can go anywhere.

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    1. Thanks Perpetua. I love those old classic VWs and would have liked one but they were much more expensive than ours. You're right about taking it anywhere and we intend using it in the winter for days out. x

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    2. Yes, they're almost collector's items nowadays, Patricia. Just think, if we'd held onto ours we could make a fortune. :-)

      We travel to France each summer in our more ordinary modern one, partly because it carries so much and partly because it's so good for days out.

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  9. I dream of owning a camper too - hope you'll have some wonderful adventures!

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    1. Thanks Louise. My dream was a long time coming but it was worth it in the end x

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  10. Lucky you....I can't think of anything better to retire with. Just think you have the freedom to go anywhere you want. I am an Essex girl and don't live far from St Lawrence Bay its a lovely place to visit. You must try East Runton Norfolk. The beaches are beautiful...xx

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    1. We're really looking forward to using it in our retirement Linda. I can't believe you live nearby. We live in Benfleet but visit St Lawrence Bay often x

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  11. Oh la la!! I don't mind saying that I'm wayyyyyyy jealous! :)
    How exciting is this?!?!?
    I told you not long ago that I want one in my back garden so I can hide away and craft, but I didn't mean one of this super awesome new ones like you have, I more meant one of the old vintage ones, so you must have thought I was a bit mad when I said that... lol...
    I wish you could drive that to Texas to see me!
    I'm so happy for you!! Dreams coming true!!! Love it!
    Tammy

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    1. Ah thanks a lot Tammy. I'd love one of the old classic ones but they were way out of our price band. Dreams do come true if you wait long enough and you'll be living your dream soon when you move to the UK x

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  12. Well I can imagine all the fun you both are going to have with your new van, looks great.

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    1. Thanks Greenthumb we definitely intend to x

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  13. Patricia, we had EXACTLY the same conversation when our retirement loomed, nearly a couple of years ago. But in the ned we didn't get one, because it meant doing away with a car, and perhaps when Jim was out fishing I'd have been stuck wherever we were.....and he doesn't fancy towing a caravan. But I was SO jealous when we were at the festival last w/end as my frined had one of the old fashioned VW camper vans. You never know, we may have a change of heart! MEanwhile, enjoy yours, it looks great!

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  14. Thanks Lynne. We did think about it for a while but it was worth the wait x

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  15. Nice and comfortable car! Your dream for years come true and you both will be able to travel and see interesting places.
    Have a nice weekend!

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    1. Thank you Nadezda, we are so looking forward to our mini travels. x

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  16. I would love one of those too. I'm sure you are going to have some great adventures. A great way to enjoy John's retirement.
    Sarah x

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    1. Thanks Sarah and here's hoping for an extended summer too as we've started late in the season.

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  17. Fantastic Patricia! A perfect way to see the country.

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    1. Thanks Anne. We don't know quite where to venture first but excited at the prospect.

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  18. It looks quite spacious inside and comfortable too. Hope you both enjoy it.

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  19. Its absolutely super Patricia..
    Oh.. how I have wanted one for so long.. yours is so new and very spacious.. You will be able to go anywhere now.
    I want one.. I want one. ):-
    Enjoy it..
    sending best wishes.
    val.

    address http://valerietilsten59blogspot.com .... blog name val's Alentejo.
    I am only using this blog.

    happy 'glamping' xx

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    1. Thank you Val. I'd waited ages for this and I'm not the world's most patient person. Really looking forward to getting out and about.

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  20. Oh yes - I can see it now - freedom and the open road - I am green with envy ( do you think you would have room for a little one - I don't take up much room).

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  21. I've always wanted a camper van, but unfortunately it's never been on my husband's wishlist! I'm sure you have lots of trips planned, especially if the sunny weather continues, so enjoy!

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  22. Thanks Linda. Here's hoping the summer lasts until autumn this year.

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  23. Ohhhhh Patricia , you're a lucky girl, what a gorgeous toy...I hope it will bring you lots of beautiful , sunny and happy days...And now you can come over to Holland :)
    Hugs
    Erna x

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  24. I have EXTREME ENVY!!! Buying a campervan is something we discuss daily! xxxx

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  25. It looks great, I'm sure you're going to have so much fun with it!

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