Finally, we have the tickets sorted for our crossing into France. We have chosen the Eurotunnel, as it was actually £30 cheaper than the ferry. We are going to be in the van with the trailer, so it was surprising to us that the train was cheaper.
We will be driving our belongings and selves to Castelo Branco, Portugal on the 24th September.
Most probably staying over in a few towns in France and Spain before we eventually arrive at our almost final destination in the village of Alpedrinha.
I am expecting it to take us 2-3 days as we'll be towing the trailer which will be full along with the van. Planning not to use the Peage (toll roads) but we will see how it pans out.
Once we get to Castelo Branco, we are going to stay in the local camp site in the bell tent. Then we will be checking in with our estate agent, paying the final settlement, signing contracts and getting the keys to the property. Hopefully all in that order!
Myself & Mum are really excited, if not a little bit apprehensive (to be expected) but really looking forward to seeing what we have got ourselves in for.
It is going to be an amazing journey just getting there let alone what we have before us. It is truely the beginning to something that a lot of people would love to achieve and dream of. I am so grateful to be able to get the opportunity to do this and with an amazing person in my life, my Mum.
Check list of things done:
- Van is insured, registered in the UK, Mot'd & taxed. (It was Polish & before that German, I might go into that at a later date!)
- Trailer is brought and getting serviced next week along with the van.
- All contracts to the apartment have been cancelled, internet, gas, electric, etc.
- Passports are in date and still good for quite a few years.
- Train booked.
- Health Insurance sorted (we both have our European Health Insurance Cards).
- Most things packed into boxes and in our storage unit.
- Contract, insurances, documents required all in a safe place that we ACTUALLY know where they are!
- A little bit of packing, moving the large items, fridge, washing machine, etc.
- Charity gig, leaving party to raise money for the Pilgrims Hospice and say good bye to friends (Ramsgate Music Hall, Friday 11th September) EVENTS PAGE
- Some final good byes with friends and family.
- Packing the van & trailer.
- Leaving!
At this stage, I am a list master (Pete would be proud!). Daily lists are created and ticked off/destroyed by the end of the day. It has helped massively to know what we have left to do and what needs doing still.
TBC as things happen, as and when...
Peace 1 <3
WMD
