Hallo Nederland! I am back again...for a while
Trip Start
Jul 23, 2008
1
23
24
Trip End
Feb 04, 2009
Vlijmen, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Friday, January 16, 2009
Now it was time to sort out the last things before jumping in the van and driving back to Holland. Not being the best planner, time being an irralevant issue around here and things not easy at hand, it took me over 2 weeks of running around to get the last things fixed on the van (new roofrack, door finally closing properly, solar panel on top etc.), the 8 sheepskins (to be curred) loaded and my things packed. In between saying Hasta Luego to friends and enjoying the last moments of sun and beautiful views.
Cannot go before paying Storm and his daughter a visit at his place at the foot of the Sierra Nevada! He has a beautiful piece of land with his own water spring and fruit trees. We have lots of fun playing hangman, making the best raw chocolate cake ever ánd our search for the 3 kings late at night! Hope to drop by again in the future!
After 2600 km at going an average of 90km/h I arrived safe and sound back in Holland. Only minor thing: For the last 1000km my reverse did not work anymore...bit difficult, but not impossible to travel. You just have to think very carefully where and how you park the van, so it is always possible to head off again, going forward ;-)
It was difficult to leave Bennies...felt no rush to leave this place, but as I wrote before, other things are calling me back to my homecountry for now. People were asking me, when will you be back again? No clue, but nice to know the option is always there!
So Thursday night it was Hasta luego party time! as there is always an excuse for a party. Friday packing the last things, getting 6 puppies on board and Adya and I are ready to set of for Alfarnate to pick up 8 boxes of olive oil as well...good thing I bought a BIG van haha!
This weekend it is COLD, even in south spain, but we manage to keep it kind of warm in the van with the wood burner. 6 puppies give a lot of heat as well. On our way to Alfarnate we 'camp' in an olive tree field, lovely place in the middle of nowhere. Not so lovely the next morning when we found out the battery is flat. I have a second battery but no cables to charge or tools to replace, ok I am not always very organised! Luckily for us we are helped out by this spanish couple passing by. Oil picked up, we head back towards Granada. My friend is not feeling very well, being pregnant, we take no changes and go to the hospital to get a check-up. As I am not well into the spanish pregnant lingo, I ask David for help. He is great and stays with her all afternoon translating things. Good training for him as well, as he will be a father himself soon. Muchos gracias amigo!
It turns out she needs rest and is not capable to travel, so we decide to bring her back to Beneficio. It is a shame, because we had a good laugh together, us and the 6 puppies!
So Bennies: Hello again....and goodbye!
On the move to Holland for real, setting off on my own this time. Seen Granada a bit to often, so choosing a different route, crossing the Sierra Nevada. Going slow, but beautiful views! Cartagena being my first stop. Following the coast after. Quick lunch break in tourism polluted Benidorm. Crossing the orange farms near Valencia. Cars, shops and hotels as far as the eye can see: busy busy busy. Don't go to the coast to feel true Spain. Unfortunately due to bad planning and busy scedules I cannot meet up with Naiara in Barcelona, but we hopefully we will meet up another time. Going into France I almost wonder if I took a wrong turn-off and heading for Czech Republic instead, as there are girls selling themselves on the side of road everywhere!
For a while I stay on the B-roads, avoiding the expensive Peage payments, but on Thursday I am fed up, this way it will take me forever to get back!! Motorways from now on. One more night in the van and at last I am able to give my Stefan, A and my newphew Alex a hug again!!
Holland I am back again...................................................................for a while
Comments
so. what about trip to india on the van?
all the best -e.