I found the whole tunnel thing to be the most bizarre experience. The French 'Border Guards' based in Folkestone were completely uninterested in checking our passports-I went to hand them over, he glanced at me, pursed his lips in a particularly Gaelic manner and muttered what I thought sounded like 'La Boef' (French feeling a bit rusty) and waved us on without even touching our passports. Result! You then drive your car into a cattle car-like compartment and you have to sit in your car with the windows down while the train goes under the Channel. 35 mins later out you pop like a Champagne Cork straight onto a series of roundabouts to a highway. I think this is the French way of sorting out the Wheat from the Chaff as you are now driving on the opposite side of the road.
We drove to Lille (with a quick stop for a coffee and croissant just to make sure we were in France) and went straight to a wonderful Haberdashery shop where I went on, what can only be described as a Beserk Crampage (craft based rampage). An hour and a half later we staggered onto the street hot and sweaty with a bag full of loot and I can't really remember what happened in there...
Fast forward to a delicious Lunch (I'm still reeling from the richness of it so cant talk about it) followed by a wander and time to go...to a giant supermarket. Costco shmosco I say. I would much rather a Carrefour. They have EVERYTHING. Including potatoes in a jar. Love it. Over and out #slumpsinchair *
* that's my first and likely last hash tag joke. I don't really even get it.
A French crampage!! So sad to have missed it.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, love you in that Carrefour. I've seen that manic expression before...
You're starting as you mean to go on! A wonderful read, you're a blogging pro without even trying! Have a fabulous time - I'm going to enjoy this weekly treat! Kate xxx
ReplyDeleteLoved the photos and the news , thank you. You will be knitting and parch working your way around the world. Thought that I had worked out a way of sewing at airports but forgot the first line of security x x x funny mummy, think again. Enjoy the Gilbert Scott X X X
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. I am hoping that those potatoes-in-a-jar made it into your trolley xx
ReplyDeleteHa wow! A large haberdashery store and an even better and bigger version of Costco - that sounds like the perfect Shuggie day!!
ReplyDeleteWe were only discussing the other week how the train to France works - thanks for answering that question :)
Lots of fun being had is great to see!!
xo
saw this one a bit late but impressed. turns out you're quite a good blogger shugg - add it to your list of talents. photos of amusing foodstuffs always a personal travel photo favourite.
ReplyDeletexx
This is the best thing ever, Shuggie! I've just got back from NY and have so much reading to catch up on in the old bloggy world.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best addition to my daily fix EVAH!
Kate x
Ah Claire nina Hilary and I just had crepes in city square. About as close as I'll be getting to France anytime soon. Luckily can live vicariously through you. Can't wait to go to Mexico. Vicariously that is. Kids talked about the last (and only other time) they'd had those crepes - because of course you introduced them to us. Happy travels
ReplyDeleteArrgh! Just wrote a post and lost it. In Summary: awesome craft purchases and blog updates!
ReplyDeleteThese are brilliant Claire!! You have a talent for writing - I'm living vicariously through your emails. No more exciting travels for us for a little while coz we're having a bubba! Due cup day! Keep up your posts - they are fabulous xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove Anna & Damo