Hola Barcelona! Raj: Having left Andorra today (and paying ~NZ70 for the privilege of 22 hours parking; getting stopped at the border to Spain - luckily with only a courtesy check as we didn't know what the allowance for alcohol was; and the selected GPS option picking a very long mountainess route and sometimes misguiding us) we arrived in Barcelona this afternoon (well, Mataro actually, on the coast on the outskirts of Barcelona). As usual Vikki drove the who...

Vikki: Today I got to legally speed - the toll roads let you drive at 130km/hr. At first it seems really fast but you soon adjust and then anything less seems really slow. Navigating toll booths is somewhat stressful. Having your credit card declined and then no other option to pay with, other cars lining up behind you honking horns wondering whats taking so long can make you panic. But hey we got there and have learnt coins is the best way to pay. The toll ...

Raj: We've had a great couple of days. The sun has appeared and we are basking in late 20's temperatures - great for swimming, sunbathing, and today, an enjoyable canoe trip along the La Vezere river. Even as the sun appeared yesterday though, we got up early and queued to ensure we secured tickets to view 14,000 year old engravings and paintings in two caves, which are still open to the public. Tickets are limited to 70 per day to preserve the ecology of the...

Raj: As we head deeper into central France, I'm finding it much more relaxing - quieter with less people and great scenery. The pace is slow and easy - most places only open at 10am and then close for a couple of hours for lunch - nice unless you want to do something at this time. You can't but help be caught up in a mood of melancholy. Our current digs (a modern mobile cabin) is really nice and cosy, and we're all able to sleep in in the mornings. We still h...

Vikki: We have wheels - freedom. It's great to be in a car again and driving. Left hand driver's side and right hand road lanes are confusing, and the relaxing of driving isn't there yet though I'm sure it will come in time. The chanting of "loose left" and "tight right" as we go around corners and the million and one roundabouts we've come across so far (to make sure we stay on the correct side of the road) has become common place. Not sure what I was thinking g...