A couple of learning points!

My ability to pick good accommodation seems to have deserted me. The latest one is clean with a good-sized room. However it is not in the best of locations. It is not quite as close to the area we want to explore next (Verdon Gorges, Provence) as I had intended and it is right next to a peage on a main road. One of the attractions was a pool but it was not quite so attractive once seen.

My mistake was to pick the first reasonable looking option and not to read the customer reviews first.

We also had a bit of a stressful journey. I was so intent on where we were going and following the sat nav that I did not look at the petrol gauge until the warning light came on. Not good in a foreign country when your language skills are not quite up to scratch. I was then informed by my son that the wonderful sat nav would tell us where the nearest petrol stations were so we were saved. Unfortunately the sat nav does not seem to have up to date information on petrol stations. There was considerable angst as we were driving around but we made it to one by the skin of our teeth.

Lesson learnt here, look at both the sat nav and petrol gauge from time to time. Must try harder!

Despite all that we have had another good couple of days. The area is stunning, described accurately as one of the forgotten jewels of Europe. We spent a couple of days exploring the area, including a dip in a very cold mountain pool. There were some pretty spectacular but rather scary drives along the mountain roads, pity as the driver that could not take in the views a bit more than I did.

We have now reached the fifth country on our trip; Italy (if you count Andorra and Monaco). The standard of the accommodation is fantastic ( customer reviews did help, so learning already) and the locals are really helpful and friendly to lost tourists!!

Next stop Lake Como where we are all looking forward to a week in one place and a washing machine. And best of all we have a full tank of petrol to get us there.

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