Dover, Dunkerque, Brugge, Cologne and Artweiler

Hey, blog followers!
We're currently in a beautiful part of Germany called the Eifel. Our cousins Rosemary, Hans and Thomas kindly put us up for the last few days whilst we hunted out parts for our heater. After visiting four workshops and meeting some very grumpy German mechanics we finally got the parts ordered in Brhül. Hans showed utmost patience in translating for us. We were going to get it fitted but the last quote for labour was 500 Euros a day. We're going to see if we can find some cheaper labour in Poland. Have we sold out already?!

The other technical news is that we have a stereo (after a small electrical fire - hooray for extinguishers!). Thank god we haven't got to talk to each other all the time!!

Whilst the heater parts are being dispatched we're relaxing in a beautiful wine valley which runs along the rivers Ahr, Eifel and Rhine - I think! We camped off the beaten track last night in glorious isolation with only a river, tree covered hills and rather nice German beer to keep us company.

We're hoping to pick up the parts tomorrow (wednesday) and then head for Berlin. A cosmopolitan weekend is called for. The countryside ís cool, but I'm craving city life and culture! We're also hoping to pay a productive visit to the Pakistani and Indian embassies. From there, it's full steam ahead to Poland.

PS Dad, touch wood, the van's going fine, you did a fine job!