Berlin marathon

25/09/2013

Wednesday afternoon and pick Lorraine up from work to head for Berlin for a weeks holiday and a wee run. Drive to Newcastle went past with nothing exciting to note, arrived at ferry port to heaven rain.

Waiting patently to board the ferry. 

Do DFDS not know I'm running a marathon as they have gave us a room on deck 9 and parked the motorhome on deck 3 my legs will give up soon. Nice wee cabin for a romantic night. 

Very un eventful crossing with a nice meal in the buffet restaurant then asked if they had wifi and nearly collapsed when they said yes for €10 looks like we will be entertaining ourselves tonight.

26/09/13

Woke up after a decent nights sleep feeling fresh and raring to go, got down to the car deck for the motorhome and must say I was embarressed  to be British and that doesn't happen very often. Two vehicles in front is this van come camper that has a Union Jack paint job and some choice sayings on the back which I will not repeat. This is what embarrassed me it was the fact every time a message was played they drowned it out with speakers on the roof of their van with strange noises then the worse thing when we started moving they just emptied their bowls of cereal all over the deck. Here Is a pic of them driving along the road shouting at everyone and playing music as loud as possible over their roof speakers. If you pull into a site and their next to you I'd move or am I just getting old and grumpy.

Just after leaving the ferry there is a petrol station with diesel at €1.30 only takes card though no cash.

Anyway on our way to Berlin and everything went well with a few stops for lunch and a stretch of our legs. 

Arrived in Berlin just after 6pm and even then the roads around the city where pretty busy, we where planning on staying at http://www.reisemobilstation.com, you can't book its just turn up and hope for the best. When we arrived the office was closed and told by other motorhomer to just park up and pay in the morning. I'm glad we weren't five mins later as I filled the water tank 3 other MHs turned up with only two spaces, where I was parked to fill up meant I was blocking the gate and the lady from the first MH waiting to get in was getting really impatient and came to ask me to move before filling up. Well as I turned to speak to her I forgot I had the hose in my hand and soaked her which she didn't find that funny. 

Anyway we got our space and I would recommend this site to anyone wanting to see the city as its only 3 stops on the underground or an easy 30 min walk. 

Parked next to our German neighbours. 

After getting set up and having a cuppa and our dinner we decided we would just stay local tonight so went for a walk to find a bar for a nice cold beer, can't remember the name of it but there are loads of bars and restaurants close by with loads of takeaway selling all sorts.

27/09/13

Had a decent nights sleep only disturbed by the sound of an ambulance and the MH being to warm. Up and out for a wee walk just after 7 and what a beautiful day it is so shorts and tee shirt for me I think. We have booked a visit to the Reichstag building this morning at 10.20 and then heading of to the marathon Expo to pick up my number. 

Turned up at the reichstag and forgot to bring Lorraine's ID so the security guard said no problem what's your DOB she then decided to have a blonde moment and totally forgot her DOB must be an age thing, anyway we got in and well worth the vist with stunning views of the city.

Reichstag

Dome on top of the reichstag you walk up the ramp you can see through the glass.

View of Berlin with Lorraine in the way

After our visit to the reichstag we took a leisurely walk round to the marathon start and finish area and a walk thought the B/Burg gate. 

Thought we would head for lunch before heading to the Marathon Expo we found this lovely little restaurant/bar and had some lovely soup with sausage in it. 

After lunch it was time to head out and pick up my number, this wasn't to difficult as the UBann is very simple to follow. Spent a nice couple of hours walking round all the running stuff and even had a leg massage from a young German so now feeling totally revitalised and raring to go I might even win this :).

Now back in the city centre and decided we would eat out and try some traditional German food so it was a currywurst and apple strudel for us, don't think Mo Farah could eat this then run a marathon in 2 days time. 

This was washed down by a few cold beers then back to the MH for a lazy night in watching the worst DVD I have ever seen it was that bad I can't remember the name.

28/09/13

Having a lazy day to day with just a little shopping and buying a O2 data sim for €10 mainly so we can chat to Sophie who was staying at granny and grandads, and watching the Inline skater marathon.

So early to bed as big day tomorrow.

29/09/13

Really good nights sleep and up at 6.30 to start preparing for the marathon, after breakfast we both head to the start area and the place is getting busy so we make our plans for meeti g up at the end and where Lorraine will be to take pics as I speed by.

Looking like an athlete and raring to go.

Got to the start line and even though I knew 40.000 people would be running its far busier than I anticipated. They announce the elite athlete will be starting first and panic sets in then I realised I'm not in that group. Anyway we eventually get on the go and I must admit it reminded me of the Xmas sales at Premark with everyone pushing to get in front of you. 

After a KM or two I managed to get into my own pace even though still really busy, the water stations where ten times worse with everyone cutting in front of you to get water. 

At the half way mark I was feeling ok and spot on time wise although I was feeling a slight niggle in my left calf, got the 30k and calf slightly worse and although keeping a good pace I can tell my lack of training is going to catch up with me. At 32km I was still on time for a PB at 34 was really starting to feel it. Then got to around the 36/37 and a massive TV screen with a message from Sophie this perked me up and kept me going for another couple of KMs. By the 40km I was dead on my feet and pain all over by 41 I was wanting to sit down and cry but as I turned the corner to run the last 800m through the Brandenburg and the crowd really was amazing they do say over 1million spectators turn up. Managed to get over the line in 3.55.12   3 mins outside my PB but really pleased as this was done with very little training.

Still looking great, note to self remember Vaseline your nipples save the pain and blood on vest.

  

Hobbled back to the MH for a shower and some food, the lady said we could stay as long as we wanted on the Sunday without paying and would only charge if we stay overnight. Decided to head of to save getting stuck in the traffic the following morning 

Drove for a couple of hours then headed for a stelplatz in Magdeburg, we got lost and asked the security guard at the local lesuire centre for directions he went one better he jumped in his car and got us to follow him who says the Germans aren't helpful. We are glad we stopped her what a lovely stelplatz right by the river for €5. Parked up and hobbled along to nearest restaurant for a lovely meal and a couple of pints and would definitely come back here.

Magdeburg Stelplatz 

30/09/13 

Wke up about 6 ish after a disturbed sleep not due to noise due to my leg and nipples killing me, went for a wee walk then headed off for Amsterdam where we stayed at 

Amsterdam city 

camp, this is ideal for visiting the city as you walk 10mins then get a free ferry to the back of central station 

After a few hours of rest we went to the city at night for our last meal and a few beers even did some window shopping 

1/10/13

Nice and quiet night and lovely morning so off for a walk round the city before heading to the ferry in the afternoon. 

Arrived at. The ferry port in plenty of time and on we go to spend the last night of our wee break.

2/10/13

An un eventful crossing and an early night for us so woke nice and early and went for a walk out on deck and seen 

something I hadn't seen all week yes it's raining.

If you got this far well done.

Woke up in France

Well after quick tunnel crossing it was a case of parking up and getting to bed.

After a good 6 hours sleep I woke to light rain in Calais France so an ideal day for driving, by 10 am it was in the 30s so not so ideal. Stopped off in Luxemburg to top up with fuel at a cost of €1.22 and four ice creams.

After this we headed to Merzig in Germany where we had a very pleasant night at a stelplatz based at the swimming pool and a cost of €6.50 including hook up. The girls went for nice swim while Lorraine and I just chilled in the sunshine.

Sat 27th
 Woke up at six to a beautiful sunny day so Lorraine and I went for a nice run along the river while the girls slept. Once all up fed and water we decided to head for Munich where we arrived at Munichs football stadium about 14.00. This cost €15 including hook up and water 

So it was a quick change for every one then 5 min walk to the train station and in to Munich for some lunch and shopping and a nice cold beer

Sun 28th -Wed 31st

Woke up to another roasting hot day and ready for our drive to Lake Bled. We headed for Salzburg and where held up for about 30 mins due to road works, eventually arrived in a really busy and stunning Lake Bled. Drove to camping Bled and enquired if we could stay for either 2 or 3 nights receptionist said if you can find a suitable pitch your more than welcome to stay. After a quick walk and with the choice of several we opted for one on the hill with a nice view.

Had a very restless night due to high temp and thunder storm so got up at 6 and went for a run round the lake with Lorraine joining me for the second lap, i think the first lap was more enjoyable as i happened to pass a naked lady going for a swim. very warm with the temp well into the 30's by mid morning.

After a day of sunbathing at the lake side Lorraine and I decided the next day we would walk round the lake and visit the castle wasnt really that good apart from the views,the girls opted for a morning of sunbathing. 

View from castle of church in the lake.

Good looking couple sitting on the castle wall

After a nice walk and a small lunch in Bled its self we headed back to the campsite to get the girls then row out to the island and visit the church.

Sophie and Emma taking the long way to the island 

Think I might take up rowing instead of running 

Once at the island the church is at the top of these stairs but don't worry they sell beer

 

So quite a active day today with a jog round the lake then a nice walk round with Lorraine before rowing to the Church so time for a nice BBQ and a few cold Magners.

Woke up early again on Wednesday morning so went for a run round the lake a couple of times and it was again very warm so after my run I jumped in the lake boy was that nice. Once every one is up and had breakfast its time to head to our friends in Ljubljana, decided I would stick to the back roads as we where in no hurry and wanted to see some of Slovenia, that was interesting.

Very expensive campsite cost us €151 for the 3 nights and that included 10% cc discount.

We'd 31st 

Arrive at Marco and Matje house by lunch time to a very warm welcome form them and their extended family. We had a few drinks and a snack then headed into the city for a guided tour by Marko. I would highly recommend a visit to Ljubljana as its a lovely little city with 3 rivers and lovely little pavement cares and bars.

View from Ljubljana Castle over the city.

After a nice BBQ cooked by Marko we all went a walk into town at night for a few beers and more sightseeing, up a little later than normal tonight and probably more beers that I should have had they where nice at the time though.

Up early on Thursday and went a nice walk round the local houses while the girls had a lie in, then after breakfast it was off for a game of golf with Marko Sebastian and a Londoner called Andrew we needed the Slovenians to translate for us as couldn't understand a word each other said. I have never seen so many trees on a golf course in my life and must have managed to land behind everyone of them. So after a very hot game of golf it was time for a bit of dinner and some cold beer.

Pre meal drinks at the golf club.

Now if you haven't fell asleep and can remember the Caxton card issue Lorraine felt this would be a good time to tell me she had hers in her purse all the time.

Friday 2nd August 

Woke up again to a very hot day and after saying our goodbyes we headed for the sea side resort of Izola where we parked up for €10 a night no facilities but right on the beach so ideal. While there I noticed another two Motorhome stopovers one was a nice grass area belonging to a hotel and the other was in the marina with hook up and water and dump, not sure on the prices though. 

Once we arrived in Izola it was quick lunch then a dip in the sea before dinner and a nice stroll along the marina for a lovely big ice cream.

Sunset at Izola marina

Sat 3rd

Very warm night again and the discussion about air conditioning crop up several times not sure how much use it would be in Scotland so will forget about it until next years holiday. Woke up nice and early and went for a fast 5k run decided I wasn't going far due to the heat and even after 5k at 6.30am I was knackered and just jumped right in the sea fully clothed oh so nice.

The girls decided they wanted a lazy day by the sea so walk to San Simon hotel and beach resort about 400 yards from or parking place and even managed to empty the cassette after carrying it in my ruck sack thanks for the tip JB. The resort was free to enter you just paid for sunbeds if required, really was a nice place and they had free activities on through out the day with the 3 ladies taking part in aqua aerobic in the Adriatic Sea 

Due to the heat we used this as an excuse to eat out so went to a local restaurant away from the tourist area and had a lovely meal and a couple of cold drinks then a nice walk back to the motorhome and off to bed.

Sun 4th

We had planned on staying another night but due to the every increasing heat we decided to leave and head for the hills, so we headed to Bovec via Italy and stayed at a lovely little campsite on the edge of the village.

View from our pitch.

  Arrived at Bovec just after lunch so had a bit of a lazy day and then walk the 5 mins into town for a lovely big ice cream and a look at the rafting companies. After visiting several we where quoted prices around €48 per person and after a bit of bantering managed to get it for €30 per person.

Mon 4th

Up about 6 am and went for a lovely 12k run round the village, even at the time it was roasting hot and I was totally knackered as pic shows.

Once fed and watered Sophie, Emma and myself head of for some white water rafting while Lorraine had a nice relaxing few hours reading at the van.

The rafting was a great experience and would highly recommend to everyone to try, the best part about it was the water temp was only 6degrees and so refreshing just jumping off the raft into this.

We all had a relaxing evening after our busy day. A few cold Magners and a lovely BBQ.

Tues 5th

Woke up on Tues and did a nice 5k run with Lorraine at 6.30 then decided I would do some hill work on my own, bad idea well the up hill part was the down hill was fine.

Campsite cost €80 for the two nights

On my early morning run I discovered a motorhome stopover at the other end of town with hook up, waste and water facilities for €12 a night.

Decided we would head for Munich today as the girls fancied a shopping day, so it was over the alps on a nice windy road that would not suit you if your scared of hights.

Just drove over this

Again a very hot day and as we entered Italy we came across this lovely lake so decide to stop and go for a cool down, lovely and cold.

Back in the motorhome and off to Munich when we arrived the rain just started and had a little storm over night which resulted in it being nice and cool, bliss.

Wed 6th

Woke up to a nicer temperature than any other time of the holiday, my first thought was great ideal for a walk round the shops. Spent a few hours in the city and had lunch before coming back to the van and then doing the stadium tour of Munich ground. This is one of the most impressive grounds for the outside and the most boring on the inside. Due to the fact two teams share the ground they can't paint it any colour apart from grey, very dull

After our tour we decided to drive to Luxemburg to miss out the traffic jams caused by major road works on the motorway, after a couple of hours we decided to stop at a stelplatz in Ettlingen.

Thurs 7th

Nice relaxing day just drove to Luxemburg and filled the tank up before stay at a campsite for the night so the girls could go swimming.

Fri 8th

Drove all the way to calais and used the aire near the ferry terminal which cost €15 a night and well worth it due to the location, 

some advice if your buying chips don't go for a large portion as the 4 of us struggle to eat it.

Sat 9th

Woke up to a lovely morning and did a nice 11 mile run before 8am. After everyone was  and dressed we went for a bit of shopping and a nice meal in Calais center. On the way back to the motorhome some pervert and his two friends started to make very indecent and lowed gestures towards Sophie and Emma who where walking about 50 yards in front of us, while I'm not an aggressive person this French perv and his friends certainly got the message that I wasn't to pleased with their actions.

Sun 10th 

Tunnel booked for 8.20 am, I woke up early so drove round at 6 to see if I'd get offered an earlier train which I did but just before we where due to board they announced there was an incident in the tunnel and we where delayed and never got on the train until 8.45 so that was a waste getting there early.

Off the tunnel and a long drive home.

Well if you got this far you must be falling asleep with boredom.

Ready for the off

First attempt at a blog so bear with me.
Finished Nightshift at 7am so off to bed for a few hours then up to finish of loading the MH for our trip to Slovenia.

15.45 already and off to pick Lorraine up from work, picked her up and alls well as we head off on our long drive to the tunnel. Spoke to soon just as we are nearing Gretna Lorraine asked if I'd picked up my Caxton card(debit card for euros) you guessed it I hadn't and she didn't have hers in her purse(more on this later) so a quick turn around and back to Dumfries for my card then a long and very quiet drive to the tunnel. Thankfully the roads where quiet and we checked in at 00.48 check in closed at 00.50 so just made with minutes to spare, now talking to each other.