Motorhome hunting with the Aussies
Blimey, it’s November! How did that happen? I guess time flies even when you’re not on the road.
We have, sort of, settled into a bit of a routine, even though our overall future plans are still being ‘discussed’ extensively. Jay has been sucked back into Corporateville for the time being and heads off to work around 7.30 each morning. I get up at the same time and, between pooch walks, I’ve managed to keep myself very busy; putting stuff on eBay, sorting through photos of our trip so I can get our top favourites made into a photo book (from Lidl printing of course!), oh, and searching for a job.
Charlie drying off post pooch walk
Jay getting contract work means I can afford to be picky about which jobs I apply for. As I’m looking for a full time role I want to be sure I find something I’ll want to get up for in the mornings, lets hope the recruiters are somewhat less picky about who they employ! I’ve got two interviews lined up for early next week with the possibility of a third a week later so I’m off ‘work clothes’ shopping this weekend. I’ve also been bringing myself back up to speed with what I used to do and strangely it hasn’t been that tricky, it now really does feel like we’ve never been away. However, I often find myself hearing or seeing things that remind me of a place we visited – right now it’s the fireworks going off outside reminding me of New Year in Syracuse, Italy.
With this much prep for each interview, it’s no wonder I’m busy!!
We’ve also started our own business, which I run part time, helping people save money on their utility bills – gas, electricity, phones and broadband. After two years of watching our budget closely I guess it’s hard not to carry on being careful. You can find out more details on our site – http://www.julieandjay.co.uk
Charlie does a good ‘Phantom of the Opera’ impression on a walk in the park
My routine was pleasantly broken on Wednesday with the arrival of Mark and Bev from Melbourne, Australia. They had been in touch with us while we travelled and we helped them out with what limited knowledge we had about the hoops Aussies need to jump through to be able to spend time travelling around Europe like we did – it’s all about visas and Shengen zones! Fast forward a few months and they’re over in the UK looking at motorhomes – so I offered to join them – it wasn’t all selfish fun on my part as I could at least show them where the local dealers are!
We all had a great time, but the dealers had very little in to match with what they are looking for (a newer version of Dave). Armed with a list of private sellers, and after an evening swapping life stories over fish and chips, beer and wine, they headed off on Thursday to Cambridge to see the next potential Dave. Hopefully we’ll get to see them again soon, but for now I wish them good luck in their search. Buying a motorhome is a bit like being Cinderella’s glass slipper – out there is the one that will be the perfect fit, you just have to look hard for it. Hanging out among the motorhomes made me realise that there are some amazing vans out there, but I’d be hard pressed to find anything better for us than Dave – after all he is part of the family.
Bev and Mark with Dave
Finally, it’s Charlie’s birthday tomorrow, he’ll be the ripe old age of seven. He’s turning into a right ‘Grumpy Old Pooch’ when he meets other dogs and he still follows me around the house like a little lost lamb, but it’s nice to have some company while Jay is out at work.
Fingers and toes crossed for me for next week please!
Ju x
Iconickampers specialises in Daves if your friends are looking I can highly recommend them. Good luck with your intervies.
Hi there. Glad you’re keeping busy?? Anyway enjoy this time at home and good luck with the job hunting . I miss your blog from the road. Take care.
John
Thanks for the post.
Great to hear about your thoughts after such a life changing trip.
Very best of luck job hunting. It’s pretty tough out there. I too keep an eye on ikonic kampers. Your friends better not get the one I have dibs on ! If only I was ready right now.
Hi Alison, never fear, your Ikonic Kamper van hasn’t been snapped up by the Ozzies! They’ve found themselves a really very nice B544 from a van place in Sutton and have bought it ready for next spring’s adventure. Good luck with your own van buying, it’s massively exciting and liberating when you do get one, so much fun to be had on the way home from buying it, cooking up a bacon sandwich and brewing a cup of tea in a lay bye or car park somewhere! Cheers, Jay
Sold Buster today. Feeling sad but it was right decision. How are you guys? Did you get my long text the other week.
Hi Jacqui
Sent you an email, give us a shout if you don’t get it?
Cheers, Jay xx
It is a small world we all inhabit. Your trip has inspired our daughter, Sara and son in law, Rob to follow broadly in your footsteps in 2014. Their plan is a summer rather than two years. This prompted us to join them looking at motor homes, within a week or so we had bought a touring caravan. We collected it in September and have made our inaugural trip to Hurley, Berkshire. We are planning more UK short trips as we are unable to take significant time away.
Today we were leaving our caravan at Camberley Secure Storage and got chatting to an Australian couple who had just purchased a motor home for their trip next year. Yes you guessed – Mark and Beverley. We offered to keep a “winterly” eye on their new pride and joy when we visit the site.
So in summary – this is all your fault !!!!!!!!! We will take time to read your blog, good luck on your job hunting.
Rgds Pat
Hi Pat, that’s a lovely message, thanks very much for sending it over. Happy motorhome watching and travelling! Jay x
Hello, Julie and Jason.
When you come to Spain remember you have your home in Valencia with “Valencia Camper Park”.
Bon voyage!