Big Tin Bus » People

The big pill.

Keith — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:58:37 +0000

Janet got a tablet computer for Christmas and is slowy taking to it. Today we set up an account to down load the Daily express.

She is a happy bunny.

Driving.

Keith — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:45:44 +0000

The motor home, trailer and car combined is a little under 12 metres long and about 4.8 tonnes in weight. When driving I try to anticipate, give myself room to manoeuvre, get in the correct lane in plenty of time and be considerate to other road users. The rig is not good in the wet, either for pulling away or braking.

In Aberdeen this morning I was approaching a light controlled junction, lane one ready to turn left, it was raining. A prat in a BMW FOUR WHEEL DRIVE came from lane three, across lane two, into lane one and anchored on. Lots of cursing under my breath whilst trying to avoid a slide.

Bobby Tulloch.

Keith — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:18:04 +0000

Another reason to visit Yell was to see the memorial to the above man. Keith saw him give a slide show and talk in Dorchester many years ago. Bobby was nice man, a first class ambassador for the Shetlands and birds in general. He saw the problems with mans abuse of nature long before the scientist.

RIP

Technical things.

Keith — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:27:27 +0000

Why is it when something doe’s not work that men always or often think of the worst option. A Dutch couple arrived on the pitch behind us and, despite plugging into different sockets failed to get a supply. The lead consisted of three male and female connections. The man asked me, Keith, if we had a supply, answer in the affirmative. Out came the meter, test each socket from the mains box to the caravan, all registered live, scratching of heads. At this point another Dutch man said to his countryman have you checked the trip on the van? A vague look, and then a dawning on his face. It was the trip. I suppose it is good for international relations.

Travel confusion.

Keith — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:36:17 +0000

We took the train from Baden into Vienna having purchased a ticket that allowed us unlimited travel for a period of twenty four hours at the extortionate price of €19 20 for both of us. To start with we could not figure out how to verify our tickets, something you are required to do. We had been on the train for some time and were convinced something was not right, Jan asked a man if he spoke English? he did, and was more than pleased to help, he was very helpful.

Onlookers, the plain nosey and the interested.

Keith — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 06:23:44 +0000

Since we started our travels, at least since we have been towing a trailer with a car on we seem to generate some interest, at times we feel like a spectacle.

Some examples, a site in Somerset. We had literally just pulled onto the site when we were approached by an excited man who stopped us. It turned out he had the same model of van and wanted to exchange views.

Spain, an English couple taking great interest in the car and trailer, when approached he came out with the statement, “that’s illegal, that trailer, it’s not twin axle”. He was advised and sent on his way.

Germany, motor way services. We were parked next to a coach and the source of interest to many of its passenger, one lady walking around the outside with no attempt to hide the fact that she was being nosey. Keith then noticed a couple walking from the rear to the front pacing out the length, to much, they were challenged, shown the dimensions, in writing, and left.

We have, on several occasion noticed people taking photos. The latest one was quite funny. The guy was trying to be discreet, unfortunately, the tree he decided to hide behind was a very slim sapling. Silly man.

Dutch people

Keith — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:02:49 +0000

We have heard several times about Dutch hospitality, it cannot be overstated how welcoming and friendly they are.

The man in the next camper who loaded directions to campsites, Aldis, liddll and LPG points across Europe on to our tom tom.

The bus driver who welcomed us on his bus, got off at the stop and showed us in which direction to walk. Parking and the bus were free.

Keith bought a fleece, it was 20 euros cheaper if you belonged to a club run by the shop. The man behind us offered us his discount. As it turned out I got cheaper because I am English.

The farmers wife who, when Keith was birdwatching, stopped her car and showed real interest in what was about, even offering to get her husband to show Keith around. It was nice that Keith was able to help her identify a bird they had seen on the farm.

It is almost embarrassing that they speak such good English.

Don’t panic

Keith — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:59:22 +0000

Back to Sunday the 13th. Anybody who is hooked or, relies on a computer will understand this. The charger for the laptop failed and, because we rely on it for lots of things panic ensued.

Having imagened all the worst type scenarios and having calmed down, on Monday morning we sought help. We were given the name of a shop and a man in a town a short drive away. We made the journey in the rain and found the shop. The man, exactly as we had been told spoke perfect English, was very helpful and not expensive. Not only did he have a charger, he tested it to make sure it was suitable and that the price was agreeable.

Thank you, Miguel Angel Cano. BEEP in Mazarron, Murcia. What a nice man

Meet Louis

Keith — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:12:45 +0000

Louis is the owner of the Mon- Cafe in Alicante. The story, Jan, Pam, Ray and Keith decided to spend some time in Alicante, the girls went their way, Ray and Keith headed for the castle. On our way to the castle Ray spotted this small cafe/stroke bar in a back street. When we rejoined the girls it was decided we would have lunch at Mon – Cafe. It all started when we entered and could not find a table for four, well, Louis moved a customer, mid lunch, with a degree of comedy, from a table to make room for us. From there on in it got funnier and funnier. Louis is a clown and a great host, we were in stitches. An example, Ray asked for the bill, something was said in Spanish to which Ray agreed, next thing we new everybody in the bar was offered a drink on our bill. The bill was printed off, two foot long. I really wish that I had the skill to put into words the events of that afternoon, I don’t. We cried with laughter and our sides ached, no one was safe and all done without offence. It made a good day truly memorable.

Canada

Keith — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:23:16 +0000

We have family and friends in Canada who we know follow our journey on the web. We have added some photos taken at a military cemetery in Normandy. We find these places peaceful and thought provoking. We are sure they will understand the significance when they see these pictures.