Making Aliyah: Car trouble and the French countryside

Day II: Car troubles and the French countryside

Today was our first driving through mainland Europe. Our planned route was to guide us through a wonderful and picturesque journey through France from Chantilly (just north of Paris), to Chateau de Gilly (south east half-way to Switzerland). It was by no means the most direct, but was a brilliantly planned route through the French countryside.

Thanks to our forever dedicated mechanics work through the night on the ignition problem, the car was in good shape first thing, and was looking and driving like a dream.

So we a bit disappointed finding ourselves pushing our dear and very heavy friend up the hill a few minutes after setting off, to the sound of hooters and shouts from impatient French drivers looking to get on their way. We soon got ourselves going but shortly after our engine had become 'starved of fuel' and our fuel lines just weren't up to the task - this little problem keep us back a few hours but we eventually got that sorted and were good to go.

Today was an intensive driving day but that's enough about the car for now. We'll put together a short video demonstration on how we operate this immaculate machine and share this over the coming days.

Being together with someone all day (and night) every day for an extended period of time can be a challenge at the best of times. This being Day 2, I haven't really thought about it until I'm writing now - but as Yan's already fallen asleep, you and I have a little time to chat about how Yan and I are getting on. We're very different people in all sorts of ways and quite different backgrounds, but one thing we do share is that we're both pretty easy going; that's in addition to the cute coincidence that we both have the same birthday. We've had a great time over the past 2 days but they have not been easy by any means - the car is hard work and like people, once they pass 60 some of the moving parts just don't work as smoothly as they once did. 

Yan's told you about yesterday morning's hiccup that kept me occupied whilst the other cars were being seen-off from Waterloo place, and the mechanical issues we've confronted have tested our patience to say the least.  In spite of this, we're battling through these small set-backs, we’re in good spirits and getting on with other just fine for now.  See how long we can keep this up for - will keep you posted.

We pulled into the Chateau in pretty good time, parked our car in the dedicated formation, and went straight in to dinner.  It was great to sit down and relax after a long day on the road, and to get a chance to chat with some of the other rally drivers. Over the next few weeks we'll be introducing you to some of them.

Bonne nuit,

Aly.