My 'European Roadtrip' story
07-12-2005, 06:54 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 'European Roadtrip' story
Summary:
I drove 5000 miles from Edinburgh, Scotland via the Channel Tunnel to Paris, Nuremberg, Genova, Cannes, Avignon, Toulon, Paris, London, and Le Mans...in 3 weeks. Along the way I saw friends and had a wonderful vacation.
Body:
Let me preview this by saying a few things. First, there is a significant lack of pictures at the start of the adventure. This is primarily because my girlfriend is not too artistic and does not like taking tons of pictures. As a result, we are short. Sorry guys. Second, we had so much time as we are between careers, both of us are starting at Investment Banks now or in a few days. So, we did the whole trip on a budget of around 600USD each...not bad for 3 weeks of boondogle adventure around Europe!
I left a rainy and drizzly Scotland on May 31, 2005 to head away with my girlfriend on an epic road trip over 3 weeks travelling all throughout Europe visiting friends and family as well as doing some business along the way. We had about 60 kilos or about 120 pounds of luggage and my new A3 2.0T sportback to chomp up the roads. We hit traffic only when we hit the dreaded M1 corridor which is a primary feeder road to London and the M25, the ring road of London, and the most congested motorway in the UK. After sitting in traffic for well over 3 hours in stop and go traffic (NB: clutch foot was about to give up the ghost), we made it to the M20 out to Folkstone. I got the car onto the Eurotunnel shuttle and drove onto the continent for a well good time. When I had reached the tunnel, I had averaged 55mph and had a fuel consumption of around 30.5mpg (NB: UK gallons are different, smaller I do believe).
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2853.JPG">
The French motorways, what a fantastic place to be. The speed limit is roughly 80mph (130kmh), but having the car sat at 95 for the 200 or so miles to Paris is a great laugh. It was dark, but the Xenons, street lamps (when available), and the lorries along the way made the trip easy. The car burned more fuel, but you see the continent has much cheaper petrol. Arriving in Paris, the city was dead, bar the Champs Elyses (sp?), which was packed as usual. After a quick Pizza Pinot (NB: Good pizza place open until 4am in Paris, would advise it if you are out clubbing or have a desire for pizza at late hours), we hit the hay sack at my friend's house. In the morning, after a Pan au Chocolat, an espresso, and some breakfast ham, I set out on the next stage of my trip, on to Nuremberg, Germany.
Unfortunately, despite the cheaper petrol, the French have a lovely toll system setup to pay for the great motorways. So, what you may have saved in petrol, you spend on tolls. As a result, the first jaunt through France cost me about 60USD in tolls alone. I was not best pleased.
The best moment for me was the moment we saw the sign welcoming the car to Deutschland. The open Autobahns and cars flying at extremely high rates of speed. I love it. I did it before in the A2, but the little 1.4l engine was struggling with maintaining 85mph and a reasonable consumption. The A3 however, happily and merrily motored along to the tune of 100mph clear across southern Germany. This leg of the drive took us 6 hours. Northern France is particularly boring, as is Germany. However, there are the few suprises and the speed of travel which keep it interresting. My average speed was 82mph and consumption in the neighborhood of 25-26mpg...by far the worst I have seen on a trip
.
After arriving, I spent the next five days enjoying the German countryside at my friend's house, relaxing in the sunshine.
My girlfriend and I left for the next stage of our trip which took us through the mountains of Switzerland to Genova. Southern Germany was wonderful, again cruising at 100mph and seeing the sights. One thing that I would like to point out is the sheer number of big diesel Merc/BMW/Audi and Porsches that cruise at around 130mph on these roads. What a fantastic place to be! Unfortunately, the majority of the driving for the day was to be in Switzerland. They do not tollerate ANY non-sense...as a result, the car was glued to the 120kmh speed limit and the cruise control set. We opted for the San Bernadino pass, a road the follows the eastern boarder of Switzerland. Once we made it into the mountains, the views became more and more breathtaking. Moreover, the number of tunnels increased as well. The longest one I remember was near 5 or 6 miles long through the bottom of a mountain.
As you peak out to the southern valley of the pass, you get one of the most breathtaking views from the Alps clear down the valley to Lake Como in the North of Italy. The road slowly winds down the valley. Some of my favourite signs on the side of the road telling drivers to use engine breaking were accompanied by large lories with fires on all of the wheels...I did not snap a picture as I was avoiding falling off the mountain, but it was amusing.
We hit the Autostradas in Italy where every driver things he or she is Michael Shumacher...there are speed limits, but I was the only one remotely doing them. We drove past Milan, which is an anti-climax. Its skyline has is mixture of smoke stacks and large buildings, but nothing like the vistas of Florence or Rome. Sliding past Milan we reached the Autostrada taking us to Genova.
If there was a way of filming this road, I would have, but I was too busy driving it. I must say that this was the best road I have ever been on for driving at speed. Switchbacks, crazy Italian drivers, and wonderful views down the valley to the Mediterranean. I must say, if you ever have the chance, do the drive from Munich to Genova via the San Bernadino pass...you can't beat it!
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2649.JPG">
Once in Genova, I visited my sister who had got me a bed and breakfast to stay in, on 10th floor of the building (no lift). A nice old Italian lady in her 50s greeted me, speaking no English, directed me to my room. We ate a lovely meal of mussels, 2 bottles of wine, some grappa, and I found my bed, retiring for the evening.
When I woke up, there was a 25 - 30 year old man, shirtless and typical Italian looking wondering aroud the B&B...strange as I only remember us staying. However, when I went to drink my morning cappacino, I was startled by the lingerie lying on the window sill, and the horrified when I found her lubricant cream...old women and their boy toys, I swear!
I wondered around town, seeing the sights in the morning before I met my sister for her lunch break. I told my sister the story of the old woman, followed by informing her I was leaving early.
My girlfriend and I left Genova in such a hurry (and was listening to the GPS instead of reading the signs), that we failed to get an autostrada ticket. I worried about this for a while, but then figured it was probably done by many stupid Britains, and went about my business. We got stuck in a rather large traffic jam on a bridge.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2666.JPG">
Nothing too exciting happened...just gorgeous views of little mediterranean villages. I later explained with my hands and crappy Spanish that I did not have a ticket for my journey. Finally, the chap understood...the language barrier can be a real pain sometimes.
We stopped in Cannes for a few hours to jump in the sea and see the large yachts and boats in the Med...it was nice! What was better, were the French breasts on display, all shapes and sizes, not one ugly pair...well...within reason. Needless to say, I was enjoying myself plenty.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2672.JPG">
We continued on to Avignon and again stayed a little B&B. The place was decorated in traditional Provance style and had a swimming pool and great breakfasts. We toured the city of Avignon as well as the local vinyards (Vaqueras (sp?) and Chateau Neuf de Papes).
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2712.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2716.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2786.JPG">
I visited a friend's home which has views onto the city of Avignon which has some of the most gorgeous views of the old palace and castle the lies on the otherside of the Rhone.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2688.JPG">
We took a day trip to Toulon for some beach time, as neither my girlfriend or I had been properly to a beach in over a year. Again, the Cote d'Azure is a wonderful and romantic place to see. Breasts and coastlines to make any man weak in the knees.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2749.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2756.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2761.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2831.JPG">
After a week in the South of France, my girlfriend and I drove north to Paris for the night and onwards to London the following day.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2857.JPG">
<i>Harrods</i>
Staying at a friend's in Chiswick, my lady and I took the week to do some shopping for flats, eventually finding one in lovely Westminster, a stone's throw from Houses of Parliament. I will have pictures when I am back in the country and have an internet connection (BT sucks, but they have a monopoly, so I am stuck between a rock and a hard place). We later drove back to Scotland and packed up our stuff into the A3, bought a roof box, and drove south to start a fresh and new career in London.
Between heading back to Scotland from London, I took a 2 day trip to the Le Mans races. I have a good friend who works for one of the teams who was nice enough to invite me as a guest to the races. All access to everything was great! Hell, I even snuck on a helicopter for a tour of the track from the air! I have pictures on my Fotki album, which can be viewed <a href="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/">here</a>
And, if you made it this far, I did see the RS4 in person and have a video somewhere. Sounds mean and fabulous...I must say, that is sounds as good, if not better than, a Porsche.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/LeMans0605/IMG_2917.JPG">
I drove 5000 miles from Edinburgh, Scotland via the Channel Tunnel to Paris, Nuremberg, Genova, Cannes, Avignon, Toulon, Paris, London, and Le Mans...in 3 weeks. Along the way I saw friends and had a wonderful vacation.
Body:
Let me preview this by saying a few things. First, there is a significant lack of pictures at the start of the adventure. This is primarily because my girlfriend is not too artistic and does not like taking tons of pictures. As a result, we are short. Sorry guys. Second, we had so much time as we are between careers, both of us are starting at Investment Banks now or in a few days. So, we did the whole trip on a budget of around 600USD each...not bad for 3 weeks of boondogle adventure around Europe!
I left a rainy and drizzly Scotland on May 31, 2005 to head away with my girlfriend on an epic road trip over 3 weeks travelling all throughout Europe visiting friends and family as well as doing some business along the way. We had about 60 kilos or about 120 pounds of luggage and my new A3 2.0T sportback to chomp up the roads. We hit traffic only when we hit the dreaded M1 corridor which is a primary feeder road to London and the M25, the ring road of London, and the most congested motorway in the UK. After sitting in traffic for well over 3 hours in stop and go traffic (NB: clutch foot was about to give up the ghost), we made it to the M20 out to Folkstone. I got the car onto the Eurotunnel shuttle and drove onto the continent for a well good time. When I had reached the tunnel, I had averaged 55mph and had a fuel consumption of around 30.5mpg (NB: UK gallons are different, smaller I do believe).
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2853.JPG">
The French motorways, what a fantastic place to be. The speed limit is roughly 80mph (130kmh), but having the car sat at 95 for the 200 or so miles to Paris is a great laugh. It was dark, but the Xenons, street lamps (when available), and the lorries along the way made the trip easy. The car burned more fuel, but you see the continent has much cheaper petrol. Arriving in Paris, the city was dead, bar the Champs Elyses (sp?), which was packed as usual. After a quick Pizza Pinot (NB: Good pizza place open until 4am in Paris, would advise it if you are out clubbing or have a desire for pizza at late hours), we hit the hay sack at my friend's house. In the morning, after a Pan au Chocolat, an espresso, and some breakfast ham, I set out on the next stage of my trip, on to Nuremberg, Germany.
Unfortunately, despite the cheaper petrol, the French have a lovely toll system setup to pay for the great motorways. So, what you may have saved in petrol, you spend on tolls. As a result, the first jaunt through France cost me about 60USD in tolls alone. I was not best pleased.
The best moment for me was the moment we saw the sign welcoming the car to Deutschland. The open Autobahns and cars flying at extremely high rates of speed. I love it. I did it before in the A2, but the little 1.4l engine was struggling with maintaining 85mph and a reasonable consumption. The A3 however, happily and merrily motored along to the tune of 100mph clear across southern Germany. This leg of the drive took us 6 hours. Northern France is particularly boring, as is Germany. However, there are the few suprises and the speed of travel which keep it interresting. My average speed was 82mph and consumption in the neighborhood of 25-26mpg...by far the worst I have seen on a trip
.After arriving, I spent the next five days enjoying the German countryside at my friend's house, relaxing in the sunshine.
My girlfriend and I left for the next stage of our trip which took us through the mountains of Switzerland to Genova. Southern Germany was wonderful, again cruising at 100mph and seeing the sights. One thing that I would like to point out is the sheer number of big diesel Merc/BMW/Audi and Porsches that cruise at around 130mph on these roads. What a fantastic place to be! Unfortunately, the majority of the driving for the day was to be in Switzerland. They do not tollerate ANY non-sense...as a result, the car was glued to the 120kmh speed limit and the cruise control set. We opted for the San Bernadino pass, a road the follows the eastern boarder of Switzerland. Once we made it into the mountains, the views became more and more breathtaking. Moreover, the number of tunnels increased as well. The longest one I remember was near 5 or 6 miles long through the bottom of a mountain.
As you peak out to the southern valley of the pass, you get one of the most breathtaking views from the Alps clear down the valley to Lake Como in the North of Italy. The road slowly winds down the valley. Some of my favourite signs on the side of the road telling drivers to use engine breaking were accompanied by large lories with fires on all of the wheels...I did not snap a picture as I was avoiding falling off the mountain, but it was amusing.
We hit the Autostradas in Italy where every driver things he or she is Michael Shumacher...there are speed limits, but I was the only one remotely doing them. We drove past Milan, which is an anti-climax. Its skyline has is mixture of smoke stacks and large buildings, but nothing like the vistas of Florence or Rome. Sliding past Milan we reached the Autostrada taking us to Genova.
If there was a way of filming this road, I would have, but I was too busy driving it. I must say that this was the best road I have ever been on for driving at speed. Switchbacks, crazy Italian drivers, and wonderful views down the valley to the Mediterranean. I must say, if you ever have the chance, do the drive from Munich to Genova via the San Bernadino pass...you can't beat it!
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2649.JPG">
Once in Genova, I visited my sister who had got me a bed and breakfast to stay in, on 10th floor of the building (no lift). A nice old Italian lady in her 50s greeted me, speaking no English, directed me to my room. We ate a lovely meal of mussels, 2 bottles of wine, some grappa, and I found my bed, retiring for the evening.
When I woke up, there was a 25 - 30 year old man, shirtless and typical Italian looking wondering aroud the B&B...strange as I only remember us staying. However, when I went to drink my morning cappacino, I was startled by the lingerie lying on the window sill, and the horrified when I found her lubricant cream...old women and their boy toys, I swear!
I wondered around town, seeing the sights in the morning before I met my sister for her lunch break. I told my sister the story of the old woman, followed by informing her I was leaving early.
My girlfriend and I left Genova in such a hurry (and was listening to the GPS instead of reading the signs), that we failed to get an autostrada ticket. I worried about this for a while, but then figured it was probably done by many stupid Britains, and went about my business. We got stuck in a rather large traffic jam on a bridge.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2666.JPG">
Nothing too exciting happened...just gorgeous views of little mediterranean villages. I later explained with my hands and crappy Spanish that I did not have a ticket for my journey. Finally, the chap understood...the language barrier can be a real pain sometimes.
We stopped in Cannes for a few hours to jump in the sea and see the large yachts and boats in the Med...it was nice! What was better, were the French breasts on display, all shapes and sizes, not one ugly pair...well...within reason. Needless to say, I was enjoying myself plenty.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2672.JPG">
We continued on to Avignon and again stayed a little B&B. The place was decorated in traditional Provance style and had a swimming pool and great breakfasts. We toured the city of Avignon as well as the local vinyards (Vaqueras (sp?) and Chateau Neuf de Papes).
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2712.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2716.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2786.JPG">
I visited a friend's home which has views onto the city of Avignon which has some of the most gorgeous views of the old palace and castle the lies on the otherside of the Rhone.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2688.JPG">
We took a day trip to Toulon for some beach time, as neither my girlfriend or I had been properly to a beach in over a year. Again, the Cote d'Azure is a wonderful and romantic place to see. Breasts and coastlines to make any man weak in the knees.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2749.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2756.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2761.JPG">
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2831.JPG">
After a week in the South of France, my girlfriend and I drove north to Paris for the night and onwards to London the following day.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/IMG_2857.JPG">
<i>Harrods</i>
Staying at a friend's in Chiswick, my lady and I took the week to do some shopping for flats, eventually finding one in lovely Westminster, a stone's throw from Houses of Parliament. I will have pictures when I am back in the country and have an internet connection (BT sucks, but they have a monopoly, so I am stuck between a rock and a hard place). We later drove back to Scotland and packed up our stuff into the A3, bought a roof box, and drove south to start a fresh and new career in London.
Between heading back to Scotland from London, I took a 2 day trip to the Le Mans races. I have a good friend who works for one of the teams who was nice enough to invite me as a guest to the races. All access to everything was great! Hell, I even snuck on a helicopter for a tour of the track from the air! I have pictures on my Fotki album, which can be viewed <a href="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/Roadtrip0605/">here</a>
And, if you made it this far, I did see the RS4 in person and have a video somewhere. Sounds mean and fabulous...I must say, that is sounds as good, if not better than, a Porsche.
<img src="http://hootkiller.no-ip.org/pictures/LeMans0605/IMG_2917.JPG">
07-12-2005, 07:01 AM
#2
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Other fun in London
I was in London July 1 to 10, so I got to see a lot of things first hand.
The first full day I was in London we had a series of things happening. I left the house to go to Ikea and saw Live8, a gay pride parade, and the cricket, all on the same route! The Live 8 concert could be heard all around Hyde Park, I did not spend a lot of time there (as I was in the car), but I watched what I could on the BBC while building furniture at the flat. In fact, while I was stuck in the traffic for it, we had entertainment from the Gay Pride Parade which was happening on the far side of the road...coincidentally happening on Park Lane, the road the goes along the Eastern side of Hyde Park. I was later stuck in the traffic for the cricket match in Lords while I was en route to Ikea...so I had a great first full day in London. I was later in Henley for the parties after the end of the boat races...yet another great place!
I was there for the annoucement for London's success in getting the Olympics as well as the London blasts. It was a very strange few days in London...
The first full day I was in London we had a series of things happening. I left the house to go to Ikea and saw Live8, a gay pride parade, and the cricket, all on the same route! The Live 8 concert could be heard all around Hyde Park, I did not spend a lot of time there (as I was in the car), but I watched what I could on the BBC while building furniture at the flat. In fact, while I was stuck in the traffic for it, we had entertainment from the Gay Pride Parade which was happening on the far side of the road...coincidentally happening on Park Lane, the road the goes along the Eastern side of Hyde Park. I was later stuck in the traffic for the cricket match in Lords while I was en route to Ikea...so I had a great first full day in London. I was later in Henley for the parties after the end of the boat races...yet another great place!
I was there for the annoucement for London's success in getting the Olympics as well as the London blasts. It was a very strange few days in London...
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
a4mulet30red
Audi A3 / S3 / RS 3
3
12-05-2007 02:43 PM
JamieTT
TT (Mk1) Discussion
7
06-25-2001 08:34 PM
