26 | July | 2015 | frans travel tales

Here are the clothes rolled and ready to go.

I’ve got everything rolled and ready. Yes I’m a firm believer in rolling my clothes. It really does save on creases.
I’ve tried to keep to a few key colours. Black & white, stripes and a dash of colour.
I always include a scarf or two to add colour and warmth.
I do things in 3’s. Pants, dresses, shorts, t-shirts and shirts, scarves and of course the cashmere cardigan I take everywhere.
Shoes: always a bug bear. I’m taking my ‘sketchers’ ( yes girls you know how comfortable they are) my new Frankie4 footwear shoes , red sandals and an old “worn in” black sandal I swear I’ll leave there!
So time and photos will tell if I’ve got it right.

Look out for me in the clothes you can see rolled!

We are getting set to go and Steve has been busy adding to our written itinerary. For a brief glimpse here it is:

Paris: Thursday 30th July. I booked a Hotel near the Luxemburg Gardens. I have a few favourite areas in Paris – the Marais being one , but I also like areas of the Left Bank. Happy memories of staying in Rue de L’universite and as I adore Le Jardin du Luxembourg I have booked Hotel Elysa-Luxembourg. http://www.elysaluxembourghotel.com/ It’s 3* but is in a great position near a metro handy as we are only there one night. I tried to book a popular restaurant nearby but alas they are closed for July29 – August 29! So I’ll be looking for another.

Biarritz: Friday 31-2August. We are flying down in the morning to this ritzy seaside resort mainly to visit Mark and Lauren Chisholm and their 5 bambini. Mark plays rugby for nearby Bayonne.Staying at the Radisson Blu near the beach

Saint Emilion: Sunday 2- Tuesday 4: Staying outside of Borgeaux in a charming village . I hope . Found a very good place to stay Les Chambres d’Ovaline

Bayeux: Tuesday 4-Thursday 6 exploring the Normandy area – the beaches and the tapestry and staying at La Villa

St Malo: Thursday 6th Visiting Mount ST Michel and Dinan we stay at Ajoncs d’Or

Jersey: Channel Island Friday 7,8,9th . Its high summer in Jersey and accommodation was tight but I found the Hotel Savoy. Not on the water but not a problem as we’ll be out adventuring each day. Plan to visit Guernsey and Sark

Gatwick: Monday 10. Arrive from Jersey late and have a quick night here before our flight to Gibraltar the next day.

Tarifa: Tuesday 11 – Thursday 20 I looked long and hard to find good accommodation for ourselves, Rob and John, Jordan’s parents Lisa and John, and Rob’s friend Cameron. Not to mention the other 5 swimmers , friends coming from England, the USA and Vanuatu. I eventually book Riad Lolita for our group and the 5 guys are staying at the Hotel Mistral 5 minutes away.