Harvey10 - Europe-bound

We're not big socialisers and not outgoing types. In fact most people on the campsites we've been to seem fairly reserved. I think there are so many nationalities that you're never quite sure how to greet people or how to even start, let alone continue a conversation.
So, not having my usual walking or keep fit chums to socialise with, we have few opportunities for conversation other than with each other.
I have found the washing up area a good place to chat, though and so far have met an English woman who spent 4 months going with her partner to France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania in a small VW. They were heading to Portugal and staying a night or two in a hotel, which is a former palace north of Faro. If the going gets tough, e.g. raining too much, they often just go and stay in an air B&B. She had a few tips to share about the countries.
Then I also chatted with the French woman with the young family of four kids. They are based in Dijon and travel in the winter, with her husband working on the move. She home educates the kids and they've been with them to Peru, French Polynesia, Portugal and England (Stevenage), where she gave birth to her 4th child, which she was carrying in a papoose on her back.
Both those people left this morning.
Whilst we were sitting in the sun with a cuppa, a woman passed by on her mobility scooter and asked if John's mug was from the Isle of Skye. She was a very outgoing Dutch woman who had spent many holidays in Scotland. She and her husband used to go to events on their Goldwing motorbike. She spoke colloquial English very well but with a Scottish accent and even said "Och aye". She invited us to drop by for a tea or coffee some time as she sped off on her. Scooter with a wave.

Next, we talked to our Belgian neighbours when I plucked up the courage to ask him if he could play Angie by Bert Jansch. He did and it made my day. Beautiful. We asked if he could show us the instrument he had mentioned called a Nyckelharpa. It was amazing. He had made it himself. His 8th one.
It was originally from the 16th century in Sweden. There's been a revival of it, and he and his wife go to Sweden regularly to Nyckelharpa events. We told his wife she's very lucky. She smiled and said "hmmm sometimes not so much, when I'm trying to read." I can imagine him practising in a campervan could be a strain.
We chatted a while about our artwork too and Brexit etc.
So that's it ... a little bit of a social life! 😉 😉Читать далее