Because of the uncertain petrol situation in France, we decide to take our usual route via Strasbourg, Metz and Reims, driving the first leg through Germany and only crossing the border to France at Strasbourg. Before that, we fill up again before Offenburg.

But we could have saved ourselves the drive through south-west Germany. In fact, they ran out of (normal) petrol at two service stations, but we had no problems filling up at the third. The more expensive premium fuels would have been available anywhere anyway.

The drive through France is unspectacular so far. A good eight hours after leaving Switzerland, we arrive in Calais. But here we stand in the boarding zone for 40 minutes before we can finally board the train. Apparently there is currently only one connection per hour.

In the UK, we are already looking forward to our dinner stop at the Cobham motorway service area. Over here, motorway service stations are so much nicer than in Switzerland, with lots of restaurants and small supermarkets. Our chicken from Nando’s with chips and peas tastes wonderful, and the air temperature is just okay to sit outside ito eat.

At half past nine in the evening we arrive at the hotel in Fleet.