hanging my head in shame

ampersand

Bonjour Jim,
Must tell you weather's been the same in France, although I'd deny it if I could.
You can read all about it - many 'winter/autumn in summer' articles in most journaux.
Antiques Fair went rather well, though lunchtime rain and more at pack-up time was somewhat ropey.
Did quick 5-day DFDS flit and hung around Flanders, not a part I know well,[back hier]and Bastille Day was an appalling wash-out at Malo-les Bains, and much of France, la belle....although this did mean some good buying from disheartened vendeurs. Friday was the one beautiful day.

Off till September after next week and will meander between likely selling sites en route to x. May well do La Grande Braderie de Lille on my last weekend. It's something I've thought about over the years.

Have you watched Potiche yet?.....and?
I have to quote you: 'leaving these cold wet windy dull shores for the sunnier climate of the Med or Red Sea- it's the only thing that keeps me sane .......' because this is pretty much my core, too.

worried_jim

I was in France for Bastille Day in the late 80's on one of the best holidays I have ever been on at Brem-Sur-Mer. The kids go crazy with the fireworks (as they do in India for Diwali) and no body ever gets hurt. I loved it we went for about four weeks and every day was the best ever for a 12 year old.

Haven't seen Potiche yet, Tesco dvd will send it when its available to me.

Glad you are able to enjoy a glorious summer in France. Next time you are enjoying a glass of red in the sunshine think of all us wet shivering Brits left at home- and grin.

worried_jim

The holiday is now fast approaching, still have nothing booked but that will change come the end of this month. Have managed to save £360 so far and August is a bonus month at work so will be able to double the fund. Looks like Turkey is going to be the winner as you get more bang for your buck, we started to look for all inclusive but I am yet to find any where in Turkey that is affordable that has a good review on trip adviser, most reviews say the food and hygiene is appalling and the ai drinks are rubbish- for instance you can't go and get two drinks, you must both go and get a drink each. This is really putting me off and now I am thinking of self catering. It may cost a little more but is sounds like it will be of higher quality.- Does anyone have any experiences good/bad or any recommendations?

worried_jim

RULES TO REMEMBER IN LIFE:
1. Money cannot buy happiness but it’s more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle.
2. Forgive your enemy but remember the b*stard’s name.
3. Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you when they're in trouble again.
4. Many people are alive only because it’s illegal to shoot them.
5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does milk

worried_jim

Finally booked it. Off to Hotel Mavi Holiday Village in Gulluk, Bodrum. Paid £590 (each) for two weeks all inclusive. Started at £390 but by the time we'd added luggage, transfers and upgraded the room the price had jumped a fair bit, but at least spending will be kept to a minimum when we get there. Like most hotels we looked at this had a mixed bag of ratings on holiday advisor so we are taking it with a pinch of salt and aim to make it a brilliant holiday. All I need to do now is sort out some holiday reading. I feel like a chapter is closing, back when I started this thread in November '08 taking a holiday ever seemed like an impossibility but it was always a distant goal to get there. I've had to work two jobs at some points, totally restructure my finances, get help from payplan with my debts, take in a lodger and make some sacrifices along the way, but when I get to the beach and raise my first G&T to my lips I shall say silent thanks and well done to myself. It's now 5.30am and I am off to work to do 13 hours overtime- some of us have got a holiday to pay for. Jim.

Callisto

Sounds fab! You'll definitely have earned that G&T!

chevalier

Really pleased that you are coming to the end of your journey now. Nice one
chev

worried_jim

Lego are always the first to jump on a new trend for kids..

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/46144601#Comment_46144601

MrsPorridge

Well done Jim.

worried_jim

Just off to work now. 6pm to 7am, holiday is paid for need spending money, car tax and annual flat maintenance charge which is all due in September. Worked 13 hours last Saturday at double time as well and have two more shifts booked in before I go so everything is going to plan so far. It's not too hard to motivate yourself when you have something to aim for (although at 2am when I am still staring at a computer screen trying to work out what would happen if the simulated computer crash were to happen I may not be as motivated) and am just thinking of the first holiday drink, which will be a large G&T at Gatwick followed by a Bloody Mary on the flight.
Diet is going well still and I am now down to my smallest weight in three years as of this morning- but as soon as I hit the all inclusive buffet that will be gone!