Triple Scoop - equal servings of Danish, English and French

What a mixed treat! A fantastic three week excursion with three entirely different chapters! The first two weeks were spent in Denmark and England in relatively cool temperatures. The last week was in Provence and hot, hot hot!

I did less shopping but came back with more knowledge and less baggage - it was liberating! One of the highlights was being able to rely on my own pared-down travel wardrobe when I still needed to cater for all temperatures and occasions. Since the trip was a total sensory experience I was walking, running, kayaking, cycling, and dining and/or staying at pubs, cafes, friends homes, expensive restaurants and some very impressive hotels, I needed to pack carefully to cover all my bases (and still comply with tight luggage weight-restrictions especially for the last week of our trip)!

What a difference the people make in any trip! Whether it is renewing friendships, reuniting with family, making new friends or simply being immersed in a new environment and watching people - they are critical to your overall appreciation of your experience. When absorbing the sights, sounds, smells and tastes, it is all affected by those surrounding you at the time. On this trip almost without exception our experience was all positive!

DENMARK

Highlights:
Copenhagen is a truly beautiful city! It has such diverse architecture - so old and so modern. It is fabulous for pedestrians, cyclists and water-travellers, and was easy to navigate. The leafy green suburbs we were staying in reminded us a lot of home. Lakeside we had the most incredible views! Rowing across the lake to dinner in the late afternoon sun was amazing! Attempting kayaking for the first time in a racing kayak was terrific. Fish was a highlight! I loved the smoked herrings!

Lowlights:
The summer mostly escaped us!


ENGLAND

Highlights:
Cambridge was green and pretty! Amazing home-fare with friends - Beef Wellington is a triumph!

Lowlights:
Food in most train stations or airports was generally tasteless but expensive. The expense of doing anything in England because of the cost of the pound to the $NZ. The weather was mostly wet and cold!


FRANCE

Highlights:
The entire week was spent on a guided cycling tour through Provence and was superb! There was virtually nothing I would have changed! The company (7 of us + our 2 guides) was superb! The hotels (mostly former residences of the wealthy or religious) were impressive and all had wonderful pools (something greatly appreciated following a day of cycling)! The cycling itself was challenging in parts and catered for all abilities (and this comes from someone who has been on a bike 2-3 times since College!). The week was very well-organised leaving us only to concern ourselves with washing our cycling gear at the end of a day! The food was spectacular! I do love French food anyway but experiencing 5 courses most evenings was incredible! Obviously it was rich and decadent but we managed! The satisfaction of being able to eat to excess after "a hard day in the saddle"!

Lowlights:
A sore backside for the first two days (it truly disappeared after that and I take full responsibility for not having prepared myself with even one or two rides prior to departure!) No iron at most of the hotels (it only meant a couple of things couldn't be worn - a lesson learned though!)


It was wonderful to get home again but it was a fantastic trip and one we will remember fondly for many years to come!

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.Do a guided cycle tour if you have ever thought about it! The trip we did was outstanding! I would highly recommend travelling this way if you can!

2.Get your packing sorted! Know what temperatures you are likely to face and what you NEED for your trip. Pack 2 days prior to departure and repack 1 day before deleting a minimum of 25% of what you originally had! (If you need any other advice contact me on 021 423 866 or email me at stylist@geraldinemacdonald.co.nz . I would love to help!)

3.Have a FANTASTIC time!