Whilst we like to think we are in control of our own lives we are often proven otherwise! There have definitely been times on this trip when its been apparent that although we may make plans, the way guides our steps! We are having to step out in faith everyday, and live in the now, rather than trusting our plans.
Exploring France's lush Dordogne region presented us with several moments where doors closed in our faces - and there seemed to be 'no room at the inn'! We'd planned to visit the town of Martel with its quaint Haut Quercy Steam Train, and the vertical village of Rocamadour, and although we had to change plans slightly we had some surprising and delightful adventures.
We're learning that our journey is directed by 'steps', or 'waypoints', and rather than having a specific route set out, we follow the way that leads to these waypoints.
In this chapter our waypoint took us to meet up with some amazing friends (framily!), not far from Grenoble, where we stayed at Camping du Cozon en Savoie, in Saint-Pierre d'Entremont, which we highly recommend for its welcoming family feel and great facilities. It was a great spot from which to enjoy time with our friends, both in the local village, swimming in the river, as well as a day trip to the lake.
After spending some much needed time with our dear friends we headed towards Calais to catch the Shuttle back to the UK for a short 2 week visit. However we had not anticipated the emotional rollercoaster this would become as the journey became a race against time to return before the UK's quarantine of travellers from France came into effect.
Our travel insurance only allows us to return to the UK for a two week period, and of course we didn't want to spend this in quarantine instead of seeing friends and family. We also had to face the possibility that, if we did make it back to the UK, with the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) advising against non-essential travel to France, the Netherlands and Belgium (and therefore invalidating our insurance if we visit those countries), we may not be able to re-enter mainland Europe again. Would this be the end of our European journey for now? Would the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic killed our travel adventure?
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