The Rolling Palace

Finally....after much anticipation, months scouring the internet and viewing camper vans and mobile homes, we have a bedroom on wheels that we can call home. We decided to go for something practical and comfortable with plenty of room.

1990 Fiat Ducato 

Last weekend we became the proud owners of a 1990 Fiat Ducato. Its a 2.5 diesel, 5 berth motorhome in excellent condition. The vintage curtains are so vile that they're actually pretty cute and I love the way that everything is so quaint and compact. I can not wait to start packing it full and making it home. The floor covering throughout is in need of replacement to brighten it up but all in all its pretty much ready to go.

The motorhome also comes with a large top box, this provides loads of extra storage which we can use for non every day items and supplies. It is easily accessed via a ladder to the roof and a grab rail. There is a large wind out awning to the side of the motorhome, this comes with clip on sides and a skirt to exclude any draughts under the van. This will double the living space and provide extra accomodation when friends and family come to visit.  

The list of things we need for the van is growing by the minute and after giving it a little test run to Chichester last night it's become even more apparant that we have a way to go before we are ready to set off. 

We have a lot to learn in 2 weeks, wish us luck!!  

   

Sweet Dishes & Suitcases

So it's been pretty quiet on the travel plan front for a while. I've not really had anything terribly exciting to report.

However......It's now only three weeks until we leave and it's ALL GOING ON!! The first of a long list of leaving do's took place last weekend, in the form of a Travel themed dinner party, hosted by some friends from work. 

Each guest contributed a dish from a country in Europe. It was a delectable little feast which defeated every single one of us. We had antipasti and olives to start, followed by home made roasted red pepper humus and crunchy pitta bread. This was followed by baked honey and cranberry camenbert with white baguettes. Next we had Greek salad loaded with juicy tomatoes and feta, Mary Berry's Lasagne with red wine, Sermale, a Romanian dish of mince and rice rolled in cabbage leaves and to finish, pistachio and nougat Seme Freddo.  

The Greek Salad

Baked Honey & Cranberry Camenbert 

Safe to say we were all left feeling pretty stuffed after 7 courses, however it gave us a taste of what's to come over the next few months and to say we are excited is an understatement. 

I made some travel themed decorations to take along. I used photocopied atlas paper to make bunting, pinwheels and name places/coasters. I'll probably recycle these for the leaving party in a couple of weeks. 

Atlas Bunting & Place Name Cards 

Pinwheel Centerpiece

In the next couple of weeks we'll need to make sure our insurances are all in place and we can finally begin packing. I think we have been procrastinating slightly as this is such a big job. I am terrible at overpacking but with limited space for such a long period of time I definately wont be able to do that this time. Ive been exploring space saving ideas and smart storage solutions so I'll be able to share those next time.