My name is Renie. I live in Auckland, New Zealand and am married to Clive, who can fix anything and navigate his way to anywhere. We have two wonderful adult sons, and two annoying but nonetheless loveable cats.

We had been dreaming about a trip to France for many years and finally decided to do it in celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary and a certain birthday of mine. Then Covid hit and put a delay on everything. But now, three years later here we are, about to embark on a four week holiday in France, flying into Paris and then driving through the central-eastern roads, heading towards Nice. It will be my first visit to Europe (Clive has lived there for a bit as a young teenager). I am so excited – and just a weeny bit scared! Is it really going to happen? Will I do it right? How much do I pack? What do I pack? Will my extremely limited amount of French be of any use at all? Will I be attacked by pick-pockets and baddies? Will Clive lose me (I am VERY navigationally challenged!)?

Oh well, I guess by the end of the month I’ll know. See you out there! xx