and we're off !

[paultv]

In the current climate I would go from Calais directly to Germany same on your return purely to satisfy the UK entrance Covid visa you have to fill in online before you return.

Getting out of you car in Belgium France and Holland and mixing with people triggers your need to quarantine for two weeks on your return, Germany is not currently on the List.

So fill up and do a straight drive to Germany wherever you fancy....... depends how strong you bladder is!!

Paul

[kieran325]

Yes the plan is to head directly fo Baden Baden and I’m probably best heading towards Aachen as that’s the closest border.

My bladder will be fine but the need to take on fuel is more important as I’ll be in the V10 and that drinks!

[paultv]

Couldn't get the car anywhere near to a land mark here...so this is just a shot from the city I took last night.....this is pretty easy!

Paul

[kieran325]

Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence.

[paultv]

Spot on !!

So where next I wonder?

Paul

[Tzantushka]

OK - Let's play 'Where's Pauly?'

[Satan]

OK - Let's play 'Where's Pauly?'

In his BMW.......

[Satan]

Couldn't get the car anywhere near to a land mark here...so this is just a shot from the city I took last night.....this is pretty easy!


20200901_183443.jpg


Paul

Absolutely beautiful city,

[paultv]

I love Florence...it's amazing!

Now the beema is sleeping in a lock up garage at my destination...I have 4 days work to do then maybe I can post another shot...in the meantime here's a taster!

Paul

[paultv]

And another...

Paul

[minesapint]

Naples.

[paultv]

Correct, around 1700km covered over 3 days...all good with the car...intend to set off back on Monday and do the return in two days.

Driving right into the centre of Napoli old town centre was a real experience! The streets are so narrow only really wide enough for the hundreds of scooters....almost impossible to navigate....really scary at times I didn't think the car would get through some the alleys which were full of people and market stalls dogs and motorbikes....really mental...but I have to say I really love this vibrant crazy place and everyone loves the cabby...

Ciao

Paul

[Satan]

Reminds me that I wanted to take the Lotus to Italy and soon around the lakes.

[minesapint]

Correct, around 1700km covered over 3 days...all good with the car...intend to set off back on Monday and do the return in two days.

Driving right into the centre of Napoli old town centre was a real experience! The streets are so narrow only really wide enough for the hundreds of scooters....almost impossible to navigate....really scary at times I didn't think the car would get through some the alleys which were full of people and market stalls dogs and motorbikes....really mental...but I have to say I really love this vibrant crazy place and everyone loves the cabby...

Ciao

Paul

What a fab drive, all my favourite places. Pity you’ve not time to drive round to Sorrento and down the Amalfi coast, out of this world in a cab, then call off at Sienna on the way back.
Good luck, I’m very envious.

[paultv]

I'd love to keep going all the way to Sicily...not been there for a while but I have to return for one or two visits to lovely London in September...not exactly Italy...but more driving the old gal which is great !!

Paul

[Brianmoooore]

With all these city centres you're visiting, are you in danger of falling foul of any of the ever encroaching emissions regulations?

[paultv]

Obviously London I have to pay Congestion and Ulez...about 25 quid a day.

I had to pay in Antwerpen centre and last time I drove the Beema in Barcelona there was a restriction in the centre...but not based on number plate recognition.

I may have to swap the car for a German cat version which has euro 4 class...I'm not supposed to drive in Dortmund town centre...so yes it's getting tighter for sure.

I checked Napoli... nothing I could find and despite being EU its pretty anarchic here, few helmets on motorbikes, one way streets go both ways...police not really interested...as long as you don't drive too slowly!

Its great !!

Paul

[Satan]

Obviously London I have to pay Congestion and Ulez...about 25 quid a day.

Paul

Stick on some *cough German plates to the car............ ;o))))))

Not sure what the rules are in Germany as my son registered his car in Germany and went through the full TUV test to be able to get his Historical/Old Timer Plate are these then allowed in to restricted areas or not?

[paultv]

Yes...over 30 years old you can go anywhere...not sure but I think mileage is restricted...I have a friend here with an old merc...I'll ask her...

Paul

[Satan]

Yes...over 30 years old you can go anywhere...not sure but I think mileage is restricted...I have a friend here with an old merc...I'll ask her...

Paul

Think my sons cab is an 86,

[paultv]

Refuel stop at Rome this morning!

Paul

[paultv]

Then rain in Milano...

About 900km today...now enjoying a beer back in Lugano!

Paul

[paultv]

..... and back to the Gotthard pass this morning, finally reaching home at 7pm...total drive 3,350km.

No issues with the car at all....will check the oil to see how much she used on the trip.


Paul

[minesapint]

Great post Paul.
These are big mileages in one day, do you share the driving?
Glad you’re home safely, the cabs “done really well”
Cheers

[paultv]

Thanks!

I usually drive alone on these work related outings - but this time the mrs. came with me as she had the time and it was really great to have a co pilot !

Checked the oil - can't see it used anything at all - pretty cool.

Paul

[martauto]

Thanks!

I usually drive alone on these work related outings - but this time the mrs. came with me as she had the time and it was really great to have a co pilot !

Checked the oil - can't see it used anything at all - pretty cool.

Paul

Cheers for this Paul, cant wait for the next trip out !!!!
Testament to a well looked after/loved car

Mart.

[kieran325]

Had a great week last week, weather was perfect.

[paultv]

Oh no!

I'm off to London again tomorrow..!!

Blighty here I come!

Paul

[Satan]

Oh no!

I'm off to London again tomorrow..!!

Blighty here I come!

Paul

London is shut.......

[paultv]

Bugger.

Paul

[paultv]

Arrived in town to find it open after all .....

So having received a new shiny MOT this afternoon, I thought I'd pop into St. Judes on the Hill to give thanks!.

Clean sheet too.

Paul

[minesapint]

Great, well done.
It’s very satisfying when they sail through.

[paultv]

It did have its moment when the young tester got stuck with something and told me he'd never tested anything older than 5 years...he called his boss who's eyes lit up " ah, real true, old school ! " he grinned and took over the brake tests and gas analysis, instructing his younger rooky tester on the way to handle a more sensitive "old lady"

"Beautiful" he said, "well done, great car!"

Paul

[Satan]

It did have its moment when the young tester got stuck with something and told me he'd never tested anything older than 5 years...he called his boss who's eyes lit up " ah, real true, old school ! " he grinned and took over the brake tests and gas analysis, instructing his younger rooky tester on the way to handle a more sensitive "old lady"

"Beautiful" he said, "well done, great car!"

Paul

He was talking about you, what did he say about the car?

[Satan]

Arrived in town to find it open after all .....


PSX_20200915_173819.jpg


So having received a new shiny MOT this afternoon, I thought I'd pop into St. Judes on the Hill to give thanks!.

Clean sheet too.

Paul

Hampstead you could have popped around to W12.......