First day of the holiday, leaving London (yes, not England - yet!)

Friday 11th February was my birthday, and the day I sort of retired, apart from some catch-up stuff left over from earlier times. We went out to dinner at our favourite Italian restaurant, just across the road, as I have a "Taste" card, which gives us a two-for-the-price-of-one" meal option, useable at that restaurant.

Saturday morning, far too many clothes had been packed, as we were leaving very cold England for warm (hopefully) Mediterranean countries, and needed both options. (And Keith always overpacks anyway!) We drove down to have lunch made by our son, and to watch the England rugby game on their spanking new TV - a treat for Dad. Then we drove towards southahampton, to a hotel we'de booked for the night. However, I had forgotten to take the map woith me, and we drove around a bit before we managed to find it, in the bitter cold and pouring rain!

The hotel was fabulous - an old Edwardian mansion, refurbished, with amazing rooms. We had an excellent dinner, and fell into the vast bed, for our last night on land for a while. Breakfast the following morning was also good, and we drove off to Southampton very happy, but still cold, and the rain was freezing - yuk!