Version française ici !
What on earth are you up to ?
We’re taking a year off work and school to travel around Europe. The plan is to do four big « loops » over ten to twelve weeks, returning home between loops.
Why ?
All the « classic » reasons : to experience other cultures, learn about the world (well, Europe), reinforce family ties, hide from the garden gnomes who want to drive us mad by singing the Macarena on repeat, etc. etc.
How are you travelling ?
In the car. We have a slightly battered nine-seat Renault Trafic with enough space for all of our children and all of our junk.
Where will you be staying ?
Rentals, mostly, although the first part (July and August) will be spent in our ridiculous oversized tent.
What about school ?
Damien will be taking charge of educating the progeny for the year. Since we’ll be travelling outside France, we don’t fall under the jurisdiction of the Education Nationale, so we can pretty much do what we like. We’re also borrowing textbooks from school to make sure the young Pradawans stay up to speed with their classmates.
How are you funding your travels ?
Catherine will be working throughout and hopefully picking up a few extra projects. The rest will come from savings. We’re also visiting countries outside of their main tourist seasons, which will keep costs down.
Are you renting out your house ?
No. Our house isn’t really in any state to be rented out (it’s an ongoing project). Friends will be staying in the house from time to time, and other friends will be keeping an eye on it the rest of the time. (Incidentally, if you know us IRL and want to borrow a large house in France with wacky wallpaper, a well-stocked library, three sheep and an avocado bathroom suite, drop us a line…)
What about the animals ?
The sheep are self-managing (Ouessants don’t even need water, they get all they need from grass and dew). The chickens are reaching the end of their natural lives, the ducks are no more, and we’re still working on a solution for the cat.
Are you completely insane ?
Not yet.
J'ai du mal à vous suivre en anglais mais vous faites un super voyage !! Un gros bisous des Bléchet