ann and andy lawrenson

Hi All, We have finally moved. We got the car half-fixed and had a five hour drive yesterday down to Javea on the east coast north of Alicante. Hi-rise ribbon development all along the coast on the way down but Javea itself isn’t too bad at all. The campsite has a decent pool and clean facilities. Unlike the last place it is full of Brits, mostly wrinkly and from Essex. We had a fantastic meal at a sea-front restaurant last night. The sun was setting over the mountains, the weather was warm and the tapas were very fine. Ann particularly liked the garlic prawns washed down with copious quantities of vino. Suffice it to say the walk back to the campsite was a great deal longer than the one going there, mainly because we were going from side to side rather a lot. We will now spend a couple of weeks trying to find somewhere comfortable to live for the winter so that people can start visiting us. We are having a great time but both missing family and friends.

As those of you who have camped in France will know, the cheaper campsites do not supply loo paper. Herewith a little verse that I wrote on the day that I was reminded of this!

                                                                Ou est le papier?

I hobbled across the campsite quite desperate for the loo

We can wee inside the caravan but I needed a poo.

I sat upon the plastic throne and did my number one

Then suddenly I had the thought:- “Oh Hell, what have I done?”

“Ou est le papier?” I cried. But answer was there none.

I sat there some time, thinking what to do about my plight.

If something didn’t turn up soon I could be there all night!

And then at last- hope was at hand. Someone came in next door.

I could hear the sounds of shuffling and see feet on the floor.

Better be conservative. Ask for two sheets, not four!

“Could I borrow some paper, please.” I shyly made the call.

I thought I’d better get in quick before he used it all.

A thoughtful pause, a tearing sound -three precious sheets slid under.

A passing ship, reluctantly, had saved me from my blunder.

“I want to make it clear,” he said. This is a GIFT to you.

I DO NOT want it back again, just flush it when you’re through.

And next time please remember

YOU NEED PAPIER WHEN YOU POO!

All the best, Andy.