Thursday 1st September 2011

10.00 am We're off on our 1st trip abroad in the tidied up car. Off to Ypres first then who knows where? Catch the ferry at Dover at 16.00 hrs.

17.00 hrs Sitting on board the ferry, heading towards Dunkerque. Weather's beautiful - sunny and warm. Sea's a bit choppy but not bad. All in all looking good

18.00 hrs (19.00 hours French time... forgot about the hour difference!) Managed to find an hotel (L'Hirondelle) in the centre of Dunkerque, but their restaurant is closed, so we're off into town to find somewhere to eat.

20.00 hours Found Le Zanzibar Restaurant and bar... it's pretty neat and they can fit us in. The place is full of stuffed animals... even a massive giraffe's neck and head. There's a really weird looking stuffed animal round the corner from our table... pure Esther Rantzen.... would really like to get a photo of it before we go home. It's a kind of tasmanian devil with a squint and shed loads of teeth.

Jamie had Filet with Foie Gras.... me, I went for the coconut chicken. Food absolutely delicious and must go back sometime.