Flew to Germany with my friend Chops last Saturday. He wanted to buy a camper. They are much cheaper in  Germany. When we got there everywhere was closed for the weekend. For the winter period Saturday closing is at lunch time and they're closed on Sunday. 

Coming from Ireland where most retail businesses are opened seven days and some 24 hours, this came as a surprise and disappointment. Well no point in wasting time, so we headed off for my sister's place in Schijndel in the south of Holland. She just happened to be having a party that night, so we timed it well. All Indian food, which was fantastic. She knows how to cater for a big crowd.  

Sunday night we went to a rock gig in a local pub. Samavayo from Germany were playing, watch out for them, they're good. There were two support bands also but I didn't get their names. One band were all 16 or 17 and very talented. Need a little work. The lead guitarist and drummer very fantastic.

Monday we went in search of a camper van. By close of business Chops had chosen one and the deal was done. We went to Kolner Strasse in Mulheim, there are eight camper van sales rooms on the one street. Hundreds of vans, if you cann't find one to suit here maybe you're too choosey.

The van was ready and all paperwork completed by 4.30 on Tuesday afternoon. We headed back to Ireland through, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, the Channel Tunnel, England and Wales. Got home about 10.30pm Wednesday, with only one and a half hours sleep on the way. We were very tired but that's no surprise. Took the day off today to recover. Back to the grindstone tomorrow.