July 2009, one rather shabby straw hat was carelessly tossed onto the parcel shelf of a little red Fiat Stilo. What followed was a 4000km romp around Europe, through 7 very different countries in the space of 19 very eventful days. This is an account of what happened to the 4½ friends during those 19 days. The language is a little ripe in places, but it needed to be (mostly). The tantrums of a certain 2½ year old may also feature quite heavily throughout this book, but they did happen fairly often (bless him). Besides the expletives and temper tantrums this book is an account of miserly French breakfasts, a very temperamental Sat-Nav called Natalie, accommodation problems in Milan, car problems in Germany and without question the most disorganised ‘monument’ you’ll ever see. There’s also a hair-raising drive through the Alps, a bit of surreal culture in Spain and the unexpected delights that are German Mini Dickmanns! Oh, and just a few references to my beloved, rather shabby straw hat.

July 2009, one rather shabby straw hat was carelessly tossed onto the parcel shelf of a little red Fiat Stilo. What followed was a 4000km romp around Europe, through 7 very different countries in the space of 19 very eventful days. This is an account of what happened to the 4½ friends during those 19 days. The language is a little ripe in places, but it needed to be (mostly). The tantrums of a certain 2½ year old may also feature quite heavily throughout this book, but they did happen fairly often (bless him). Besides the expletives and temper tantrums this book is an account of miserly French breakfasts, a very temperamental Sat-Nav called Natalie, accommodation problems in Milan, car problems in Germany and without question the most disorganised ‘monument’ you’ll ever see. There’s also a hair-raising drive through the Alps, a bit of surreal culture in Spain and the unexpected delights that are German Mini Dickmanns! Oh, and just a few references to my beloved, rather shabby straw hat.