Things I learnt while on a road trip through eastern France with two Norwegians and a Dutch (wo)man

That Michael Bublé songs sound like Pirates of the Caribbean or Pink Panther soundtracks, depending on who one’s driving with.

That Norwegians know how to drive on icy roads and for long distances, only needing to stop to refuel.

That snow-sprinkled trees are beautiful but that driving in the snow is like driving in soup.

That French petrol stations all have walls of coffee dispensing machines, and crummy bathrooms.

That one can experience all the seasons within a few hundred kilometres and a few hours on the road – from driving snow to beautiful sunlight-bathed vistas.

That nothing beats a road trip with a good music soundtrack.

That I still don’t like Christmas music (see previous point.)

That there is never enough time to locate one’s Nikon, wind down one’s window (or, in some cases get one’s neighbour to wind down hers) and successfully snap a beautiful snowy tree, or golden cathedral as it rushes by. (Refer to next point)

That one can ride with one’s Nikon at the ready indefinitely and find nothing to photograph, but that as soon as one packs it away a plethora of opportunities present themselves.

That it’s not wise to open one’s window to take a photo while passing a snow plough, especially with Nikon DSLR in hand.

That little sour bear sweets are almost as good as Gummi Bears.

That French national roads are better than Malagasy national roads (but as badly lit).

That one can only take so much of Michael Bublé in one sitting.

That all food packaging is written in Dutch, even in France.

That if one tries typing on one’s computer while driving, the blue screen of death will appear most unexpectedly and cruelly, causing one to lose all one’s work.

That “Come What May” from the movie Moulin Rouge is one of the best love songs ever (by general consensus of at least 2 members of the vehicle.)

That it is quite possible to keep reasonably effective and interesting conversation going non-stop for 8 hours, with fewer than half the passengers falling into a coma-like state.

And that the people who designed the GPS should get a medal (if they haven’t already).

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