As a result of an invitation from Rotarian Marco Soika, three travellers set out from Eastbourne to visit RC Hofgeismar-Wolfhagen. The plan was to take four people in the car on a test drive to ascertain the practicality of driving to Germany instead of flying. Unfortunately, one member of the team was unable to make it at the last minute and so we set off in Mark Pybus's new Audi A3. Ardres international chairman, Bernard Leturgie had agreed to host us in France to break our journey. We learnt that President Stephan, current international chairman Bernard, next years international chairman Guy Tetelan and his lovely wife Corrine were going to intercept us as we came off the Shuttle to take us to Cite Europe for a meal and drinks. Sure enough as we entered French soil, they were waiting for us and we were soon enjoyiong superb French hospitality and fellowship. Afer wining (well beer actually) and dining we took a short drive to La Chesnaie with Bernard cursing the English drivers along the way who were not going fast enough or in the right direction for him. At the familiar home of Bernard and Genevieve, we unpacked and delivered 87 rocket ballons to Genevieve to help celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary. After lots of discussions about directions to and best routes to Germany, we retired to our allocated rooms for the night. After an excellent breakfast and the usual fantastic hospitality we set off on the A16 for Germany, arriving in plenty of time and without aggravation thanks to excellent driving by Mark Pybus.