We saw it advertised in the News of The World. Since I am still not allowed to fly it seemed a good way to see some Christmas Markets closer to home without the flights to Berlin that we have done the last few years. Cologne would be a pleasant change. Money paid, we received our itineries and instructions by post.

The coach would be there at Reading Station to pick us up----
at 4.15 AM......

I had a late night shower but stayed on the sofa downstairs so that I wouldn't sleep in. The alarms went off and my son came round from his flat to meet up with us. The taxi was on time and we were at the pick-up point on time with another six people. In the coach were people who had been picked up any times after midnight so we all drifted off to catch up some sleep. Two more pick-ups (Slough and Canterbury) and then we were at Dover for the ferry to Calais. Late breakfast on the ship and then we were docking after a calm 90 minutes on the high seas.

A very long drive later, through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany, we arrived at the Hotel at 6.30 (Europe Time) and had drinks then a welcome 3-course meal. We all crashed out and slept until 7 am, showered and went down for breakfast and to meet the other 40 people from the coach....