The fourth journey

Milan to Brandenburg. Started at 8:20, arrived at 21:30. 641 miles (about 1030 km,) 11hrs 41mins driving. Tired. Red Bull works wonders for concentration. Distance looks ridiculously huge on Google Maps.

In the spirit of European togetherness induced by driving through 6 countries in two days (France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany), I will make an exception to my usual rule and compliment the Swiss. Their scenery is impressive, their motorways pretty, their Vignette fairly priced (in comparison to Austria) and their petrol cheap.

How anyone managed without GPS is beyond me. Still cannot quite believe how easy it is to leave Milan and navigate halfway across Europe.

The third journey

Travel re-organised around ankle. Massive drive to be undertaken on second leg (of journey). Hotel + garage booked in Milan.

Left Les Issambres at 16:30, should have been in Milan by 20:30. However, world-statesman Bono and his noise-making accomplices make it absolutely necessary for the police to shut half of Nice's motorway exits. 30km long traffic jam. Arrive in Milan at 22:30. Hotel room small, dark, but very clean with good bathroom and comfortable bed. Car & possessions locked behind fetching pink garage door. Not too bad for a last minute €115 Euros. Breakfast too.