The Alternate View by Carla

When images of airstreams became the wall paper for our family mac, I knew Paul's level of obsession was something I needed to take seriously. I wondered if this was to be the start of a mid life crisis, and felt that an airstream for family trips sure beats a motor bike.

The end of our two year stay in South Africa was approaching and we both felt sad to be leaving this beautiful country. I was and indeed still am concerned that the UK will feel dull and depressing compared with the dynamism and sense of opportunity in Africa. So rather than simply resume that hum drum existence we shall have a European Adventure.

Purchasing the airstream became easy as an ex demonstrator model became available during our Christmas visit to the UK. Since then we have resumed our lives in South Africa, with a huge sadness that we will be leaving, but at the same time a level of excitement about our big trip.

The quick and positive response to Paul's request for a career break, was quite a surprise and I did need a sit down when Paul phoned to let me know it had been agreed. A wave of panic hit, (a bit like a positive pregnancy test) relief your plan is coming to fruition but also a whooa this is really happening now.

Planning is really not my strong point and I look at the maps and such and feel a bit overwhelmed. However for Paul research, planning and being organized are his strengths and I get the feeling he quite enjoys it.

My current main concerns are:

• How horribly expensive it will be just to get a coffee and ice creams for the boys in Europe.
• 10 weeks of togetherness, I will be the only girl with 3 strong willed and occasionally stubborn Armstrong males.
• My linguistic skills are zero, even in English my native tongue, I am not always understood.
• Driving on the other side of the road, why do they do that?
• What if the camp sites are horrible? We have been so spoilt with camping in Canada and South Africa, where they camp to appreciate and be part of nature. I am concerned European Camping may be similar to parking in a large car park, beside a swimming pool.

Falling into place by Paul

After 2 years enjoying the sun in Johannesburg, South Africa we were wondering about what to do when we return to the UK and didn't just want to return straight back to the daily grind, when things just seem to fall into place.

On a business trip to Moscow last Summer, I found myself stuck in London for a few days waiting for a Visa. This weekend provided me with the opportunity to see my first Airstream in the flesh, after coveting pictures of them on the internet for many many years, the new European model did not disappoint. I set my heart on owning one.

Christmas found me back in the Uk with the family, and serendipitously the showroom had some demonstrators on sale. I am always looking for a bargain, and had loved Airstreams for so long  I persuaded Carla to indulge my passion, and we took a trip upto Tebay, fighting off the snow and hail, to see them again.

Thankfully Carla also loved them and several weeks later we were the proud owners of a fully loaded Airstream 684, with a big dent in our pockets and planning how to use it. Unfortunately we were now back in South Africa and the Airstream is still being cared for by Airstream in Tebay until our return in June.

In April, Barclays agreed to give me a break from work, I suspect they are pleased to save my salary for a few months, so we are now planning to tour Europe over the summer. We have  the maps out and are plotting our route. It will probably be too ambitious for first time Airstreamers but we have a sense of adventure and want to show the kids some of the best bits of Europe.

Technology permitting, we will keep you updated with our progress.....