Westy,
Last year I flew through France and Germany trying to get to Salzburg (there's a thread somewhere if anyone wants to resurrect it). It was our first trip in both those countries, and they couldn't have been more different. We had far, far more difficulties in France than I had this year; it was an area with loads of restricted military areas, and we didn't understand the unwritten rules about flying in France...don't worry if they don't talk to you etc. Germany was the complete opposite - everyone replied, they all spoke perfect English, they did it all by the book. Nevertheless I rather like the sort of....aerial anarchy (Omigod, I'll get flamed for that!!!) of France. Which is why I thought we could cope this year - and I did. Because despite what some have said, I know that a large proportion of my stress/fatigue was caused by my own lack of confidence, being thrown around the sky in very thermic conditions (I have a weak stomach for a pilot; one roll and I'm airsick), and the sheer physical workload - plan routes, sort out aircraft, fly and do nav, arrive, tie down aircraft, sort out where to stay etc etc, all in a foreign language and mainly new to me. With two it's fun, with one I find it...exhausting; that's all really.
IO540,
I agree; before I next go to France, I need to sort out mobile internet access. Anyone any suggestions for a relatively inexpensive LIGHTWEIGHT way of doing this? Pm me if you have.
One more comment. Some people say flying in France is easy. It is...when you're experienced at it. Like flying itself. It's not hard, is it...but it was when you were learning. Like driving a car. Better parallel, perhaps, like driving on the "wrong" side of the road on the continent for the first time. I reckon flying an R22 is pretty easy...but most of you wouldn't.
Doing anything new is difficult, and it becomes easier with knowledge and practice. Pretty obvious really.