From Wales to Candes-Saint-Martin (France, Tourraine) et Montsoreau (France, Anjou)
The journey began after covering 600 km (373 miles) across Wales, passing through Frome and Wincanton in England. My first stop was Portsmouth, where I caught the ferry back to France, with Candes-Saint-Martin as my final destination, for a perfumery masterclass with Nicolas de Barry, Parfumeur (https://www.nicolasdebarry.com).
Arrival in France: Candes-Saint-Martin
On 26 May, Mother’s Day and my late mother’s birthday, I arrived in Candes-Saint-Martin. This picturesque village is located in Touraine, on the edge of Anjou, opposite the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers. It was a beautiful place, full of emotional memories that made the day even more special.
Beginner’s setbacks 
Every adventure begins with its own challenges and learning curve, and mine was no exception.
Incident in Portsmouth: While trying to make coffee in the morning using my electric kettle on the van’s 12V sockets, I blew the fuses. Before this incident, I thought that all electrical appliances that plugged into the same socket were equal energy-wise.
The Flood at the camping: During my first camping experience in France, I connected a hose to fill the CamperVan’s water tank, estimating that it would take some time to fill the 90 to 100 litres. Caught up in my reading, I didn’t notice that the tank had been full for a while, and a kind British gentleman alerted me that I had flooded the pitch, creating a river and a geyser. 
Adaptation and well-being
Despite these minor inconveniences, I quickly adapted to life in a CamperVan 
and felt great satisfaction and peace of mind. I did an energetic cleansing after these incidents, which brought a calming and serene atmosphere.
Conclusion
This first week was an adventure rich in emotions and learning. Despite a few amusing and instructive incidents, the beauty of the place and the depth of the experience made this trip unforgettable.
Next episode: The Perfumery Masterclass 
