As I am now about to start adding some more posts about our trip to France last year, I thought I might list a few of the terms which relate to motorhomes and so are not necessarily familiar. We had to learn them after all – so now you do too!!
Aire – small parking area in France and many other European countries for overnight stops in motorhomes (caravans not allowed), often part of a car park. These have varying levels of facilities from nothing through to toilets and service points and can cost anything from nothing to around 5 Euros. The deal is you only stay max 2 nights and you use local shops and services. Not to be confused with motorway service areas in France which are also called Aires – so let’s face it, that is confusing!
Service point – small structure in Aires which provides variously fresh water and electricity, usually for a charge, sometimes only via tokens. Comes in many different guises and the power often has reversed polarity, just to make things even more interesting.
Ventura 2000 – our navigation system which has a woman’s voice and so is also referred to as Satnag, but which can be programmed with the height, length and weight of the vehicle and select routes accordingly. As navigation is my responsibility this is frequently overridden if it refuses to programme the route I want. This can cause problems when I belatedly realise it’s because of our weight restriction.
Chocs – yellow wheel ramps used to compensate for uneven ground. The adjustment achieved is not enough to stop you falling out of bed – if the ground is that sloped then just don’t park there. The main requirement seems to be getting the temperamental fridge level or all your beer gets warm.
Habitation door – door to the habitation area
Habitation area – living area inside the van – doh!
That’s enough for todays lesson……