Hardly Le Grand Tour in its original sense, but over the course of nine days we travelled from our home in Spain to South Germany, from there to London, then Bristol and back home again. A whirlwind visit to see close family before Christmas.

Yes, we flew from Malaga to Frankfurt-Hahn to spend four nights with Frau W’s daughter and three grandchildren. We shared Sankt Nicklaus (6 December) with them before flying from Karlsruhe Baden-Baden to London Stansted to spend three nights with my two grown-up children, who both live in the East End.

During our stay, we enjoyed viewing the flat that Amy and Carlo are buying, brunch in Victoria Park, Bow, visiting the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square, seeing Tom in two different performances – he’s a busy actor – and discovering Spitalfields market. Amy, Tom, their partners, Carlo and Su, and we ate a fantastic meal on our last night at Palmer's in Mile End.

On Sunday we took the train to Bristol to spend a couple of nights with my brother and visiting my 93-year-old mum who lives nearby. Then it was a flight from Bristol back to Málaga and home.

Oh, and despite my regular criticisms of Ryanair, all three of our flights were with the Irish budget airline. They were the cheapest option – we only paid about 100 euros each in total, including one checked-in case and all taxes, fees and charges. Outstanding value!

© Paul Whitelock

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