Famous on Hubpages for his knowledge, ‘how to’ hubs and dry wit. Quite the authority on a diverse array of topics and huge appreciater of his lovely wifes’ cooking. All being well, Darkside will introduce Gulliver to the wonders of goat riding, sheep husbandry and the Prevention Of Bovines On Ones Land.

I’m also hoping that some time in the country will aid Gullivers’ recovery from his current addictions:

• pro-blogging
• coffee
• wine
• bikini clad women
• sunbathing

Or at least that’s the plan.

I am trusting Darkside with Gullivers return to his former self, after his little sojourn with Mark Knowles and all that went with spending time in the South of France. Or at least I’m expecting Gulliver to shed his love of (almost) Bear naked ladies and wine. I guess he can live with his other addictions.

Apart from a little psychological  damage (the words “anally probed” were mentioned but not gone into in great detail,) Gulliver quickly recovered and expressed an interest in following in the Knowles’ footsteps and learning the art of pro blogging.  After a few days, it became apparent that the bear’s typing skills left a lot to be desired. It is a long way from “?” to “1” when you are only a small teddy bear and hit three keys every time you type.

I thought my limited typing skills were bad (2 fingers and 1 thumb) but Gulliver put my mind at ease. After a few days, I eventually persuaded him to leave the typing to me, but he expressed a desire to be “more like Mark,” and vowed to improve. He spent the rest of the work week hanging out in the Knowles’ blogging nerve center, watching and learning.

Sadly – the bear is now addicted to blogging.

Then – at last, the weekend arrived and it was time to have some fun. Friday night – free VIP tickets to the Nice rugby team’s friendly match against the European champions, Leinster. Nice was demolished by the B team, but the bear cheered them on nonetheless.

After it became clear the Nice boys had no chance, the bear decided he wanted to get to know some of the Irish fans who kindly agreed to pose for a photo. A good time was had by all, but the bear drank too much free beer and ended up with a severe hangover.

Sadly – the bear is now addicted to beer.

On to Saturday, where we stupidly helped a friend move house in the worst heatwave since 2003, followed by a dip in said friends mother’s  pool where the bear drank too much Rose wine and got badly sunburned.

Oh well………Sadly, the bear is now addicted to Rose wine, cigarettes and sitting in the sun.

Sunday – another day dawns, and despite a ferocious hangover (again) we decide to take coffee at the port, and watch the boats go out. 8 am we are having coffee and croissants.

Sadly the bear is now addicted to coffee.

Now time to hit the beach, where the hosts kindly provided a Teddy bear-sized beach towel allowing Gulliver to do a little bikini watching. Not a good day for it – the good ones come out later the the day, but you take it where you can……

But – where will Gulliver travel to next?

Posted in Bear Keepers, Home ]]> http://gulliverstravel.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/gullivers-travel-vallauris/feed/ 7 frogdropping DSC02695 DSC02693 DSC02692 DSC02664 DSC02667 DSC02677 DSC02684 DSC02687 DSC02686 DSC02688 http://gulliverstravel.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/gulliver-has-landed/ http://gulliverstravel.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/gulliver-has-landed/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:47:26 +0000 frogdropping http://gulliverstravel.wordpress.com/?p=56 ]]> It’s official, Gulliver is now in the hands of Mark Knowles, in the south of France!

Apparently he took a little detour by way of French customs but no harm done apparently. Gulliver is intact and ready to set out on a couple of days of … bear business? I’m informed that he’s going to spend some time in La Col sur Loup with Marks’ wife, which will be followed by a bikini/bay watch in or around Cannes.

I’m prefectly sure that Mark and Gulliver will pass nonchalantly for Baywatch types. All being well …

So, bring it on Mark, The Missus - and Gulliver of course.

He’s definitely somewhere. Just a pity I don’t know his exact … whereabouts. I’m assuming he’s loitering around somewhere in France now, forging his way towards Mark Knowles. That’s the plan, anyway.

Something that was pointed out to me (after I placed his furryness in a bag on a plane) was the fact that I should have included a small, lightweight notebook with him, in order for his Keepers to write a small message or so that they could simply sign it – a bit like the way we used to get passport stamps everytime we crossed borders.

I may ask Mark if I can forward him one, so that he can send it with Gulliver.

Anyway – all being well Gulliver should appear in France tomorrow and finally start his journey proper. I had a look at Villauris – assuming there’s only one Villauris in France – and it certainly looks very beautiful.

I’m looking forwards to finding out more about the area, as that’s the point of Gullivers Travel.

Would you have heard of Villauris but for Gulliver? I know I wouldn’t have. And maybe this way we’ll all learn more about various parts of our world that we may not have without Gullivers Keepers’ being good enough to put up with his silly habits and treacle scoffing.

Bring it on, Villauris. And Mark Knowles of course …

I don’t know much about Vallauris but that’s the point of Gullivers Travel – I will once he’s been there. Gulliver will be staying with an avid writer/ pro-blogger that goes by the name of Mark Knowles. I won’t write too much about Mark just yet as I want to add who he is in more detail after Gulliver has set off for his next destination.

However, in the meantime, you can read more about Mark, in his own words, here: Mark Knowles on Hubpages.

I have absolutely no idea when Gulliver will return or where he’s going to to be from one week to the next. What I do know is the fact that the world’s going to become a little more interesting from now on.

And all because of Gulliver – and the generosity of others.

FD

From there, Gulliver could find himself in Spain … the States … Tasmania. Wherever his current Bear Keeper decides to send him. There are a few minor guidelines. There’s always guidelines … and you’ll find them in the ‘About G Travel’  section. Nothing difficult and certainly not rocket science.

There’s no time limit, this is all about seeing where Gulliver gets to and where he’s going to next. Join in the fun .. sign on to become a potential Bear Keeper.

Help Gulliver – Bear feet … across the world!