We were refused entry to the UK, and then things got worse.
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- This week we took all the steps needed to get home from Portugal to North Wales to visit family and friends for Christmas. We knew travelling back during a pandemic would be a bit complicated, but things did not go to plan at all. We were refused entry to the UK and then things got worse still.
Don’t worry though, we’re all safe and still smiling, it’s been a very stressful week and we’re now trying to decided what to do next.
Link to the podcast episode we were listening to: open.spotify.com/episode/2TRB...
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Beijinos e abraços,
Carissa, Iwan, Frankie & Albi
Carissa, Iwan & Frankie decided one night over a bottle of wine that moving from North Wales to Portugal would be a good idea. Within a month they were on the road to Portugal to find the perfect piece of land to call their new home. We picked up Albi the cat along the way. Subscribe to follow our journey as we turn an old stone barn into our home, and learn the ropes of looking after a piece of land to make an abundant garden and one day, our very own winery.
We would appreciate it if people commenting along the lines of “get a dinghy” have a think about what they’re actually saying before commenting. Just imagine someone making a joke about your child drowning in the sea. Be kind.
Carissa, Iwan, Frankie and Albie! I just subscribed, but have seen all your videos. Lovely channel! Thanks for the little heart on my comment - yes, it sure took a weird turn in the comment section. Thanks for all the lovely videos during 2021, looking forward to future projects! Greetings from Sweden💛💙/Katarina
Thank you Katarina! We do get the odd strange comment 😅
@@FrankieOffGrid nowt as strange as folk
Que excelente vidio para mim foi uma grande aventura sairem de Portugal e atravessarem vários países até chegar ao Reino Unido. Foi muito chato o problema que teve com a roulote mas felizmente resolveram o problema. Espero quando voltarem a Portugal que a viagem corra o melhor possivel.
God bless you 🙏🏼 thank you very much ❤❤
When you are back on the road, if you need an overnight in France we are situated on the west coast near Royan. We are motorhomers, dog and Portugal lovers. Send us a message, we are here over Christmas as we have already cancelled our trip to UK !
We live in interesting times. If you read through all the comments you realise there is love all around us (love actually 🎥 )
So sorry to hear what has happened, absolutely gutted for you both and that you will miss Christmas in Wales. You definitely made the right decision not to leave Frankie in kennels, and fingers crossed the van gets repaired and you can get back to Portugal and celebrate with your friends there - sending you big hugs guys!!
Yup, that was a pretty awful journey but no one was hurt thank goodness and that is honestly what matters. We learned the expensive way not to ever ignore a light on the EMS 😥 but like you we still probably would have pressed on if abroad hoping to sort it out in the UK. Best wishes for the rest of your journey!
I agree with a few others that when these misadventures happen, and as disappointing as they are....the sooner you can make lemonade, the better....what I see is a young couple who deeply love their pet, a vehicle that will have a new engine (in Canada that would cost you 5 thousand) installed by the Dutch who are generally very good at this and, who knows, what may have been averted that could have been worse ....
In the end, there will be something good that comes of it all. Always is...
Upwards and onwards,
❤️🇨🇦
Mariya
Christine here, so sorry that your holiday plans went so wrong, the travel world is just such a mess! Hugs from Pretoria South Africa
yeah, agreed all the way from Africa too. We've just been removed from the no-fly list.
So glad no-one was injured. Hope the rest goes smoothly for you. 🇦🇺💜
So sorry for all of the bad situations that you are dealing with. I can relate. My first job after college in another state away from my parents, about 5 and half hours away, my car kept breaking down and the city got hit by a massive snow storm! The car broke down like 3 times and it was always something else going wrong on the car. My dad finally had to come up and visit me, and help me by a new car. New city, new job, no money, and straight out of college! Needless to say it was a very stressful time, but I learned a lot of life skills in a very short time. I hope you all enjoy your time in the Netherlands. It looks like a beautiful country. Try to relax and just enjoy this temporary detour in your lives.❤
I feel really bad hitting the Like Button because I don't like what has happened to you guys. Everything in life happens for a reason, it may seem bad know but could prove to be a good thing in the future. Who knows what Lockdown the UK will have soon.
Have a wonderful Dutch Christmas and give Frankie a scratch from me.
My sediments exactly.. Especially about hitting the "like " but I know that helps your overall channel. Prayers ,Love and light on your return.
@@chrisclarke7828 : God hears and answers prayers, but not always in the way we want. As for the sediment, we'll just have a chuckle on that one. 😁
@@orcaflotta7867 that's what being 70 has done to me lol.. I use to get awards in grammar !!
@@orcaflotta7867 Wow! aren't you the one spreading joy and happiness at this wonderful time of year? I note you wrote that reply on Christmas Day. Not the presents you expected?
You are correct of course, I have gone back through the hundreds of videos I have liked in the past and removed any that had "Wobbly opinions, shaky camera, wind noises all over, boring content, boring angles, incomprehensible chitchat", though I think they were the better videos you are right and we can't allow it to continue. I'll fight the cause with you. Down with the wrongly used 'Like' button. Can we get T-shirts?
Whilst I have you here and the 'YT RuleBook on Leaving Comments & Likes' could I check that I am still allowed to Like videos even though I have donated $100 to them would that get me in trouble, sort of self promoting a comment through payment. Please report back promptly as I have a lot of $100 bills and 'Likes' to share.
If we are attacking grammar and spelling as you did with pour 70 year old Sondra could you explain what 'coz' means as you have written in your reply to me? It doesn't appear in my dictionary, is it a 'Yoot' thing?
Please come back in the New Year with that wonderful joy and happiness you bring. X
@@patrickkonig Patrick I have only just seen this comment! Absolute Gold! Thanks again for the crazily kind donation! You’re a true gentleman!
After hearing your horrendous story and the impressive way in which you handled it, I just had to subscribe! Love the way you didn't leave little Frankie.
So lovely to hear you are thinking of Frankie's well-being. Indeed she wouldn't understand if she was left behind without you. Your family will understand your not being able to be there with them. Gandhi said: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”, well, I think you can judge the kindness of people by the way they treat their pets. You are definitely good people. Have a merry Christmas. Best wishes from France. 🎄🎁🐕💚
Oh, damn, you broke me on this video. When you stopped and didn’t press on to Wales because of Frankie, I became your biggest fan ever. To halt your human life in order to spare the pain for your dog is absolutely incredible to me. Telling my wife the story I cried once again.
And, damn, broken engines suck. Hopefully you guys will make the most of it and have an excellent holiday season anyway. Please know that many of us are sending you glorious wishes and hope that things turn out amazing despite what you just went through.
Thank you so much Alice! She really is a part of the family.
I'm a bit confused Alice. How can you tell your wife? Do you mean your husband? If it's just a slip of the pen, then my apologies.
@@RichardASK - no, I meant wife.
I have traveled from Portugal to England several times, but this is the first time I've had car trouble. The landscape is beautiful. Of course traveling via video, is not the same as being there. Traveling during Covid is very stressful. Traveling with animals can add to the stress, but they are part of the family, so we do what we have to. So many problems, so now to make the best of your travels, by visiting places with a big smile and try to enjoy. The highlight of this situation is that, you didn't get in an accident, you are alive and well. Engine's can be replaced, but you cannot be replaced. You will now have a new engine, so the van will still be able to provide many more years of service. Am very sorry, that you going through these problems. My prayers for you are for better times ahead.
Oh dear, what a hard journey you have had! At least you weren’t in an accident with the van, a very small consolation but sorry that you couldn’t travel to see your family back home. Good that you are doing the best of the situation! Best of luck with the rest of the journey!
We’re definitely seeing the positive side to it! We may even make it back to the uk for Xmas after all!
@@FrankieOffGrid oh great! Fingers crossed!!!
Oh my word!! What a stressful time for the 2 of you! I am so sorry that you didn't make it to the UK, but I am a huge believer in 'everything happens for a reason'. At least your all safe, and money comes and goes.
It’s been an eventful week 😂 we haven’t given up hope of making it to the uk yet so fingers crossed!
You've got all your troubles out of the way in one go, so you're clear now for a great new year ! That's the way I see it anyway. All the best to you both for '22.
Ugh! Our van conked out on us the Christmas before COVID - half way home. I too keep up on the maintenance - a sensor went bad. We hired a car and had our van towed a bit over 100 miles back to our house. The rental car ended up costing us more than the repair (smile). I enjoy your videos. Good luck with the rest of your trip!
We’ll done for keeping going, have a good rest of the trip!
Ouch what a nightmare :( Last year I was 10 days late with my Dachshund's rabies shot, but my vet noted in her passport that it was not valid for 21 days, and made it clear that I was aware of this. Yet in the US, you have a 30 day grace period, everywhere has different rules, but boy do I feel sorry for you guys. You've had the 3 bad things ......... so let's hope they get the van fixed and everything will be rosy :)
Oh no !!!! So sorry for you guys. BUT make the best of it and go enjoy life and your Chrismas with friends in Portugal..I am so sure you guys and OK Portugal and Nic, and Bee and Theo can have a big get together..Keep smiling xx
Cape Town South Africa
Do you know exactly where they are stuck .If not quit assuming that they are able to go back to their place in Portugal. If they have made the crossing none of what you suggest is likely possible.
The COVID situation is changing from moment to moment and trying to formulate reaction is very difficult.
When they mentioned that they intended to go back to the UK it struck me then that it was potentially dangerous. If it was me I would have stayed put.
@@jamesrivis620 The Covid situation??
@@jamesrivis620 potentially dangerous ..? Oh shit I am going back on the 28th
...
Hi Tessa, lived in Cape Town for mant years. Now in Namibia. Take care
@@jamesrivis620 Unnecessarily rude and presumptuous, James. They had already explained that they had considered heading back to Portugal after the border crossing failure, so it isn't such a big deal, though they decided to head to Rotterdam instead ... "only" a 20 hr journey in the week following the engine replacement; not such a big deal.
Very sorry to hear of your troubles. Sending you big hugs from Central Portugal!
Thank you Cindy! X
Ooh what a nightmare.. My heart goes out to you guys.. Well done for making the best of a bad situation by visiting Rotterdam.. Hope things go better now.. xx
OMG... I’m so sorry that this happened! I hope that you have a safe, uneventful trip back to Portugal🙏
Thanks so much Carol, fingers crossed everything gets a bit better from here x
Oh my gosh, lots of thoughts running through my head as I watched your video. I’m so glad you are both safe and that Frankie didn’t go to a kennel. Even though it was such bad news re a new engine, the garage sounds efficient and your van will be repaired soon. Take care, it’s a lot to go through!
Tenho muita pena do sucedido .
Pensamento positivo e tentem aproveitar ao máximo Holanda. 🥰
So sorry for your unfortunate mishap. Hopefully things will brighten up as soon as you get to Wales.
My heart goes out to you guys, with so many challenges thrown your way. So sad you couldn't make it back to Wales to be with your family for Christmas. You are an amazing couple, so strong and courageous. Keep fighting the good fight, what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. Make it back safe to Portugal, chin up and big hugs. Never alone xxx
So sorry for you guys. All the luck on your Journey. All the best for Peaceful Christmas. Take care. God Bless✨❤
so sorry to hear about your awful troubles on your journey
So sorry to hear of your troubles. Do set up a “by me a coffee” account. I’m sure we would all chip in to help with your winter adventure and shiny new engine. Have a nice week!
Just seen your ko-fi account….Chip in everyone!
We do actually have one! I think it’s in the description somewhere!
Thank you so much Adam, we hugely appreciate it 💛💛
@@FrankieOffGrid No worries. Thanks for sharing your journey. I hope to move out there one day
I'm going to try and find where I can chip in.. It seems hopeless for as much as I can offer $20 but if everyone did it should add up 💕💕
What a journey, at least no one was injured or hurt and you keep smiling, hopefully all goes well from now on. Maybe some collection from subscribers towards the costs?
Agreed, I'll make a donation.
Well done for keeping positive. God bless you and keep you both safe.
Big love to you both for putting Frankie's happiness before your own original plans. *subscribes*
Yeah, really sorry guys, just remember it's a great story for the future, if you can remember the order, good luck x
I feel so sorry for you guys, if it could go wrong it certainly did. Here's hoping it gets better from now on, but at least your safe and there were no accidents. Best wishes for Christmas and 2022.
that really sucks, im glad our country was able to help u guys out, 😎
Thanks so much, the Netherlands has been amazing, we feel so lucky with everyone we've met who has gone above and beyond to help us out :)
I’m so sorry about your troubles. Very disappointing for you I’m sure. Best wishes for things to get better.
Wonderful that you all are well and together and your van is being fixed. Enjoy your "devinely" set, unplanned side trip and rest well 🤗. We make plans but sometimes we're meant to be elsewhere, and the reason is maybe known much later. You, and we, too, by your sharing it, have experienced and learned so much in the past few days than could have been expected! Your positivity inspires 😉. Continued safe travels and lovely reunions with loved ones. 💖
So very sorry for your terrible experience! Wishing you both a lovely Xmas and an extremely prosperous New Year to compensate for the expense of this trip. Live your show. Good luck with developing your Portuguese farm! Best wishes ❤
Just glad you are both ok
OMG I would have been devastated. At least you had each other to console each other.
So sorry you've had such a terrible time. Rest up until your journey back next week and maybe spend some time with friends over Christmas.
So sorry about your van. Yes I understand how everything can go wrong so quickly . Stay safe. X
So sad for your trials. You survived. Hope the trip back was better.💕
Omg sorry to hear about your engine. That terrible news. But on a good note Frankie is so cute looking out the window.
Oh my word,so very sorry to listen to this log. Big hugs
Wow, what an adventure. Thankfully no one was harmed (except the engine) and you are having a sort-of holiday. Sorry you couldn’t make it to Wales for Christmas.
Oh dear, it doesn't rain but it pours. Sending loves and good cheer that return trip is really boring.....💕💕💕
That’s the saying of the week 😅
Sorry to hear about your van. Nice to see you in my country. Rotterdam was our last city trip before covid, nice and undutch city. Stay save.
Welcome in the cold and wet Netherlands. But too bad it is with so much trouble.
Good luck and hopefully you can travel back to portugal without any problems!
I hope that all goes better for you. In my prayers. God bless you.
Thank you Marlene!
Oh my heavens what a stressful time you have had!! But my husband being Dutch and us both having spent a lot of time and holidays in the Netherlands we can guarantee a lovely stopover there. Your family in Wales must be so disappointed that you can’t get home for Christmas…I’m so sorry 😢 ….I hope that your next video will be more positive and happy …stay safe and much love from Kent Uk 🇬🇧
Bless you from Carissa's mum. I was born in Canterbury and lived in Tankerton as a child. I have tried 3 possibly 4 times to visit Portugal 🇵🇹. When the time is right we will all meet up. We live in interesting times. If you look at the comments you realise most people are lovely 💘, and that will help Carissa and Iwan.
It must have terrible! I do not think I could have lived through it!! But thank you for showing Frankie at the end!! How cute!!!
Ouff what a time you've gone through, when life gives you lemons you make lemonade. A new engine and a wee adventure... bottom line no one got hurt re car situ.
That’s exactly the thoughts! There’s worse places to be!
What an adventure,hope you get back to Portugal ok.
Omg. I feel so bad for you going thru so much all at once. Let's hope it can all get resolved at least. Hugs.
Sounds like a total nightmare. Glad you are safe and sound.
Ur still smiling, be strong, carry on
Oh man what a disappointment. So sorry about the car too. But, hey Frankie don't care about that stuff. Just glad to be with you no matter where you are. Hoping or better days.
Thanks Patti! We’re getting there!
Sooo sorry! Sending love xxx
The family that when you love, you always carry it in your heart and it does not matter to many bureaucrats or pandemics!
All you have to do is "open" your hearts and the whole family will miraculously embrace you!
Just watched the video don't know how you keep smiling well done your a rock
I’m absolutely gutted for you. Sending you virtual hugs and a boop on Frankies nose from our miniature smooth haired dachshund Oscar.
What an introduction to your channel! Hope you enjoyed your unplanned Christmas at home. Looking forward to watching more of your videos in 2022 😀
Oh, well you are a lovely couple and have a lovely farm in sunny Portugal.
So sorry to hear about your van i can just imagen how you feel heart breaking but you are safe thats the main thing could have been worse .Try and enjoy your Christmas take care
You poor folks, all will work out in the end, nobody hurt, and you get to see Holland.
I really feel for you all. I can understand having dogs myself that you could never leave Frankie. I know you’ve probably been looking forward to seeing your family. I can tell you the weather here in Wales has been terrible but that’s no consolation to you.
So sorry this happened, but so glad Frankie got to stay with you instead of being kenneled and no one got hurt.
The only thing left to do is go with the flow and make the best of a not so good situation. Best of luck as you make your way back to Portugal.
I'm so sorry to hear your trip home didn't work out, its so hard negotiating all the different rules! You're so right though not to leave Frankie in kennels, she is a part of your family and I would have done exactly the same. I'm wishing you all the best with the van and hope you can get back soon for Christmas with your friends staying in Portugal xxx
Very sorry to hear of all of your misfortunes. My heart sang when you mentioned "dog kennels", but gladly, you made the right choice. Hope you have a great Christmas. Geoff (Evora).
It is always the disasters you come through which you remember. I also remember being stranded in Utrect and finding people helped us. We still have friends made in 1967 after a disaster in Romania. That is what travel is about. Good luck and enjoy.
Utrecht*
Pretty crappy journey guys, hopefully it'll get better, stay safe and try and be positive ❤️
You know us! Always positive! 😜
I live in Spain, and I have a twenty year old Mitsubishi 4x4. The engine warning light was always coming on and I got so stressed. But my local mechanic came to the rescue; he disconnected the wiring to the warning light, and so now it never comes on and I'm happy. haha, this is actually true :o)
Haha I love this!!
You handled a very difficult situation with astonishing grace.
Sending prayers from Colwyn Bay. Nickys a friend of mine.Hoping for a return to the uk for you both.You both should be congratulated for being so positive.
Thanks Robert
Thank you Robert! You’ve got to trust the process, right? 😂
Just a suggestion but the girls over at Camper Vibe blew up their engine last year in Spain and had a dreadful journey back. They did a sticker for people to buy to help support purchasing a new engine. It went really well. I would buy one!
Just making a comment helps, so thank you.
€1500 for a recon engine and fitting? That's an absolute steal! Our turbo solenoid and a few associated things went wrong in Belgium (same van as yours) and we were €1400 worse off once it was fixed. Good luck getting the repair done, I'm sure it will be lovely once fixed.
Ouch! That’s nasty! If we’d have got another 100km down the road we’d have been in Belgium!
I totally agree with Windswept that the price is great . When the timing belt goes it is usually change engines, or see how bad it is and sometimes it is fixable . Either route that is taken at that price it is a great price.Good luck.
Good show thanks hugs to wuffy x look after yourselves x
Oh man!!! What a terrible time you guys have had. So sorry !
Oh so sorry for you two, what an awful journey, you have been on. Glad you are both Okay though. Stay safe and warm and hopefully, you will be able to come to U.K. in the New Year.
Only liked the video to support you guys! CZcams needs more options than just like. I would have used a care button if they had one. Hopefully, the rest of your trip will be filled with pleasant memories!
Thank you Christopher! They’ve been funny memories either way 😂
good idea
Good thing you found a garage that would fit a recon engine for 1500 euro I presume the old engine had a lot of miles on it good that your in a country that speaks amazing English relax and try and enjoy The Netherlands hot showers warm bed each other and a van that should last now for years GOD bless you both and Frankie
We’ve been really lucky to be honest, the Dutch are such lovely, hospitable people. The fact the all speak incredible English really really helps 😂 thank you so much!
@@FrankieOffGrid I agree, the Dutch are great. They're really helpful and reliable. And Rotterdam rocks!!! I loved it.
Omg , what can I say ?? And you are so calm , I'd be explosive ! Well things can only get better !! Hope you get back to Portugal for Christmas . You are probably better off there anyway covid wise ! Glad to see you both are still positive ! Have A great Christmas ! 🎄
There were a few tears from Carissa tbh haha! But I think making the plan to go to Rotterdam took our minds off the situation. Thanks so much, fingers crossed everything goes fine with the van repair and we can be back on the road on the weekend. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too xxx
Oh no!… what an adventure!…. Be strong , and wish you better return home :)
So sad, but you know now, for travelling next time, with pet passport rules, I think you better off in Portugal, so much of the virus about in the U.K. and even tho it is not taking as many lives, you better off not getting it, I would also put my dogs first, and would never leave them in kennels over this time .All the best for a peaceful Christmas 💜🤗
Keep on keeping on guys
Bless you guys
First video I wach of yours be strong I m sorry with all this difficulties happy new year to you both
Good luck good health and a good 2022.
I am so sorry for your troubles. I have had that experience and it is incredibly frustrating and I didn't have to deal with covid and passports and pets weren't an issue because I stayed in the United States for the entire trip. Wishing you a safe journey once you get on the road again to Portugal. I hope you can enjoy your time in the Netherlands and as my grandmother would say make lemonade out of lemons.
Where were u refused to entry?
Love your mom saying
OMG I feel so sorry for you.
So nice! I'm from there! You got to see a new place. Try the Saturday farmers market!
What a journey and tale to tell for the future. Now head to a town market and enjoy an Ollie Bollen (like a fritter) with lots of icing sugar. Best of luck for a better journey.
We’ll keep an eye out for those! Sounds tasty!
What an awful week! Frankie is part of your family, and I'm glad she didn't have to stay in the kennels. That would have been so sad for her, but sorry you couldn't make it back to Wales. I was hoping for some Welsh scenery. Hope you enjoy the Netherlands while you're there for now, and hope that things start looking up soon. Looking forward to seeing how the barn conversion turns out.
Frankie is so important to them, she brings them so much joy 😊.
While I was watching your Vlog, I had so many instances of Deja Vu. We use to live in Germany, and made the journey
by car every year to visit relatives, and friends in London. We had many hair raising times, during our 10 years of travelling across Europe. With children as well it sometimes became farcical. Safe to say we can now look back and laugh, we keep the grandchildren amused with what use to happen to their mothers when they were young. Happy New Year to you, and safe travels next time. 💖
I feel for you. Personally ignored so many flashing engine lights. Also been told by rental car agencies to ignore them. So sorry to see you being so unlucky!
There are to many flashing lights on these new cars, lets all go back to the old land rovers that we can fix
Hi you two! "There's magic on the road" I always say. My experience is that it all works in your favor. Keep your eyes open. Your experience is not what you wanted but will put you in directions you never would have gone on your own. And inveribly you will look back and realize it was all an unintended blessing. You'll see. Just sit back, relax and let the universe take control. It always works in your favor. You'll see. Good luck and enjoy this unintended trip and Christmas. Don't forget. It will be magic. You'll see.
Enjoy the moment😁God bless, good luck and it's only up from here⬆️
OMFG, what a rollercoaster ride, glad you're all ok, it's a shame you've had and paid for all those tests, and I know it's a horrible thing to happen but the price that you've been quoted to have a reconditioned engine supplied and fitted is actually very good.
I hope you all have a safe trip home and enjoy Christmas with Frankie and Albi, all the best guys, love from Mark n Alison plus lots of pet's from the Loire valley in France 🍷 🎄 x
It’s been quite the week! 😂 we’ve been quite fortunate all in all! We love the Loire! Some of the best wine in France!
@@FrankieOffGrid the door here is always open if you're in need of any help or want a very quiet park up, plus the 🍷 is always in stock !