Oracle of Consciousness

Canterbury, England

Jake and Angelique wallowed in their passion for each other, while exploring the city of Canterbury, an UNESCO World Heritage site in Kent, England where Jake grew up.

From his new-found consciousness and Angelique’s love, his whole perspective had changed towards his medieval hometown and in fact, his entire life!

Instead of wanting to run away from it, as he had done, Jake now saw the beauty and history of this city and the River Stour, along which they took long walks.

Their days were spent exploring the vineyards savouring their famous wines, pub lunches, punting on the river, a trip to the seaside and wandering the stunning Kent countryside.

After a few weeks their adventuresome spirits were satiated with Kent and Angelique suggested they buy a campervan and see some of her country, along with Jake meeting her parents.

Jake took this as a good omen adding to the longevity destined in their relationship.

After doing their usual thorough research they found a left-hand drive Mercedes campervan for an urgent sale, ideal for touring on the continent, where Jake could tease Angelique about driving on the wrong side of the road.

The Dover to Calais ferry crossing was uneventful due to the mild weather and both loved the undulating land either side of the English Channel.

On to Paris and Jake managed three circumnavigations around the Champs-Elysees much to Angelique's amusement, before forcing an exit amongst all the competing Renaults and Peugeots!

Angelique’s parents welcomed them both with open arms.

There was an immediate connection between Angelique's parents and Jake, each recognising the adventurous spirit within and shared worldly outlook.

It was two weeks of getting to know each other, questioning, learning and hearing their travel and exciting life stories.

After Angelique's dad, Jean Pierre left the army, he worked with the famous French car manufacturer Citroen in their design office.

As the prototypes were built, his job was to take the vehicle through its paces – Paris to Dakar for hot dusty conditions, into The French Alps for below freezing challenges and everything in between.
Testing, modifying and tweaking ahead of releasing new elements onto the production lines.

A big fan of motor racing, each year he would attend the 24 hour of Le Mans race, Formula One at Monaco, Belgium and other circuits in Europe.

His hero was fellow Frenchman and four-time F1 World Champion driver, Alain Prost.

Now Jean Pierre is a big fan of Charles Leclerc.

These days Jean Pierre, still a dedicated ‘Petrol Head,’ drives a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which made Jake salivate and his wife Monique, owns a Range Rover.

The two men snuck out of the house before dawn one morning and Jake drove the Porsche over a hundred kilometres south and back before the women had read the note left for them on the kitchen table!

Boys will be boys!

Jean Pierre mentioned to Jake on the way back home that morning, that he would be attending the Monaco F1 Grand Prix in Monte Carlo in three weeks’ time and perhaps Jake would like to join him.

“I will tell you what Jean Pierre;” Jake replied enthusiastically, Monique and I plan to travel through Provence and how about we meet you there?”

“Tres Bon!! Jean Pierre replied, and so it shall be!”

Two days later, Jake and Angelique hit the road south, their campervan stacked with food, goodies, fuel and French wine!

Provence, with its Southern Alps, vineyards, olive groves, sunflowers and Angelique’s favourite rolling lavender fields invited them in, with warm sunny days and balmy evenings.

After a few days exploring, Jake was enamoured with Provence and stated confidently and much to Angelique’s surprise, “You know darling, I could live here!”

“We could be near to your folks, you are in your own country, speaking your language and we would have all of Europe as our playground.”

Angelique was so shocked and queried Jake with, “Are you sure Jake, you are not just saying that to please me?”

“No!” resorted Jake, “I really love the feel of this place, it has a lovely vibe, the people we have met are friendly and you would be on home ground.”

Angelique put down her wine, walked around the table grinning from ear to ear and planted a big smoochie kiss on Jakes lips, sealing the deal.