From the keyboard of Dr Jan

OK, this is probably the last post about my trip to Germany with my Dad, at least for a while

First, a few thoughts about the Mercedes Benz C43 AMG we were driving. What a marvellous piece of engineering. Whereas in the UK this is a hugely over-powered and over-engineered vehicle, in Germany it makes complete sense. As there are no speed limits on certain sections of the Autobahns, a car capable of 150mph is eminently sensible.

The C43 is a hugely capable touring car, with 302 bhp, 302 lb/ft of torque and an alleged 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Coupled to this is an incredibly good braking system, which uses the front discs from the much larger E-class saloons. The upshot of all this is a car which feels as comfortable at 150 as it does at far lower speeds. Having driven at 145, cruising at 70 is a total walk in the park – the car is so far inside its performance envelope.

Having those hugely capable brakes on tap is extremely reassuring when you’re bombing down the Autobahn at 145, wondering if that slow moving vehicle ahead is likely to pull out in front of you

On the trip we saw the very pretty Spa, the Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit, the Nurburgring and the museum there, and the Schlumpf Collection. We stayed in the very efficient Etap chain of hotels and used the excellent Norfolk Line to cross the Channel.

The other thing I hadn’t really realised was that Germany is only a very easy day’s drive away, and a driving holiday in Europe is extremely do-able. I’m pleased to say that I was able to speak a sufficient amount of French, and my Dad came up trumps with his German, so all in all we had no problems conversing. I’m pleased to say that most people will speak English to you when they realise you’re struggling with their language. Perhaps they can’t stand the mess you’re making of it