Where To Start ?

Donna and I are in our early 60's and retired from full-time work just over 3 years ago. We live on the northside of Brisbane and to date have travelled over much of Australia. It is time to spread our wings a little further and this journal is intended to follow the preparations for,and the notable events experienced in , our planned sorties into Europe.
Our first trip commences on 19 Jul 2005 where we will follow the Australia Cricket team on its defence of 'The Ashes' in England. This adventure includes visits to Ireland,France and Singapore. We return to Australia on 21 August 2005.
The second trip is a 3 month stay in the rural south of France in the Languedoc Region. It is proposed we will stay during the Spring months of April and May followed by June in early Summer.
Our plans have demanded attention to budget, transportation, language, internet searches, emails, and endless phone calls. The plan is set,its hatching should be interesting.!