Early Preparation

Fortunately, a few days away in a car doesn't require the meticulous preparation that a three month trip into the arse end of nowhere does. So no survival kit this time, no D-rings, no camo gear etc. required. There are however a few essentials required.

Firstly, a ready supply of chocolate. In this regard I have no need for concern. One of the team members always brings a prodigious quantity of the stuff. Normally a carrier bag full. He is also one of the more cash rich members, so it's usually the good stuff. A bang on a Thorntons truffle every now and then usually provides a sufficient hit to calm the nerves and ease any in-car tension.

Secondly, a game of Risk needs to be brought along. This will amuse at least one person I know but the international language of world domination by force of arms, is a sure fire way to make friends with fellow weary travellers. Rolling three sixes and shouting 'In your face Red' is surely the best way to cement a friendship with someone you've only known for 15 minutes right?
Not reeeeeally practical when backpacking but in this case, a car boot with space to spare and subsequent hotel bar would be a sorrier place without it.  

Thirdly, in-car entertainment. Scandinavian Hair Rock is a personal favourite, but not to everyone's taste. I have leant this from many years of trying, and failing, to convince my nearest and dearest of this irrefutable fact. My smart phone playlist is as a consequence, often accompanied with choral groans when plugged in. I have therefore been accumulating a more eclectic mix of tunes to play to what is frankly, an eclectic and diverse taste in musical preferences. Love & Rockets, The Cure, The Cult, Boston, The Housemartins, The Scorpions, James Blunt, they now all get an airing along the way. It's a bit like the worst 80's disco you ever went to without the benefit of sloping off to the bar to see if there are any attractive (not an essential quality now I come to recall) women who have not yet found a partner for the evening. At least three people tut at the opening bars of every track. Sometimes four.

Lastly, car discussion topics. With two grocers in the group, the conversation leans towards the Retail sector quite often. Given that I work at the higher end and the other interested party works in the middle ground, the conversation frequently ends up in a 'who's better' versus 'who's bigger' discussion. There are no winners in the best grocer debate. Except of course the consumer. Assuming they shop at Waitrose.
The other two bang on about graphic design and banking now and then but as soon as we break out the chocolate, the conversation returns to food again.
To the annoyance of some, I do drone on about the war quite a lot. Any war as it happens. And really quite a lot. There are others with greater authority, but few with greater passion for digging up facts of dubious authenticity. My companions are particularly good at nodding, smiling, asking me the occasional question, the answer to which they have no interest in. That's what friends are for.

Basically, me after a few pints.