GEORGE TOWN – Frenchwoman Celine de Quillacq, 43, told her husband in August that they needed a break from his hectic work schedule and go on a holiday with their three children.
It is turning out to be long break, as her husband, Benoit de Quillacq, 50, decided to take a 10-month no-pay leave so that the family can go on a journey across several countries in South-East Asia in a motorhome.
“We decided that we do not want to have a conventional holiday by staying in hotels but want to spend time together with our children wherever we are, like life at home,” said Benoit.
“Celine and I decided to visit countries in South-East Asia as it was cheaper and where we could help out in any church mission work.
“It will also be an educational trip for our children,” said the communications company project director.
He shipped the 7.5m-long motorhome to Port Klang in late August and the family flew to Kuala Lumpur late last month, in time for the arrival of the vehicle after 25 days.
The motorhome is fully equipped with five conventional and two foldable beds, fans, a refrigerator, a television, study tables, a small kitchen and a restroom.
“The exterior can carry bicycles and spare tyres. It also has solar panels and GPS.
“I bought some essential spare parts which I would need in case of an emergency as I am sure they would not be available in this region as the motorhome is a French make,” said Benoit whose family is from Triel-sur-Seine, 35km from Paris.
The family then drove from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu where they visited Pulau Perhentian.
From Terengganu, the family drove north to Kota Baru in Kelantan and then headed west to Perak where they visited the famed night safari at the Taping Zoo before arriving in Penang on last Sunday.
The Star caught up with them on Friday in Tanjung Bungah where they parked the motorhome near the seaside.
Benoit said that they would be staying in Penang for a few days before heading to Thailand and onwards to Laos and Cambodia before returning to France in June next year.
“We don’t have a fixed schedule of where we should be as we maintain a flexible travel time and destination,” he added.
Celine said they brought whatever books needed for the children’s studies along with them since they would be away for such a long time and did not want their education disrupted.
“I spend about two hours every day teaching them.
“Both of us wanted our children to see the local customs and traditions of the people in this part of the world and learn their culture.
“The 10 months should be a fun-filled time for all of us,” added Celine.
The couple makes it a point to park their motorhome near community parks or fields so that their children, aged six, seven and 10, can ride their bicycles.
It also allows them to lay out the foldable chairs and tables for a family picnic.
