Preparing for the Grand Eastern European Tour

Whilst sitting in the caravan at Baltic Wharf, Bristol, in November, waiting to get through to the Caravan Club to enrol for the Eastern European Tour 2013, we had no idea just how much time would be needed to sort through all the legal requirements etc. for the various countries.  Yes, we are going to Europe, but hang on, I thought we were already in Europe! Do not mention the words 'vignette', low emission zone to Mrs. D. While we were waiting for the documentation to come through we had the caravan serviced, new tyres fitted, checked throughly inside and out from one end to the other, got the Disco serviced, new tyres, pads, discs and yes we have the breathalysers, beam benders, fire extinquishers, warning triangles, the lot, including the aluminium backed, plastic covered, long vehicle signs, compulsory for Italy (why can't I just stick reflective plastic on the aluminium back of my caravan?).  We won't mention the wind deflector but maybe the brackets will have arrived by the time the tour is over. Gas bottles - we have a lightweight BP bottle and a lightweight Calor bottle each half full, shouldn't be a problem, temperature is over 30 degrees, who needs any more gas?  We decided that we would go shopping and buy lots of new T-shirts and shorts because the temperature is over 30 degrees.  But hang on, that was just 3 weeks ago.  The summer's gone, it's cold and it's raining, better go shopping again! Documentation has arrived.  We have spent several days with two computers, a Philip's and a Michelin road atlas, oh, and a satnav, trying to pinpoint the campsites we are visiting, still unable to find Aurel Vlaicu site in Romania.  A quick phone call to one of our tour hosts confirmed they cannot find it either.  At least we know where the village is and Mr. Vlaicu's monument (he was an early aviator).  After reading a few comments about thefts from caravans, we have put on several anti-theft devices, details of which, for security reasons, we are not prepared to divulge.  We are awaiting a high security door lock.  Not having a very good week, the Disco turbo needed to be replaced after just 36,000 miles (if Landrover do this job, they lift the body off of the chassis), luckily our local man has got very long arms and managed to successfully do the job for a mere £1850.00.  Oh, and we have just learnt that Mr. D was refused a credit card because THEY spelt his name wrong on the application form and it will take another 3 weeks after submitting a new application.  Tonight we got the maps and computers out again to recheck our route with the French tyre company route planner online, mentioning no names, and with the yes we are towing a caravan box ticked, it is trying to send us down a narrow lane, less than half a mile from home, that we know is too narrow for the van.  We do hope there are no narrow lanes in Romania!  All in all, we are looking forward to the tour, is there anybody out there in the same position?