Tues.29th.Nov.
Spent a pleasant and reasonably quiet night by the sea. This morning set off to town in search of fish for dinner. We found a fish shop which Jan flatly refused to buy from because it was dirty and even the flies looked reluctant to land on the fish!! Set off after strong coffee, fishless, to drive the coast road between Castellbate and Palinuro. Wow, almost an action replay of the Amalfi coast drive. The scenery was spectacular with sheer drops of hundreds of feet on our off side. The sea is crystal clear and sky blue. As we approached Piscotta, a village highly recommended for a visit, we saw signs urging caution and walking pace due to road subsidance. They weren't exaggerating. This is earthquake country and clearly they have problems keeping the road together. The surface was broken up and cracked, the tarmac was crumbling and there was a steep upward gradient, we had to stop and select first gear and the van slid backwards. Poor Jan was in bits, got to the bottom, selected first and most serviceable piece of road and slowly climbed up the hill. Heaven knows how heavy lorries cope with it!! Still, felt that with that behind us all would be fine. Negotiated our way through the pretty village and suddenly was confronted by a ridiculously narrow steel bridge without warning and a sign saying no lorries. Took a chance and got through with inches to spare on either side. On the other side a woman parked opposite parked cars making it impossible to pass, after much hooting of horns she emerged and moved. I suppose there have to be days like this but they are tough on the nerves. It certainly makes kevnjans adventure adventurous! We arrived in Palinuro around 1pm and unable to locate the sosta shown in the book, made our way to the port/marina. Parked up and not moving. Another picture postcard of a place,( video on facebook) water so clear you can see the bottom, 20 feet deep, full of fish and men all around with fishing rods totally unable to catch anything. We managed to find a fishmonger on the way and have red snapper fillets and king prawn for dinner. Must go, almost ready, more of the same tomorrow. What an adventure!!
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Monday, 28 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Mon.28th.Nov.
Well, after a hard morning's housework, washing and packing away we finally got out of our comfort zone in Paestum and hit the road. It was with some reluctance that we left that site, once the man with the dogs had left and peace was restored, it was just like home again. We didn't get very far!! We drove about 20Ks down the coast to a small fishing port called Santa Maria di Castellbette. We are parked on a jetty overlooking the sea, the water is crystal clear and the town is picture postcard. We walked along the waterfront this afternoon and took in the sights, found a phone to wish Mum a good journey as she's heading for Australia on Thursday. Went shopping this morning, replenished food stocks and couldn't resist €5 bottle of Scotch. Will probably have a snifter in a minute. Jan's busy cooking, I may have to walk her into town after dinner for a gelato. We have no hook up tonight so no TV and have to preserve battery in computer. I think we may have to put some serious miles in tomorrow.
Well, after a hard morning's housework, washing and packing away we finally got out of our comfort zone in Paestum and hit the road. It was with some reluctance that we left that site, once the man with the dogs had left and peace was restored, it was just like home again. We didn't get very far!! We drove about 20Ks down the coast to a small fishing port called Santa Maria di Castellbette. We are parked on a jetty overlooking the sea, the water is crystal clear and the town is picture postcard. We walked along the waterfront this afternoon and took in the sights, found a phone to wish Mum a good journey as she's heading for Australia on Thursday. Went shopping this morning, replenished food stocks and couldn't resist €5 bottle of Scotch. Will probably have a snifter in a minute. Jan's busy cooking, I may have to walk her into town after dinner for a gelato. We have no hook up tonight so no TV and have to preserve battery in computer. I think we may have to put some serious miles in tomorrow.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sun.27th.Nov.
Took a walk this morning to the cash point at the post office, need cash to pay for site tomorrow. Phoned Arnie and had fun giving him website so he can access blog at library. If you're reading this Arnie, glad we persevered. Spent a few hours on the beach, the sun is still beautifully warm. The only blot on the landscape was the Italian family who arrived yesterday with 4 (yes4) dogs which didn't stop barking from morning till night. What is it with these people who feel the urge to take their 4 dogs out of their comfort zone to ruin peoples' quiet enjoyment of the weekend? Last weekend Terrets girl - this weekend, dogs. We look forward to Mondays!! Should we really be complaining? Maybe it's just the bus driver in me. Skyped Anthony and Julie and families this evening. That was fun, now Jan's cooking dinner - chicken and I'm winding down after another action packed day. Good to see Villa didn't lose to Swansea. Moving day tomorrow!!
Took a walk this morning to the cash point at the post office, need cash to pay for site tomorrow. Phoned Arnie and had fun giving him website so he can access blog at library. If you're reading this Arnie, glad we persevered. Spent a few hours on the beach, the sun is still beautifully warm. The only blot on the landscape was the Italian family who arrived yesterday with 4 (yes4) dogs which didn't stop barking from morning till night. What is it with these people who feel the urge to take their 4 dogs out of their comfort zone to ruin peoples' quiet enjoyment of the weekend? Last weekend Terrets girl - this weekend, dogs. We look forward to Mondays!! Should we really be complaining? Maybe it's just the bus driver in me. Skyped Anthony and Julie and families this evening. That was fun, now Jan's cooking dinner - chicken and I'm winding down after another action packed day. Good to see Villa didn't lose to Swansea. Moving day tomorrow!!
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sat.26th.Nov.
Well, we made it to Agropoli today. It's a pretty enough place but nothing special, we planned to buy fish for dinner after a good look around. Spent about 3 hours walking about, the light and weather made it perfect for taking pictures and by the time we'd eaten lunch and had a gelato all the shops were closed for the afternoon. No fish for dinner. As luck would have it we'd bought some buffalo steaks yesterday so had to have those instead. Fabulous flavour, cooked on the barbecue, on the rare side , with a pepper sauce. Good job we're doing plenty of walking and excercise, we're eating very well at the moment. Still, we've cut out the biscotti and cut down on the ice cream and booze. Might have to take it a bit easy tomorrow, moving on on Monday.
Well, we made it to Agropoli today. It's a pretty enough place but nothing special, we planned to buy fish for dinner after a good look around. Spent about 3 hours walking about, the light and weather made it perfect for taking pictures and by the time we'd eaten lunch and had a gelato all the shops were closed for the afternoon. No fish for dinner. As luck would have it we'd bought some buffalo steaks yesterday so had to have those instead. Fabulous flavour, cooked on the barbecue, on the rare side , with a pepper sauce. Good job we're doing plenty of walking and excercise, we're eating very well at the moment. Still, we've cut out the biscotti and cut down on the ice cream and booze. Might have to take it a bit easy tomorrow, moving on on Monday.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Fri.25th.Nov.
- More of the same boring stuff today, bit of shopping, lot of sunbathing. Weather fabulous, brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine, deserted beach. We walked about a mile up the beach this morning, hardly saw a soul. This afternoon we walked about a mile in the opposite direction and passed no-one. Tired out after so much activity, had to take siesta, followed by cup of tea. Then it was time to return to the beach to watch perfect sunset. It's tough. We had to shop for meat and bought some pork chops for dinner, put them on the barbecue, delicious. My drying out time is over for now, bought 1.5lt bottle red for €3.20 very drinkable. Now time for TV. End of another perfect day. Tomorrow must make the effort to visit Agropoli. (Weather permitting.)
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Thurs.24th.Nov.
I owe you all an apology. Since we arrived here on Friday last week nothing of note has happened, with the exception of our day at the temples. The man who runs the site told us that it was €17 per night or €70 per week, and never wanting to miss a bargain we opted for at least a week. We have electricity, water, showers and all other mod cons and with a deserted beach only a stone's throw away and warm weather it would be foolish not to make the most of it. Today we walked back to the Poste Italiene and found it open so posted a few bits off for the grandchildren. Parents please note, not to be opened until Christmas. After that it was time to lay on the beach in the sun for a couple of hours before lunch. We do have a couple of complaints however, the flies are awful and it starts to cool down about 2pm. We have to go for a siesta then but it's not too much of a hardship. Anyway, sorry it's been a bit dull but hopefully there will be some excitement next week.
I owe you all an apology. Since we arrived here on Friday last week nothing of note has happened, with the exception of our day at the temples. The man who runs the site told us that it was €17 per night or €70 per week, and never wanting to miss a bargain we opted for at least a week. We have electricity, water, showers and all other mod cons and with a deserted beach only a stone's throw away and warm weather it would be foolish not to make the most of it. Today we walked back to the Poste Italiene and found it open so posted a few bits off for the grandchildren. Parents please note, not to be opened until Christmas. After that it was time to lay on the beach in the sun for a couple of hours before lunch. We do have a couple of complaints however, the flies are awful and it starts to cool down about 2pm. We have to go for a siesta then but it's not too much of a hardship. Anyway, sorry it's been a bit dull but hopefully there will be some excitement next week.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Wed.23rd.Nov.
Washing day. Change beds, head for the laundry. While Jan's doing the washing I finish off the polishing the van. Weather cloudy but dry, ideal for our purposes. Managed to polish out most of the scratches from the trees which lay in wait for you wherever you go in Italy. We get our own back by picking the oranges. This afternoon the sun came out and we had open air siesta. Had some stuff to post home so set off on 2K walk to the Post Office, found it closed. Do it all again in the morning. No problem, plenty of time to spare. Third day off booze today, tiring of diet coke.
Washing day. Change beds, head for the laundry. While Jan's doing the washing I finish off the polishing the van. Weather cloudy but dry, ideal for our purposes. Managed to polish out most of the scratches from the trees which lay in wait for you wherever you go in Italy. We get our own back by picking the oranges. This afternoon the sun came out and we had open air siesta. Had some stuff to post home so set off on 2K walk to the Post Office, found it closed. Do it all again in the morning. No problem, plenty of time to spare. Third day off booze today, tiring of diet coke.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Tue.22nd.Nov.
It rained overnight and the day started cloudy. An ideal day to visit the old ruins of the Greek city of Poseidonia, AKA Paestum, which is why we came here in the first place. It was a 2 K walk to the site and a good walk around the ruins but worth it, the temples of Neptune, Hera and Athene are spectacular. With a little imagination it's possible to see how it would have been 2,500 years ago. What I find wonderful is the thought that if the dead of those times could come back the mountains and countryside around here would look largely unchanged to them. (apart from the obvious roads and traffic of course). Anyway, after a turn around the museum, full of fascinating artefacts, our walk back to the van was a very long one, (no buses here). We decided to eat in the restaurant on the site tonight, lasagne to start, and linguine with sea food for main. That was it, take it or leave it. It was OK, not much meat or seafood in sight but it saved Jan cooking. We won't be going back!! Live and learn.
It rained overnight and the day started cloudy. An ideal day to visit the old ruins of the Greek city of Poseidonia, AKA Paestum, which is why we came here in the first place. It was a 2 K walk to the site and a good walk around the ruins but worth it, the temples of Neptune, Hera and Athene are spectacular. With a little imagination it's possible to see how it would have been 2,500 years ago. What I find wonderful is the thought that if the dead of those times could come back the mountains and countryside around here would look largely unchanged to them. (apart from the obvious roads and traffic of course). Anyway, after a turn around the museum, full of fascinating artefacts, our walk back to the van was a very long one, (no buses here). We decided to eat in the restaurant on the site tonight, lasagne to start, and linguine with sea food for main. That was it, take it or leave it. It was OK, not much meat or seafood in sight but it saved Jan cooking. We won't be going back!! Live and learn.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Mon.21st.Nov.
Did other half of the van this morning. Very warm. Jan wanted coffee so I paused and joined her for a cup, she was still talking about swimming. Finished the van, felt hot, suggested we get swimsuits on and take a dip. Big mistake, very chilly, managed 9 or 10 strokes and gave up. What a wimp!! Seems to me that winter is not the best time to swim down here. May try again when we reach Sicily. I suppose it's a bit like the sea at Wittering on a very hot August day, cold. Took a long walk down the beach towards Agropolis and walked back along the road, saw butchers and couldn't resist buying a couple of steaks for the barbecue. Enormous ribs. Very expensive but hey, we don't eat out so we deserve a treat. Had siesta after lunch, cup of tea and off to the shop for a few groceries. Greengrocer sold us some kaki, a strange fruit, some salad and some oyster mushrooms to go with the steak. Jan has never cooked them before but they were fine. The steaks were great, Jan couldn't eat all hers so steak sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. This is the first day off the booze since we came away, no whisky or wine, I wonder if I'll ever get to like diet coke as much as Jan. Off to see the ruins tomorrow.
Did other half of the van this morning. Very warm. Jan wanted coffee so I paused and joined her for a cup, she was still talking about swimming. Finished the van, felt hot, suggested we get swimsuits on and take a dip. Big mistake, very chilly, managed 9 or 10 strokes and gave up. What a wimp!! Seems to me that winter is not the best time to swim down here. May try again when we reach Sicily. I suppose it's a bit like the sea at Wittering on a very hot August day, cold. Took a long walk down the beach towards Agropolis and walked back along the road, saw butchers and couldn't resist buying a couple of steaks for the barbecue. Enormous ribs. Very expensive but hey, we don't eat out so we deserve a treat. Had siesta after lunch, cup of tea and off to the shop for a few groceries. Greengrocer sold us some kaki, a strange fruit, some salad and some oyster mushrooms to go with the steak. Jan has never cooked them before but they were fine. The steaks were great, Jan couldn't eat all hers so steak sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. This is the first day off the booze since we came away, no whisky or wine, I wonder if I'll ever get to like diet coke as much as Jan. Off to see the ruins tomorrow.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sun.20th.Nov.
Quiet day today, (except that is for the unfortunate Terrets sufferer who is camped behind us and periodically shouts at the top of her voice expletives in Italian.) Polished half the van this morning while Jan did some housework. The sun got so warm that I left the other half of the van until tomorrow and we went to relax on the beach. Tan's looking good again. Took a couple of long walks along the water's edge and paddled but couldn't persuade ourselves to swim. Maybe tomorrow. Trouble is it starts to cool down around 1.30 - 2pm the sun is very low now, shouldn't complain though. I see much of England is under fog. Jan cooked meatloaf for dinner, excellent, with cauliflower carrots and mash. Nice change. Drank the last of my whisky. Thinking of having a few days off the booze. We'll see. Miss Terrets and family have vacated site and peace has been restored. Just the noisy dogs in the distance to disturb the peace.
Quiet day today, (except that is for the unfortunate Terrets sufferer who is camped behind us and periodically shouts at the top of her voice expletives in Italian.) Polished half the van this morning while Jan did some housework. The sun got so warm that I left the other half of the van until tomorrow and we went to relax on the beach. Tan's looking good again. Took a couple of long walks along the water's edge and paddled but couldn't persuade ourselves to swim. Maybe tomorrow. Trouble is it starts to cool down around 1.30 - 2pm the sun is very low now, shouldn't complain though. I see much of England is under fog. Jan cooked meatloaf for dinner, excellent, with cauliflower carrots and mash. Nice change. Drank the last of my whisky. Thinking of having a few days off the booze. We'll see. Miss Terrets and family have vacated site and peace has been restored. Just the noisy dogs in the distance to disturb the peace.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sat.19th.Nov.
Well, as promised took it a bit easy today, turned the van around so the tree that was stopping our satellite reception was no longer a problem. We now have TV. Walked to the shops and got a few bits and the tabacchi to get phone card. Sorted out washing and put up washing line. Drank coffee and took chairs to beach where we sat in the sun and told each other how lucky we are!! After lunch more time on beach and long walk, to match the long walk we took this morning. Dinner of coq au vin and skype with Julie and family. Phoned Sam to wish him happy birthday and settled down to whisky and TV. Better day. Hopefully, weather permitting similar day tomorrow,~(without the washing.)
Well, as promised took it a bit easy today, turned the van around so the tree that was stopping our satellite reception was no longer a problem. We now have TV. Walked to the shops and got a few bits and the tabacchi to get phone card. Sorted out washing and put up washing line. Drank coffee and took chairs to beach where we sat in the sun and told each other how lucky we are!! After lunch more time on beach and long walk, to match the long walk we took this morning. Dinner of coq au vin and skype with Julie and family. Phoned Sam to wish him happy birthday and settled down to whisky and TV. Better day. Hopefully, weather permitting similar day tomorrow,~(without the washing.)
Friday, 18 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Fri.18th.Nov.
What should have been a nice easy day today turned out to be a bit of a nightmare. A short drive along a straight coastal stretch of road to an agritourismo site just outside Paestum looked a doddle. When we found it the site was overgrown with seeding grass and Jan is allergic to grass seed. Some trees along the drive inflicted some light scratches on the van and they wanted stupid money to stay there. Put another site in satnav and upon arrival found it closed. After a while driving around found a site by the beach about 1K from the temples at Paestum and checked in. Pitches small and difficult to get into, too many trees again. Trees are my worst enemy with the van such a size. Anyway, settled in now, put pictures on Facebook. May stay a week as it's €17 per night or €70 per week!! Could do with chilling out and with the weather so good it's a great spot. Spent a couple of pleasant hours on the beach today. Jan cooked spag bol tonight. It just gets better and better.
What should have been a nice easy day today turned out to be a bit of a nightmare. A short drive along a straight coastal stretch of road to an agritourismo site just outside Paestum looked a doddle. When we found it the site was overgrown with seeding grass and Jan is allergic to grass seed. Some trees along the drive inflicted some light scratches on the van and they wanted stupid money to stay there. Put another site in satnav and upon arrival found it closed. After a while driving around found a site by the beach about 1K from the temples at Paestum and checked in. Pitches small and difficult to get into, too many trees again. Trees are my worst enemy with the van such a size. Anyway, settled in now, put pictures on Facebook. May stay a week as it's €17 per night or €70 per week!! Could do with chilling out and with the weather so good it's a great spot. Spent a couple of pleasant hours on the beach today. Jan cooked spag bol tonight. It just gets better and better.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Thur.17th. Nov.
Spent a couple of hours in Sorrento this morning. Pretty enough but nothing to get excited about. Set off on our trip down the Amalfi coast about midday. Pain and pleasure come to mind in equal portions. The road, as I expected was narrow, winding and tortuous. The scenery was magnificent. Again the weather was perfect, the sky clear and blue and the sunshine warm. The sea was blue and it all looked like a postcard. Again, the whole experience was tainted by lunatic Italian drivers with no manners or concept that other people need the road too!! We stopped for lunch in a layby overlooking Positano, the sea and the cliffs, a perfect setting. We had a fresh loaf, ham and cheese and sweet tomatoes. Unforgettable moment. We drove on and came to Amalfi where we tried to park, hopeless, they don't want camper vans there, they had a liner anchored in the bay and prefer people to stay in hotels. They're welcome to it. To be honest I was glad to see the back of the Amalfi coast when we arrived in Salerno. We'd come off the main road at Vietri sui Mare and taken a cobbled road down to the sea front, narrow and nasty (as if I hadn't had enough stress today). Thought we might find somewhere to camp for the night. No such luck. Headed for site at Pontecagnano south of Salerno, didn't like the man on reception or his prices, or his site so we're now parked in a quiet street, opposite the beach, having watched a perfect sunset over the Mediterranean. We'll spend the night here, Jan's a little disappointed because I refuse to barbecue our fish on the pavement. She's cooking tonight. Mixed feelings about today, I'd have liked to have seen more of Positano and Amalfi but the van is too big a beast to be pushed around those little streets. My advice, hire a car or scooter and it's so much easier. Now going to have a well earned bottle of wine.
Spent a couple of hours in Sorrento this morning. Pretty enough but nothing to get excited about. Set off on our trip down the Amalfi coast about midday. Pain and pleasure come to mind in equal portions. The road, as I expected was narrow, winding and tortuous. The scenery was magnificent. Again the weather was perfect, the sky clear and blue and the sunshine warm. The sea was blue and it all looked like a postcard. Again, the whole experience was tainted by lunatic Italian drivers with no manners or concept that other people need the road too!! We stopped for lunch in a layby overlooking Positano, the sea and the cliffs, a perfect setting. We had a fresh loaf, ham and cheese and sweet tomatoes. Unforgettable moment. We drove on and came to Amalfi where we tried to park, hopeless, they don't want camper vans there, they had a liner anchored in the bay and prefer people to stay in hotels. They're welcome to it. To be honest I was glad to see the back of the Amalfi coast when we arrived in Salerno. We'd come off the main road at Vietri sui Mare and taken a cobbled road down to the sea front, narrow and nasty (as if I hadn't had enough stress today). Thought we might find somewhere to camp for the night. No such luck. Headed for site at Pontecagnano south of Salerno, didn't like the man on reception or his prices, or his site so we're now parked in a quiet street, opposite the beach, having watched a perfect sunset over the Mediterranean. We'll spend the night here, Jan's a little disappointed because I refuse to barbecue our fish on the pavement. She's cooking tonight. Mixed feelings about today, I'd have liked to have seen more of Positano and Amalfi but the van is too big a beast to be pushed around those little streets. My advice, hire a car or scooter and it's so much easier. Now going to have a well earned bottle of wine.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Wed.16th.Nov.
Wow. This morning we finally left Pompeii and headed for Sorrento. Set up satnav to avoid tolls and motorways. It was in a playful mood. We drove through towns, small and large all with one thing in common, narrow streets and suicidal drivers, (two things in common - well three actually, throw in enormous lorries). I have seldom had such a nerve wracking time behind the wheel, when we eventually got onto the coast road, the SS145 we entered a tunnel about a mile long and it was the first time all morning I'd got into fourth gear. As we exited the tunnel we realised it had all been worthwhile. The view which greeted us was of Vesuvius towering over Napoli across the bay. We pulled in at the first layby and just drank it in. The day was perfect, clear blue skies, warm sunshine and crystal light. Persevered with the drive through other towns with narrow streets and wide lorries until we reached the free car park on which we planned to spend the day and possibly the night. Our luck was in again!! There were a bunch of people erecting a circus big top, we were told in short order to find alternative parking. So here we are in Sorrento Piano, a smaller resort just east of Sorrento. Walked down to the marina and had lunch in a small bar, delicious sandwich of ham and mozerella, good coffee and a gelatto. Home for siesta and then off to shops. Tomorrow must try to see Sorrento before taking off to Amalfi, mixed feelings about that, apparently the views are to die for and so is the road!! Wish us luck.
Wow. This morning we finally left Pompeii and headed for Sorrento. Set up satnav to avoid tolls and motorways. It was in a playful mood. We drove through towns, small and large all with one thing in common, narrow streets and suicidal drivers, (two things in common - well three actually, throw in enormous lorries). I have seldom had such a nerve wracking time behind the wheel, when we eventually got onto the coast road, the SS145 we entered a tunnel about a mile long and it was the first time all morning I'd got into fourth gear. As we exited the tunnel we realised it had all been worthwhile. The view which greeted us was of Vesuvius towering over Napoli across the bay. We pulled in at the first layby and just drank it in. The day was perfect, clear blue skies, warm sunshine and crystal light. Persevered with the drive through other towns with narrow streets and wide lorries until we reached the free car park on which we planned to spend the day and possibly the night. Our luck was in again!! There were a bunch of people erecting a circus big top, we were told in short order to find alternative parking. So here we are in Sorrento Piano, a smaller resort just east of Sorrento. Walked down to the marina and had lunch in a small bar, delicious sandwich of ham and mozerella, good coffee and a gelatto. Home for siesta and then off to shops. Tomorrow must try to see Sorrento before taking off to Amalfi, mixed feelings about that, apparently the views are to die for and so is the road!! Wish us luck.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Tue.15th.Nov.
Not much to report today. Still in Pompeii, this morning Jan announced that she wanted to do some Christmas shopping. We walked the length and breadth of the town looking for stuff!!(not sure what!!) Managed to spend some money, so after coffee made our way back to van for lunch and lay down in the sun. Flies were awful again and drove us indoors. Beautiful day denied us by flies. The sun was shining from a cloudless sky and temperature around 70. We blame the rubbish which is everywhere. Siestaed inside and had early dinner, around 7 with the intention of walking into town for gelatto for pudding. After half a mile Jan informed me that she was too cold to eat ice cream and we returned to the warmth of the van. (That's a first.) The evenings and nights are cold, brilliant clear skies, great in the day when the sun is shining. No complaints. Must move on tomorrow, escape the flies, hopefully and see Sorrento.
Not much to report today. Still in Pompeii, this morning Jan announced that she wanted to do some Christmas shopping. We walked the length and breadth of the town looking for stuff!!(not sure what!!) Managed to spend some money, so after coffee made our way back to van for lunch and lay down in the sun. Flies were awful again and drove us indoors. Beautiful day denied us by flies. The sun was shining from a cloudless sky and temperature around 70. We blame the rubbish which is everywhere. Siestaed inside and had early dinner, around 7 with the intention of walking into town for gelatto for pudding. After half a mile Jan informed me that she was too cold to eat ice cream and we returned to the warmth of the van. (That's a first.) The evenings and nights are cold, brilliant clear skies, great in the day when the sun is shining. No complaints. Must move on tomorrow, escape the flies, hopefully and see Sorrento.
Monday, 14 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Mon.14th.Nov.
Very proud of Jan tonight. We took a bus trip to Vesuvius today. Got talked into going on a wreck of an old bus done up to look like a tram with wooden seats. Very uncomfortable ride around lots of hairpin bends. Recommend find another bus, for €10 you can do better. On arrival at car park on the mountain we paid another €8 for the dubious privilege of walking the last 1000 metres up to the caldera. A bit of a slog on ash and rocks but had to be done. Jan struggled a little but didn't complain. At the top the views were tremendous although there was a haze, and over Napoli a thick layer of smog. Couldn't have asked for a better day though. Looking into the crater of the volcano it was noticeable that it wasn't filled with rubbish, something we were pleased to see, although judging by the rest of the countryside, it's only a matter of time!! It's such a shame the scattering of rubbish at the roadside is so common. We had been told to be back at the bus at 1.10pm and suddenly realised we had only 15 minutes to get back. It was a difficult and unpleasant rush downhill and we got there just as the bus was leaving. Lucky, unlike about 6 or 8 people who were left behind. Got back to the van about 2.30pm and were badly in need of a lay down. Had siesta and tea about 4pm. Phoned mum and relaxed for rest of day. Tomorrow we'll explore the town of Pompeii and take it easy.
Very proud of Jan tonight. We took a bus trip to Vesuvius today. Got talked into going on a wreck of an old bus done up to look like a tram with wooden seats. Very uncomfortable ride around lots of hairpin bends. Recommend find another bus, for €10 you can do better. On arrival at car park on the mountain we paid another €8 for the dubious privilege of walking the last 1000 metres up to the caldera. A bit of a slog on ash and rocks but had to be done. Jan struggled a little but didn't complain. At the top the views were tremendous although there was a haze, and over Napoli a thick layer of smog. Couldn't have asked for a better day though. Looking into the crater of the volcano it was noticeable that it wasn't filled with rubbish, something we were pleased to see, although judging by the rest of the countryside, it's only a matter of time!! It's such a shame the scattering of rubbish at the roadside is so common. We had been told to be back at the bus at 1.10pm and suddenly realised we had only 15 minutes to get back. It was a difficult and unpleasant rush downhill and we got there just as the bus was leaving. Lucky, unlike about 6 or 8 people who were left behind. Got back to the van about 2.30pm and were badly in need of a lay down. Had siesta and tea about 4pm. Phoned mum and relaxed for rest of day. Tomorrow we'll explore the town of Pompeii and take it easy.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sun.13th.Nov.
Lazy start to day. Phoned Arnie. Then thought we'd walk to the bancomat, (cashpoint) to get some new cash (spent the old stuff). Walked about 2 miles before we found one. 2 miles back and Jan thought it would be a good idea to pick some oranges off the trees around us. One of the girls who worked on the site provided us with a ladder and I got to work. We haven't tried them yet, may need ripening. Left site and headed for supermarket to get important supplies. Bought an expensive bottle of wine, €2.50, a Sangiovese. Looking forward to seeing if it is better than the cheap stuff. Booked onto new site, Pompei Parking. Much better, more space, less trees!! Can recommend it unlike Zeus. Washing machine but no tumble drier. Managed to dry washing on line, lovely day for drying, spent an hour in the sun but flies spoilt it. Had siesta, cup of tea, short walk and back to van for 3 hours of Skyping. Barbecued two large pieces of salmon, delicious. Ice cream for pudding and TV until bed time. Wine OK but no better than cheap stuff. Vesuvius tomorrow.
Lazy start to day. Phoned Arnie. Then thought we'd walk to the bancomat, (cashpoint) to get some new cash (spent the old stuff). Walked about 2 miles before we found one. 2 miles back and Jan thought it would be a good idea to pick some oranges off the trees around us. One of the girls who worked on the site provided us with a ladder and I got to work. We haven't tried them yet, may need ripening. Left site and headed for supermarket to get important supplies. Bought an expensive bottle of wine, €2.50, a Sangiovese. Looking forward to seeing if it is better than the cheap stuff. Booked onto new site, Pompei Parking. Much better, more space, less trees!! Can recommend it unlike Zeus. Washing machine but no tumble drier. Managed to dry washing on line, lovely day for drying, spent an hour in the sun but flies spoilt it. Had siesta, cup of tea, short walk and back to van for 3 hours of Skyping. Barbecued two large pieces of salmon, delicious. Ice cream for pudding and TV until bed time. Wine OK but no better than cheap stuff. Vesuvius tomorrow.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sat.12th.Nov.
One of those days today!! Took a walk down the hill to Capodimonte and had a look around the church of Santo Ennerious, St. January. Nice church!! Reason for going was really to get a couple of pictures looking across Napoli from up high. Worth the walk. Phoned Julie while we were out and had the cheapest coffee since we arrived in Italy, 75c. each, very good it was too!! Left our car park and headed for a site in Pompei which had all facilities including laundry. Got into awful scrape, got under low bridge by inches and fought our way up narrow road against angry Italian motorists who had to move over and give way. Not something they ever do willingly or with good grace. Found site eventually and thought our problems were over. Oh no. Trees everywhere, low trees, narrow roadways and almost impossibly small pitches. An ordeal not to be repeated. Camping Zeus is the name of the site. Give it a wide berth if you are ever in this neck of the woods. Found a pitch, got set up and went to do washing. Only one machine working, tumble drier out of order. Set machine, €3.50 and discovered it wasn't washing properly. Strung some rope between trees, (at last they came in handy!) and managed to get most dry. Man in reception most unhelpful. Site €17 per night. 17 less 7 for botched washing. Cheap night. Tomorrow moving onto another site, along the road with washing machines that work. Re-wash washing!! If time will do Vesuvius. Jan's dinner saved the day.
One of those days today!! Took a walk down the hill to Capodimonte and had a look around the church of Santo Ennerious, St. January. Nice church!! Reason for going was really to get a couple of pictures looking across Napoli from up high. Worth the walk. Phoned Julie while we were out and had the cheapest coffee since we arrived in Italy, 75c. each, very good it was too!! Left our car park and headed for a site in Pompei which had all facilities including laundry. Got into awful scrape, got under low bridge by inches and fought our way up narrow road against angry Italian motorists who had to move over and give way. Not something they ever do willingly or with good grace. Found site eventually and thought our problems were over. Oh no. Trees everywhere, low trees, narrow roadways and almost impossibly small pitches. An ordeal not to be repeated. Camping Zeus is the name of the site. Give it a wide berth if you are ever in this neck of the woods. Found a pitch, got set up and went to do washing. Only one machine working, tumble drier out of order. Set machine, €3.50 and discovered it wasn't washing properly. Strung some rope between trees, (at last they came in handy!) and managed to get most dry. Man in reception most unhelpful. Site €17 per night. 17 less 7 for botched washing. Cheap night. Tomorrow moving onto another site, along the road with washing machines that work. Re-wash washing!! If time will do Vesuvius. Jan's dinner saved the day.
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Fri.11th.Nov.
Decided to leave the van where it was and take bus and train to Pompelli. €2.80 each! Public transport is terrific value over here. Took us about an hour and a half but enjoyed the journey, Napoli is enormous and sprawls but colourful and never dull. Pompelli was amazing, you see pictures but nothing can prepare you for the reality. It's like visiting any other town except that there are no roofs and no residents. (Except stray dogs and cats.) Jan loves to touch the stones and pillars and imagine people walking where she is now walking, 2000 years ago. We walked the site for almost 6 hours and probably saw less than half of it. The weather was perfect, high 60s and clear blue skies. Lovely day. The journey back to Napoli on the train was made all the more pleasant as the sun was setting over the bay. Home for spag. bol and Skype with the Smigiels and Kenny. Worked well for a change, we're encouraged that it may work at the weekend with the kids. So far we've not had much luck in that direction. Sat. must move on and find laundrette as a matter of urgency.
Decided to leave the van where it was and take bus and train to Pompelli. €2.80 each! Public transport is terrific value over here. Took us about an hour and a half but enjoyed the journey, Napoli is enormous and sprawls but colourful and never dull. Pompelli was amazing, you see pictures but nothing can prepare you for the reality. It's like visiting any other town except that there are no roofs and no residents. (Except stray dogs and cats.) Jan loves to touch the stones and pillars and imagine people walking where she is now walking, 2000 years ago. We walked the site for almost 6 hours and probably saw less than half of it. The weather was perfect, high 60s and clear blue skies. Lovely day. The journey back to Napoli on the train was made all the more pleasant as the sun was setting over the bay. Home for spag. bol and Skype with the Smigiels and Kenny. Worked well for a change, we're encouraged that it may work at the weekend with the kids. So far we've not had much luck in that direction. Sat. must move on and find laundrette as a matter of urgency.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Wed.10th.Nov.
Well, I don't know what all the fuss is about. Left early, 9.15am on the bus, destination Napoli, got the wrong bus and went miles out of our way but got some idea of the size of the place, it's enormous and sprawls. When we got to Garibaldi station we located the tourist information office and obtained a map and some advice as to where to go. (Only the Italians would name a station after a biscuit!!) Armed with our map we headed for the old town and visited a cathedral, the Duomo, very impressive, decorative. A couple of churches later we had lunch and watched the world go by in a narrow cobbled street full of shops selling Christmas decorations. Jan says the place is wonderful for shopping and maybe the cheapest in Italy. The place teems with people and there is a constant noise of traffic and people. The ubiquitous scooter riders seem to be exempt from the ban on traffic in these old streets, as do any motorists who choose to ignore it. We reached the museum of archaeology, which I was looking forward to and discovered that around half the rooms were closed for a variety of reasons. €6.50 each to see half a museum seemed a bit rich to us. Jan used the loo and we bid them farewell. Imagine going to the British Museum and finding half the exhibits off limits. It happens a lot here. We walked miles again, as we do and found Napoli to be colourful, easy to walk and not at all scary, (unless you're crossing the road) I truly believe that one of the major reasons for cars failing their MOT test here is that the horns are worn out. I believed the constant use of the horn over here was a myth. It's not. It is a never ending cacophony of differing volumes and notes. Can get on the nerves. I don't feel inclined to spend another day here, although I'm sure there is much to see. Pompelli tomorrow, will leave the van here and go by train, don't know whether we will spend the night here tomorrow although to be fair, it was surprisingly quiet last night and we slept well. We'll see, time for a whisky and to light the barbecue. T bone steaks tonight!! What a life.
Well, I don't know what all the fuss is about. Left early, 9.15am on the bus, destination Napoli, got the wrong bus and went miles out of our way but got some idea of the size of the place, it's enormous and sprawls. When we got to Garibaldi station we located the tourist information office and obtained a map and some advice as to where to go. (Only the Italians would name a station after a biscuit!!) Armed with our map we headed for the old town and visited a cathedral, the Duomo, very impressive, decorative. A couple of churches later we had lunch and watched the world go by in a narrow cobbled street full of shops selling Christmas decorations. Jan says the place is wonderful for shopping and maybe the cheapest in Italy. The place teems with people and there is a constant noise of traffic and people. The ubiquitous scooter riders seem to be exempt from the ban on traffic in these old streets, as do any motorists who choose to ignore it. We reached the museum of archaeology, which I was looking forward to and discovered that around half the rooms were closed for a variety of reasons. €6.50 each to see half a museum seemed a bit rich to us. Jan used the loo and we bid them farewell. Imagine going to the British Museum and finding half the exhibits off limits. It happens a lot here. We walked miles again, as we do and found Napoli to be colourful, easy to walk and not at all scary, (unless you're crossing the road) I truly believe that one of the major reasons for cars failing their MOT test here is that the horns are worn out. I believed the constant use of the horn over here was a myth. It's not. It is a never ending cacophony of differing volumes and notes. Can get on the nerves. I don't feel inclined to spend another day here, although I'm sure there is much to see. Pompelli tomorrow, will leave the van here and go by train, don't know whether we will spend the night here tomorrow although to be fair, it was surprisingly quiet last night and we slept well. We'll see, time for a whisky and to light the barbecue. T bone steaks tonight!! What a life.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Wed.9th.Nov.
Decided Mondragone has provided us with sufficient mosquito bite and it's time to move on. Washed the van before we left. Thought we'd find a quiet spot by the beach on the way to Napoli to chill before the madness of the city. Easier said than done. This part of the coast is dirty and neglected, out of season, if people could see the rubbish on the beaches and at the side of the road they wouldn't holiday here in the season. We found a spot around Monti de Procida, not far from Napoli, on the beach, surrounded by hotels, closed for the winter. The beach was strewn with bottles and occupied by stray dogs. We had our siesta there and headed for a site at Pozzouli. Couldn't find it, got ensnared in the most horrendous rush hour traffic and witnessed 7 or 8 of the worst pieces of driving I've ever seen. The sort of driving people warn you about but you just don't believe possible. Seeing's believing!! By this time it was dark and we made the decision to head for site in Napoli and be done with it. So here we are, a couple of days earlier than expected on a car park, €22 per night inc. electricity, amps insufficient to boil kettle. Still no-one said it was going to be cheap. Weather has been a bit dull last few days but not cold. Looking forward to some more sun. Jan cooked lovely dinner tonight, pork and veg. Early night tonight.
Decided Mondragone has provided us with sufficient mosquito bite and it's time to move on. Washed the van before we left. Thought we'd find a quiet spot by the beach on the way to Napoli to chill before the madness of the city. Easier said than done. This part of the coast is dirty and neglected, out of season, if people could see the rubbish on the beaches and at the side of the road they wouldn't holiday here in the season. We found a spot around Monti de Procida, not far from Napoli, on the beach, surrounded by hotels, closed for the winter. The beach was strewn with bottles and occupied by stray dogs. We had our siesta there and headed for a site at Pozzouli. Couldn't find it, got ensnared in the most horrendous rush hour traffic and witnessed 7 or 8 of the worst pieces of driving I've ever seen. The sort of driving people warn you about but you just don't believe possible. Seeing's believing!! By this time it was dark and we made the decision to head for site in Napoli and be done with it. So here we are, a couple of days earlier than expected on a car park, €22 per night inc. electricity, amps insufficient to boil kettle. Still no-one said it was going to be cheap. Weather has been a bit dull last few days but not cold. Looking forward to some more sun. Jan cooked lovely dinner tonight, pork and veg. Early night tonight.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Tues.8th.Nov.
Busy morning. Changed beds, cleaned carpets, prepared van for trip to town to do washing at laundrette. Fortunately before leaving, checked location on laundrette and discovered it was a laundry!! No good to us. Then we were offered the use of washing machine on site. Saved us a trip and ensured we stay at least one more night. Had a repeat of the fun in the cold shower and got bitten alive by mosquitos. This is one of the disadvantages of warm weather in November. As readers of Jan's Facebook page will know, she cut my hair this afternoon but we had forgotten to put the no.2 comb on the clippers, I have a shaven head. Doesn't bother me too much because I tend not to look in the mirror too often. Jan's taking a while to get used to it though. More washing tomorrow, may spend one more night here, it's a treat to hear nothing but the ocean through the night and wake up to a view of the beach.
Busy morning. Changed beds, cleaned carpets, prepared van for trip to town to do washing at laundrette. Fortunately before leaving, checked location on laundrette and discovered it was a laundry!! No good to us. Then we were offered the use of washing machine on site. Saved us a trip and ensured we stay at least one more night. Had a repeat of the fun in the cold shower and got bitten alive by mosquitos. This is one of the disadvantages of warm weather in November. As readers of Jan's Facebook page will know, she cut my hair this afternoon but we had forgotten to put the no.2 comb on the clippers, I have a shaven head. Doesn't bother me too much because I tend not to look in the mirror too often. Jan's taking a while to get used to it though. More washing tomorrow, may spend one more night here, it's a treat to hear nothing but the ocean through the night and wake up to a view of the beach.
Monday, 7 November 2011
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
'Mon.7th. Nov.
Went to bed at 9pm. last night, tired out. At 12.30am woken by loud disco music, Sunday night, amazing. Didn't go on for too long thankfully and after that slept like a baby. A fair morning, not sunbathing weather. We walked up to the town along the beach, a long walk but pleasant, had coffee and found Wind shop to straighten out our internet questions. Thankfully the man in the shop spoke a little English and was able to identify our problem. He needed the key/stick to rectify it and I didn't have it with me. Arranged to return with it this afternoon. Bought king prawns and sea bass for dinner, €15. Walked back along main road, called in at shop for bread and were given a sample of mozerella cheese. Bought some and needed beef tomato to keep it company. Walked back to van, had fresh bread, tomato and mozerella for lunch. Delicious. Had siesta and walked back to town to resolve internet problem. A round trip of at least 3 miles, (2nd time today.) Dinner tonight of king prawns in garlic, cooked by Janet and Sea bass cooked by me on barbecue was sensational. Whisky to finish. Bedtime. Miss my scooter!!
Went to bed at 9pm. last night, tired out. At 12.30am woken by loud disco music, Sunday night, amazing. Didn't go on for too long thankfully and after that slept like a baby. A fair morning, not sunbathing weather. We walked up to the town along the beach, a long walk but pleasant, had coffee and found Wind shop to straighten out our internet questions. Thankfully the man in the shop spoke a little English and was able to identify our problem. He needed the key/stick to rectify it and I didn't have it with me. Arranged to return with it this afternoon. Bought king prawns and sea bass for dinner, €15. Walked back along main road, called in at shop for bread and were given a sample of mozerella cheese. Bought some and needed beef tomato to keep it company. Walked back to van, had fresh bread, tomato and mozerella for lunch. Delicious. Had siesta and walked back to town to resolve internet problem. A round trip of at least 3 miles, (2nd time today.) Dinner tonight of king prawns in garlic, cooked by Janet and Sea bass cooked by me on barbecue was sensational. Whisky to finish. Bedtime. Miss my scooter!!
Kevnjan's Big Adventure
Sun.6th.Nov.
It's been one of those days!! Where to start? OK. went to bed around 9.30 last night, was woken around 12.30 by long noisy firework display. Bonfire night, must be English ex pats around somewhere. Got back to sleep only to be woken around 3am by horrendous thunderstorm and rain. Dozed until around 6.30, made tea and decided to make an early start on the road. Drove to Gaeta, parked by the port and watched fishermen trying to untangle ropes on their tenders which had been hopelessly tangled by last nights storm. We drank coffee and enjoyed the show. Our main purpose for being in Gaeta was to find a Wind shop to get them to sort out my internet connection. We should have known that everything was closed on Sunday mornings. Decided to head for Mondragone, down the coast where the sosta guide said there was a site with all facilities open. Put the address in the satnav and let it do it's stuff. I have previously discovered that our satnav has a peculiar sense of humour and today it chose to take us on a mystery tour through the mountains in the opposite direction to our destination!! After 20 or so Ks we just were so taken with the scenery that we kept going. Jan and I have never driven such a beautiful, scenic road, it's just a shame it wasn't taking us where we wanted to go. We persevered until we got to Arce when we stopped for lunch of Gorgonzola sandwiches and common sense took over. SS83 is the road and anyone in the area who travels it will not be disappointed. We headed for the A1 autostrada and our original destination, Mondragone. Got there around 2pm and found the campsite, La Duna. Run down, laid back, large restaurant and music venue, right on the beach. Hook up, sea view, fabulous!! Connected to internet - amazing, did internet stuff. Had shower in cold shower, no hot water, the place is basic but Jan and I amused ourselves scrubbing each other down. I think the two Italian families who shared the site with us were not amused!! They left an hour or so later leaving us alone on the site. Fine by us. Dinner of left over cottage pie, green beans and cauliflower. Bed at 9pm, exhausted. How can having so much fun and relaxation be so tiring?
It's been one of those days!! Where to start? OK. went to bed around 9.30 last night, was woken around 12.30 by long noisy firework display. Bonfire night, must be English ex pats around somewhere. Got back to sleep only to be woken around 3am by horrendous thunderstorm and rain. Dozed until around 6.30, made tea and decided to make an early start on the road. Drove to Gaeta, parked by the port and watched fishermen trying to untangle ropes on their tenders which had been hopelessly tangled by last nights storm. We drank coffee and enjoyed the show. Our main purpose for being in Gaeta was to find a Wind shop to get them to sort out my internet connection. We should have known that everything was closed on Sunday mornings. Decided to head for Mondragone, down the coast where the sosta guide said there was a site with all facilities open. Put the address in the satnav and let it do it's stuff. I have previously discovered that our satnav has a peculiar sense of humour and today it chose to take us on a mystery tour through the mountains in the opposite direction to our destination!! After 20 or so Ks we just were so taken with the scenery that we kept going. Jan and I have never driven such a beautiful, scenic road, it's just a shame it wasn't taking us where we wanted to go. We persevered until we got to Arce when we stopped for lunch of Gorgonzola sandwiches and common sense took over. SS83 is the road and anyone in the area who travels it will not be disappointed. We headed for the A1 autostrada and our original destination, Mondragone. Got there around 2pm and found the campsite, La Duna. Run down, laid back, large restaurant and music venue, right on the beach. Hook up, sea view, fabulous!! Connected to internet - amazing, did internet stuff. Had shower in cold shower, no hot water, the place is basic but Jan and I amused ourselves scrubbing each other down. I think the two Italian families who shared the site with us were not amused!! They left an hour or so later leaving us alone on the site. Fine by us. Dinner of left over cottage pie, green beans and cauliflower. Bed at 9pm, exhausted. How can having so much fun and relaxation be so tiring?
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Wed.2nd.Nov.
This is starting to get complicated. Some of my notes are going on the blog by cut and paste and disappearing from Word. Don’t know how to retain them, save doesn’t seem to work. I don’t have internet connection tonight so this will have to stay on word until I can publish it. Today we said “arrividerci to Rome. Had mixed feelings, not sorry to leave the site and the constant cacophony of barking, but Rome definitely grabs you and won’t let go easily, Jan feels the same. We fought the traffic and found a free sosta at Castelgandolfo, the home of the Pope’s summer residence. We combed the lakeside for a sosta which had hook-ups and other facilities but only found a car park where the facilities were locked up and no hook-ups for €10. Returned to the original one without the view of the lake but free. We were both tired out after Rome and a long shop!! Had siesta and slept for nearly 2 hours. Jan prepared a spaghetti bol and we took a walk before dinner. We walked up the hill from our nondescript car park and Jan said, “How do you know which way to go.” I replied that it’s always uphill in Italy to anything worth seeing. How right I was. We struggled uphill and up several flights of steps and suddenly came upon the archway into the old town of Castelgandolfo. It was a feeling akin to that when you find a £20 note in the street. A complete surprise, a jewel, in soft street lighting. Italy just keeps throwing up these pleasant surprises. We walked down a narrow street to a balcony overlooking the lake which reflected the lights from all around. Magical. November 2nd. and we’re walking around in shirtsleeves at 7pm. We promised ourselves another look in daylight tomorrow and headed back for dinner, downhill!! Clever Jan has used some old bread to make some bread and butter pudding – a taste of home. We feel very privileged. We are starting the southward part of our journey now and I suppose the next big destination is Naples. We have been warned to avoid it but I don’t think I can. How can you say you’ve done Italy when you’ve left out Napoli??
Thur.3rd.Nov.
Took another look at Castelgandolfo in daylight this morning. Just as nice. Spent a pleasant quiet night last night, parked on part of a street set aside for camper vans. No noise, no dogs barking, just birdsong and kids going off to school. We made the decision to head for the coast, the weather was sunny and pleasantly warm and drove down to Lido di Latina, our first view of the Mediterranean since we were in Ibiza a year or two ago. Parked up on the beach, had lunch and took off for a walk along the sand. It’s good to be back on the coast, we like the sea!! Not a public phone to be found here for a mile or so in either direction. Came back for siesta and Julie texted to put off our call until tomorrow. Phoned Ian this morning, it’s most strange that he’s not getting my e-mails. He says they are hoping to come out around 10th. Jan and join us in Sicily for a week or so. That should be fun, looking forward to that. About 6pm moved van 500 yards from beach to deserted car park with beach on one side and field of cows on the other. No traffic passing and disturbing our peace now. Dinner of assorted cold meats, cheese and salad, cold remains of bread and butter pudding. Nice cheap red wine, classical music on stereo. What could be better?? Feeling very relaxed and very lucky.
Fri.4th.Nov.
Got to be quick, battery almost flat after 2 days without charging. Had an excellent night, no dogs barking, no traffic noise. This place is just about closed for the winter, like a ghost town, we have it to ourselves!! We got the bus to Latina this morning and I bought a stick and sim card for unlimited intnernet access. Should make life much easier if it works, cost me €89 for 5 months. The whole transaction took place in Italian and it takes 24 hours before I can access the internet so we wait with baited breath!! As I’ll have no battery by morning we’ll have to wait until we have some electricity supply. Latina was not
Sat.5th.Nov.
Bonfire night. Forgot all about it. Not much to report. One of those days, selected 2 or 3 sostas, with hook up from the book and they were either closed or not there. Eventually pitched up at a cafe, south of Sperlonga where one of the sites should have been and the owner invited us to overnight n his car park. Charged up the computer in the cafe and tried out the stick to get online. Needless to say that was unsuccessful so tomorrow we have to find a Wind shop so they can show me where I’ve gone wrong. Very frustrating day, hope dinner in the cafe will make up for it. Was looking forward to getting the football results and publishing the latest paragraphs of the blog. Suppose it can wait until tomorrow. Sean texted me today to tell me off for spelling Naiya wrongly, quite rightly, so here is a mention for Naiya with her name spelled correctly, as it will be from now on!! Hope to have more interesting news tomorrow
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Kevnjans big adventure.
Tues.1st.Nov.
All Saints Day today, that means St. Kevin's birthday. Another month away from England completed, not feeling at all homesick!! This will be our last day in Rome, for now at least. We head off to Villa Borghese, a large and beautiful park with several churches and museums. The art gallery is so popular that the first available tickets are for Thursday. Too late for us. We have our picnic whilst listening to a classical guitarist busking, and enjoying the sunshine. Just a chill out day. Jan wants to get silver charm for her bracelet as a souvenir and we manage to find a coliseum. Had to have a gelato to celebrate. Home about 5 and a cup of tea refreshes us. Pizza for dinner in the site restaurant, very good, although the service is on the surly side. Won't be sorry to leave really, the dogs have spoilt it and some of the staff have a strange attitude to the guests. Won't be using this site again!! Anyway, Rome has been brilliant and we'll never forget that. We lose our internet connection tomorrow, I'm thinking I might have to invest in a key/sim card to have it available at all times. Must look into it.
All Saints Day today, that means St. Kevin's birthday. Another month away from England completed, not feeling at all homesick!! This will be our last day in Rome, for now at least. We head off to Villa Borghese, a large and beautiful park with several churches and museums. The art gallery is so popular that the first available tickets are for Thursday. Too late for us. We have our picnic whilst listening to a classical guitarist busking, and enjoying the sunshine. Just a chill out day. Jan wants to get silver charm for her bracelet as a souvenir and we manage to find a coliseum. Had to have a gelato to celebrate. Home about 5 and a cup of tea refreshes us. Pizza for dinner in the site restaurant, very good, although the service is on the surly side. Won't be sorry to leave really, the dogs have spoilt it and some of the staff have a strange attitude to the guests. Won't be using this site again!! Anyway, Rome has been brilliant and we'll never forget that. We lose our internet connection tomorrow, I'm thinking I might have to invest in a key/sim card to have it available at all times. Must look into it.
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