Wed.2^nd.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 2^nd. 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.3^rd.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 10^th. 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.4^th.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.5^th.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