Monday 1 July 2013

Camping Vizmar to camping Armenello Benidorm

29th June 2013
Up early today and 'Derek were going to Benidorm' we left the campsite about 9.30am got some fuel then stopped at the supermarket for a few bits including BBQ food then set off for Benidorm. Singing ' show me the way to Armanello' which was the name of the campsite, we new where we were going cos it was the same place we stopped at last year. After a three and a half hour drive the Emerald city came in to view!

Saturday 29 June 2013

Camping Estrella 3 to Vizmar Peniscola

28th June 2013
We left the camping Estrella 3 Barcelona about 11.00am filled up with fuel then headed south to Peniscola . We arrived at Vizmar camping Peniscola at 2.30pm and had a siesta as the lack of sleep over the last couple of days had caught up with us. We then went for a walk to the beach and to see the castle of papa Luna . Papa Luna was a pope not recognised by the catholic religion. The religion was split between two popes and it just happened that he was not recognised. Went back to the campsite for our tea and had an early night.

London to Barcelona

27th June 2013
After breakfast we said our goodbyes to the people who had got the coach from Manchester then we finished packing and checked out of the hotel, leaving our luggage while we went in to Woking town centre to do a bit of shopping for things we had run out of while we have been on the road. We had a coffee then set off for Stansted Airport for our flight back to Barcelona . Our flight was at 6.00pm so we had plenty of time to get to the Airport. The flight was half an hour late leaving Stansted however we arrived in Barcelona on time. Got a taxi back to the campsite then I un packed our bags and Derek went to the bar to watch Spain & Italy football, I did join him for a vino blanco later.

London garden party Buckingham palace

 26th June 2013
Had our breakfast then got our best clothes on for the garden party. The coach left the hotel after a few photos at 11.30am and headed to London. The coaches parked on The Mall and we all got off. A few of us went to a pub near the guards chapel for a drink before we went in Buckingham Palace . The gates opened at 2.30pm and we went in through the main entrance.We stopped for a few photos as we walked through the palace to the garden at the back.There was a ceremony by the guards and the band played then the Queen inspected the guards and presented the new colours. We then had afternoon tea ( cucumber sandwiches and little cakes), we walked to the side of the lake and took some more photos. At this point I had to take my shoes off cos my feet were killing but it wasn't a problem , the grass was as smooth as carpet and not a weed in site!!! The Queen then had a walk round chatting to people which gave us the opportunity to take some photos ( not allowed really). We had ice-cream then at 6.00pm we had to start making our way back to the coach. After a lovely day we got back to the hotel for dinner at 8.30pm



Camping Estrella 3 Barcelona to London

24th June 2013
Had another lazy day round the campsite , got our outfits ready and packed for London and all the documentation we needed to take. Had an early nite as we were getting up at 4.00am for our flight to London.
25th June 2013
Got up at 4.00pm after not much sleep due to fireworks being let off till 1.30am. Went to reception to order a taxi to the airport, however we had a bit of a panic cos we waited an hour for one to turn up by which time it was 5.30am and our flight was 6.50am. The drive to the airport was only 10 mins so we had enough time. We arrived at Stansted airport about 8.30 am and had a coffee and collected the hire car. After a 2 hour drive round the M25 we got to the hotel, both of us were tired but we had to get our hair cut, so off we went to find a hairdresser in Woking town centre.We then had a bite to eat and a siesta. At about 6.00pm we went to meet everyone else who had travelled by coach and get our invitation and tickets for the garden party. Had our evening meal and a few drinks.

Camping Estrella 3 Barcelona

 23rd June 2013
Had another lazy day round the campsite , as the day went on the campsite got busier with lots of Spanish turning up for there fiesta. We had a BBQ and as the day turned in to night the Spanish music got louder and the fireworks started by 10.00pm the party was starting to get in full swing,like a rave party. The music and fireworks carried on until it came light.

Sunday 23 June 2013

Camping estrella 3 Barcelona

22nd June 2013
Today we caught the bus in to Barcelona and did a walking tour out of the lonely planet book. We walked down las Ramblas as the operahouse the we walked further along to the food market which was buzzing with little bars round the edge and produce market (fish and vegetables) .We then walked further down las Ramblas and saw Gaudi house, one of his early works, we crossed the road to a plaza with two street lights believed to be Gaudi's first works. Then we continued to the gothic area with Roman wall and cathedral . We then made our way back to the market for a couple of drinks before heading for the Hard Rock Cafe were we had a bite to eat and cocktail. We met a nice Canadian couple Chris & Cal who were staying in Barcelona before heading to Dublin.Did a bit of shopping then caught the bus back to the site, by which time the site was filling up with Spanish as there was a local fiesta on the 23rd.

Camping estrella 3 Barcelona

 21st June 2013
Woke today by the sound of aircraft! When Derek said we were staying on a site near Barcelona airport for our flights to London , I didn't realise we would be camping at the end of the runway! We spent all day round the campsite doing some laundry and posting the blog, catching up on line.By the end of the Day we had become plane spotters we even could tell you where the planes were going as we were monitoring the departures at the airport. Hahaha.

Camping Estrella 3 Barcelona

20th June 2013
Spent the day relaxing on the ship cruising the Mediterranean to Barcelona,the sun was shining and the sea calm. We had a walk round the ship there were a few restaurants and bars, fitness centre and spa,casino, pool, and shop. This ship was more up to date than 'the pride of Bilbao '. Arrived at the campsite Barcelona about 7.45pm, went to the bar for a welcome to Spain,

Friday 21 June 2013

Mini cruise Rome to Barcelona

19th June 2013
After another bacon butty!We finished packing everything up and cleaned the motorhome emptied the waste and topped up with fresh water and left the campsite at 11.00am and headed for Civitivechia ferry port to catch the ferry to Barcelona . When we arrived at the port it was only 1.00pm so we decided to look for a supermarket to get one or two bits so we could just go straight on to the pitch at Barcelona. We then parked up on a car park for a few hours till boarding. I had a cold shower cos it was really hot. At 10.15pm we boarded the ship,this was late as we should have sailed at 10.15 pm. We left the port about 11.30pm we stood on deck and said "ariverderci' and sailed out across the Mediterranean Sea under the moon light. There was a disco going on if we had wanted to go,however we retired to our room as it had been a long day and we were tired.

Camping Tiber Rome

18th June 2013
After a bacon butty! Had a lazy day round the campsite and did some washing, the temp today was 35 degrees! We also started to pack things ready for moving off. Mum flew back to the UK , we printed our boarding passes off for the flights to London. Spoke to mum to make sure she arrived home safely.

Camping Tiber Rome

 17th June 2013
We went to meet mum a bit later today about 11.45am and headed straight to the Roman Forum on the metro, it was only 2 stops from Termini. We bought mums ticket for the Leonardo express to the airport. Again it was a very hot day. In the Forum we saw the house of the vestal virgins ,arch de triton,the place where Julius Ceasar was cremated, the senate another arch. We then decided to go and have another look at the Trevi fountain. On the way we stopped for one last Italian ice- cream. We then had our last look at the Trevi fountain and made our way back to mums hotel. There we discussed her trip to Paris in a few weeks. We then went for a drink and our last Italian meal. We walked back to mums hotel said 'ariverderci ' and headed back to the campsite. We had a relax and reflected on our trip to Rome.

Camping Tiber Rome

 16th June 2013
Met mum at 11ish and caught the bus to the Vatican for our papal blessing but the pope never showed up!!! We then caught the bus to the Colosseum got our tickets which we had already booked so we didn't have to queue very long. Once inside it was amazing how intact it was and how big it was. It was also very hot!!! We took some pictures then walked to palatine hill the emperors palace for 300 years now its ruins of Rome. Then decided we were too shattered to go round the forum so we headed for clod drinks and reflection. After about an hour we caught the bus to the Hard Rock Cafe however on the way Derek insisted we went inside the capuchin crypt/ museum, so we went inside it was a very strange place lots of pictures of monks and artefacts then right at the end was the crypt under the chapel with lots of unburied monks ! All skulls in one pile, lots of thigh bones in another, pelvic bones in another, very strange . Then we proceeded to the Hard Rock Cafe for tea.

Camping Tiber Rome

15th June 2013
Had a bit of a lazy morning. We had arranged to meet mum at 12.00 today. We caught the metro to the Spanish steps and climbed to the top, then walked back down and continued along the street in front of the steps with lots of designer shops so we did a bit of window shopping. After the window shopping we walked to the Trevi fountain which was quite a surprise at how large and ornate it was, one tradition is to make three wishes with your back to the fountain and throw your coins in, so mum and I followed the tradition . We then walked down to the typewriter and the square where Mussolini did a speech and declared war on Britain and France. Had a drink in and Irish bar,Then we walked to piazza Argentina where Julius Ceaser was assassinated in 44 BC,then up to elefantino a Bernini statue then to the Pantheon to see Raffaels tomb. Then to piazza Navona then campo de fiori and the French embassy , then found a little bar for a few drinks, had our evening meal in another Italian restaurant and shared a bottle of  frascati. 'La Dolce vite' 

Camping Tiber Rome

Blog 14th June 2013
We set off to catch the 9.00am shuttle bus to discover there was a strike on the public transport in Rome which was a bit of a blow cos we had tickets for the Vatican museum, however we took a chance and carried on to the station. When we arrived at the station we were the only people on the platform , after a few minutes other people began to arrive so we were hopeful. Ten minutes later a train came so we got on, we got to Flamino station 18 mins later and caught the metro which was very quiet to Termini. We wondered what all the fuss was about. We met mum at her hotel and then proceeded to the Vatican again on the metro. Once we got to the Vatican we had a walk round and then picked the tickets up and went in the museum. Once inside we saw all the Roman sculptures and frescoes on the walls and ceilings, we stopped for a coffee in the gardens and then carried on in to the Sistine chapel again more frescoes and the most famous ceiling in the world, and the main feature Micheal Angelo's fresco the last judgement! We then sent postcards to ourselves from the Vatican and went into St. Peter's basilica the queue was long but it moved quickly. After we had a walk an stopped for clod drinks then got the metro back to the hotel. We had a pizza and bottle of "Est Est Est" at a restaurant next to the hotel. We then made our way back to the campsite however after we got the metro to Flamino station the trains were not running due to the strike so got a taxi back to the campsite. The taxi driver was entertaining talking about all the rock bands he had been to see ( Beatles,led zeppelin ,rolling stones etc).

Camping Tiber Rome

 13th June 2013
Had a lie and a lazy day in the sun round the site. At 4.00pm we caught the shuttle bus to the train station we were going to the airport to meet mum who was arriving at 7.00pm.We met mum at the arrivals gate and caught the fast train from the airport in to Termini station in the centre of Rome. Hotel Torino was only a 5 minute walk away where mum was staying we checked her in then went back to the campsite.

Colleferro to Camping Tiber

12th June 2013
We were up early after having not much sleep due to the other motorhome keeping us awake chatting and shouting well past 1.00am. That's what the Italians are like loud!!! We emptied the waste and topped up with water then on our way off the Aire we stopped at the back of the other motorhome and turned our music up loud as they were still in bed! Hope we woke them up. Then we left the Aire and headed for camping Tiber just outside Rome it was only an hours drive, however we got stuck in an Italian traffic jam which was quite amusing ,they do more lane dodging and going down the hard shoulder than we have ever seen ,never mind the sounding of there horns too. We arrived at camping Tiber and set up camp, had a walk round .

Pompeii to Collefero

 11th June 2013
Got up early today as we wanted to get packed up. As we were cleaning the van and tidying up I noticed a trail of ants in the front cab area.We had noticed a couple of ant during our stay on this site but not as many as I discovered in the cab. We need to buy a spray or ant killer.We left camping Zeus at Pompeii and headed north for a night stopover at Colleferro which was about two and a half hour drive. When we arrived there was one other motorhome parked up so we parked along side them.

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Pompeil camping zeus

 10th June 2013
We have been on the road for 9 weeks now. Today we are going to the mouth of the Vesuvius !!! As it is our last day in Pompeil, we are heading back north tomorrow to Colleferro Aire. We caught the bus to half way up the Vesuvius then got a 4 x4 wagon and then had to walk 25 mins to the edge of the crater, it must of been a massive explosion ! There was steam coming from the side of the crater, it was also cloudy so was a bit mysterious and it did spoil the view of Pompeil and Naples. We collected some rocks as souvenirs. Our muscles were killing us after all the walking we had done over the last few days because all the places are very steep.

Pompeil

9th June 2013
Had another early start this morning, caught the train to Sorrento and then the bus to Amalfi . The bus ride from Sorrento took one and a half hours and the Amalfi drive road was very narrow and winding along the cliff side of the coast line, it was very spectacular with lots of houses built in to the cliff face with drops right in to the crystal blue sea. There were lots of boats along the shore line too. It was very picturesque with all the flowers. When we got to Amalfi we had a walk round and a bite to eat and drink. There was a lovely Duomo with a staircase in front going up to the entrance. We stopped for an ice cream then headed back for the bus back to Sorrento. Then the train back to the campsite. It was a long day but well worth the trip it's very special.

Pompeil

8th June 2013
We had an early start today! Caught the train to Sorrento then the ferry boat to the isle of Capri. When we got to Capri we had a walk along the harbour front and stopped for a drink and bruschetta, then we caught the bus to Capri town again very winding and narrow road to the top, when we arrived it was very picturesque with little narrow alleyways and exclusive hotels. After we had taken in the view and watched the world go by we decided to walk back down to the harbour. There was a little narrow alleyway with steps down to the harbour which took about 10mins, it was better to walk down than to walk up to Capri town. On the quayside  we had a coffee and cold drink, bought some limoncello glasses then headed for the ferry back to Sorrento . We got a lift up the rock face from the port to Sorrento centre had a little look round then headed for the train back to the campsite at Pompeil.

Pompeil camping zeus

 7th June 2013
Another lazy morning topping up the tan round the campsite. In the afternoon we caught the train to Naples ! Derek wanted to try a pizza from where it originated. We caught the train at 4.00pm from just outside the campsite it took about 20mins, the train was grotty and no aircon! We arrived in Naples at Garibaldi station and went to buy a map then went up the escalators in to total chaos!!! We caught a tram to what we thought was the right area for having a pizza however we must have been in the wrong part of town as it was very rough and had an edge to it so we got back on the tram and went to the end of the line hoping to fine something worth seeing, when we got there we saw a pizzeria so we went in and had our pizza, which I have to say was good. We then got back on the tram and back to the station to get the train back to Pompeil. The only good thing about the train journey was the med coastline and Capri on one side and the view of the Vesuvius on the other. Naples was the worst city we have been to since arriving in Italy, dissapointing to say the least.

Pompeil camping zeus

 6th June 2013
Had a lie in this morning then went to look at the ruins of  Pompeil which were only outside the gate of the campsite. We bought our tickets and with the lonely planet Italy in hand off we walked.We walked up an old Roman road to get to the top of the site which  was 2000 years old! It just looked like time stood still. 80,000 people lived here when they were killed by the ash from the erupting Vesuvius  Volcano and to put things in to perspective there are only 25,000 living in the new Pompeil now. There was a colosseum ,amphitheatre,a brothel ,snack bar and lots of houses lots of fresco paintings, just as they were all those years ago, we spent about 2 and a half hours walking round just taking it all it, amazing. We had an ice- cream and stopped at the supermarket on the way back to the campsite.

Thursday 6 June 2013

Cassino to Pompeil

 5th June 2013 
We left the Aire at Cassino at about 9.30am after saying goodbye to Paul and the other English couple. As we pulled off the Aire you could not see Montecassino due to the low cloud and morning haze, so it was a good job we took our photographs yesterday. It was an hour and a half drive to camping Zeus at Pompeil. The campsite was right next to the Pompeil Ruins. It took a while to manoeuvre the motorhome on to a pitch as there was not much room and Motorhomes and caravans were packed in like sardines. once on site we had a lazy afternoon doing the laundry and just relaxing. About 5ish we went for a walk and the train station was just outside the campsite for trains to Naples and Sorrento. We walked into Pompeil and went inside the Duomo which was very impressive,stopped for a local wine on the way back to the site.

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Colleferro to Cassino

4th June 2013 


After a good nights sleep we got up had breakfast and emptied the waste and filled up with water and set off to Cassino. As we were driving down the motorway we passed more hill towns and the scenery was still very lush and green! As we approached Cassino we could see Montecassino on a hilltop. When we arrived at the Aire we discovered it was a nice neat little campsite at the foot of Montecassino. We went for a walk in to town and yet again the rain started! We stopped at a cafe for drinks and shelter from the rain then walked to the British cemetery , when we arrived there were other Brits there some young cadets who were supposed to be playing with there band at the abbey, but they found out it was closed. They kindly gave us a lift back to the main road and they were going up to the abbey. We then walked back to the motorhome stopping for a coffee and baguette on the way. When we got back to the motorhome the rain finally stopped! On the Aire we met a few Brits a couple who had toured Italy before and a man on his own called Paul. Early in the evening Paul joined us in our motorhome for some company so we opened our 5 litre bottle of Tuscany red and had a bit of a chat, funnily enough he was a retired police officer who worked for Northumberland Police, he had sold up and was living the dream in his new house ( motorhome). La dolce vita in Italy.

Tivoli to Colleferro

 3rd June 2013 
After a sleepless night on the Aire at Tivoli, we had a hasty exit about 9.30am as the car park was getting fuller and fuller and one car had parked that close behind us if Derek hadn't left a gap in front we would not have been able to move! However a mad Italian decided to park his little fiat 500 in front of us so Derek got out of the motorhome to confront him, with that we moved on straight away. We headed south to another Aire at Colleferro which was slightly better than last night! We parked up and went straight to bed cos we were shattered , the sun was shining and very soon the motorhome was boiling. Later in the afternoon we had a thunder storm. We by past Rome  as we headed south.

Camping Blu to Tivoli

 2nd June 2013 
Heavy rain during the night! Got up at 9.00am had breakfast got packed up then left the campsite about 12.00 noon, headed south to an Aire at Tivoli which is east of Rome. On the way we passed lots of hill towns and the landscape was still very green. The Aire at Tivoli was a bit neglected to say the least however it was along side a river! 

Saturday 1 June 2013

Bolsena camping Blu

1st June 2013
The rain woke us today about 9.30am.Another lazy day, the sun came out and we went for a bike ride in to the centre of Bolsena, to the bank and stopped for fresh bread on the way back. We decided it was good to recharge your batteries on a site for 4 nights before moving on again tomorrow. Had risotto with Chianti and sausage for tea at the restaurant on the campsite.

Friday 31 May 2013

Bolsena camping blu

31st May 2013
Lovely sunny day today, had a lazy morning sat outside then after lunch went for a bike ride in to Bolsena town. Little lake side marina although it was very windy. Then rode back to the campsite stopping off at the supermarket for a bottle of Tuscany red to go with our spaghetti bolognaise for tea.

Bolsena camping blu

 30th May 2013
After thunder storms through the night we woke up to sunshine. Sat out having breakfast, did some more laundry then went for a walk to the beach next to the lake, however the views round the lake were lovely the beach was black sand. Had lunch back at the motorhome then a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Thursday 30 May 2013

Siena to camping Blu Bolsena

 29th May 2013 
We set off from the Aire at Siena nice and early as it was a 2 hour drive to Bolsena and we had to get there before lunch as the reception closes till 4.00pm. The drive south took us most of the way down the motorway and out of the Tuscany area. We left the motorway at Orivieto which was another hill town on the edge of a cliff! We followed the road to Bolsena which again was hairpin bends and narrow stretches, however fantastic views of the countryside. When we reached Bolsena we stopped at a supermarket just before going on to the campsite as we were booking on for 4 nights. The campsite was right on the edge of the lake with a little beach. This lake was larger than lake Suiviana but not as big as Garda. Here we were only 80 K north of Rome. Set up camp had some lunch and did the laundry.


Monteriggioni



Wednesday 29 May 2013

Monteriggioni to Siena

28th May 2013 
Got up at about 8.30, had breakfast overlooking the vineyards went for a walk back in to the little walled town of Monteriggioni  to buy a box of Chianti and some local honey then set off for An Aire at Siena. When we arrived at the Aire we had lunch then caught the free shuttle bus to the hill town of Siena. The bus dropped us off just inside the city walls and we had to go up 6 escalators to get to the top! At the top we walked to Siena's duomo which is one of Italy's greatest Gothic churches, it has a magnificent facade of white, green and red marble. We then stopped for coffee on our way to Palazzo Pubblico. Siena is another one of Italy's world heritage sites.

Florence to Monteriggioni

27th May 2013 

Up nice and early sun shining sat out having breakfast, we left Florence and headed south for an Aire at poggibonsi where we stopped for a sandwich, the drive here was very lush and lots of vineyards, afterall we were in the Chianti region. After lunch we moved to another Aire at Monteriggioni only 10 mins further south nearer Sienna.When we arrived ,Monteriggioni is an old walled city and we parked overlooking it and also surrounded by fields and vineyards.We went for a walk up to the old town of Monteriggioni we walked under an arch and in to a little courtyard, a band of drummers greated us and locals in medieval costumes it was like going back in time to medieval times. Walked round the town and in to the little craft shops, we tasted local honey. We then stopped for a glass of local Chianti be rude not to in the heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany. A taste of la dolce vita, then back to the motorhome for tea and reflection.After tea had a walk back into the walled town, when all the tourists had gone! Had a bottle of local Monteriggioni  chianti wine surrounded by the vineyards where it is produced, this was one magical place.!!, After a lovely evening we retired to the motorhome.


Sunday 26 May 2013

Brazillian Motorhome 26th May 2013

OMG!!! Just sat waiting for our BBQ to cook when a Brazillian motorhome drove on to the site. Derek went over to talk to the man and he is on a wine world adventure!!! Can't believe he has driven  all this way. nd we thought we have come a long way.

Florence

26th May 2013 Florence
After a good night sleep we woke to sunshine hip hip hooray! After break fast we caught the bus in to Florence centre. We followed a trip advisor walking tour starting at the Duomo then went to Piazza Signoria to Palazzo Vecchio were the original Micheal Angelo's David was until it got damaged, now stands a replica. we walked past the Neptune fountain to Ponte Vecchio the only bridge the Germans never blew up!!! We had an ice cream - it would be rude not to, then found the Hard Rock Cafe were I bought a pair of shorts, then went to try and find the nice little wine shop we were in last night, unfortunately it was closed so we found somewhere else to have a Chianti, then caught the bus back to the motorhome for a BBQ.


Montopoli in val d' Arno to Florence

 25th May 2013
Woke this morning by the rain again ! This was becoming a usual thing and then clearing later in the mornings. However today the rain was hear to stay! We left the Aire about 10.00am and headed to an Aire at Florence, it rained and rained and rained all the way. When we arrived we had a sandwich and stayed in the motorhome till 3.00pm to see if the rain stopped.Caught the bus in to Florence centre and had a walk round the little market stalls then stopped at a little wine shop for a Chianti and prosciutto ham. Then caught the bus back to the Aire.


Saturday 25 May 2013

Pisa to Montepoli in val d' Arno

 24th May 2013 
We set off from the Aire at Pisa after breakfast and a reasonable nights sleep and stopped for fuel then headed for the Aire at Montopoli in val d'Arno which was only a 45 min drive.We would stop here the night then head in to Florence in the morning. When we arrived at the Aire there were lots of Motorhomes parked up, however we soon realised it was being used by the Italians to store there Motorhomes too. I changed the bedding and we had a bite to eat, sat out in the sun, partly cloudy and it was quite breezy.Went for a walk , however it reminded us of some of the French villages we have stayed in, very quiet with no one about! Went and had a look in the cemetery across the road from the Aire.

Lake Suivania to Pisa

23rd May 2013 

Another sleepless night with the rain and me constantly coughing! We left the Aire at about 9.30 am. Had a slow drive to Pisa round winding roads ! However the views were stunning, and the sun was appearing.When we arrived at Pisa we found the Aire but thought it might be noisey so we followed some other Aire signs which took us to another quieter Aire. We parked parked up an as we were shattered went to bed for a few hours kip. We got up about 3.00pm and went for a walk in search of the leaning tower of Pisa about 2k walk. As we approached the back of the tower it looked pretty small next to the Duomo, which was surprising, the view from the front was a lot better with grass lawn area. The area was full of tourists and lots of little market stalls selling tat! We took our pictures had a walk round and headed back to the motorhome as there is nothing else really to see.The French gas bottle ran out so Derek changed it for the Spanish one. We had our tea then walked to the Carrefour for some provisions and to buy a new tin opener as I had managed to break ours.Sat outside till the sun went down then had an early night cos we were both shattered.

Ferrera to lake Suivania

22nd May 2013
We were up nice and early as we normally are on Aires, however the sun was shining and we had our breakfast then packed up and headed for a free Aire at Lago de Suivania. We drove down the motorway to the other side of Bologna , where we left the motorway and headed for the lake. The roads were very winding with hair pin bends too, my heart was in my mouth at times and I was that twitchy even Derek told me to go and sit in the back.The countryside was again stunning. When we got to the lake there were a couple of Motorhomes parked up so we joined them. Derek went for a little walk and nosey at a cafe which over looked the lake. Our motorhome was overlooking the lake too. This lake was only a small one compared to Maggiore and Garda.Sat out all afternoon until the sun went down reflecting on our trip so far.

Lido de Jesolo to Ferrara

 21st May 2013 
Sunny morning again today,we packed up and had a chat with Trev & Ann then said goodbye and wished them a safe trip and left the campsite about 11.30 am. We were heading for an Aire at Ferrara.As we headed south along the motorway there were lots of vineyards and poppy fields which looked really pretty.La dolce vita! The Aire at Ferrara was in the town centre and there were a number of Motorhomes already parked up, not a bad spot for €6.00 a night. We went for a walk to Lidl for a few provisions and then back to the motorhome for a nap.Had our tea then an early night as I was still coughing and Derek started with hey fever ! What a right pair we are.

Camping Capraro

 20th May 2013 
Woke this morning to sunshine and blue skies, had a bit of a lie in after our early start yesterday. Spent the morning round the campsite and I put a colour on my hair as I was starting to look like an Alsatian ! Not had it coloured since we were in Thailand in February so it was well overdue.Derek cleaned the BBQ.In the afternoon we decided to go for a walk along the beach and take a last look at the Adriatic Sea, stopped at a cafe on the beach for a coffee then walked back to the campsite and started to pack a few things away ready for moving on tomorrow.While we were sat out a lovely British couple (Trev & Ann)came to talk to us from Nottingham, they were on a 10 week trip and they were heading to Dubrovnik which they said would take them about 2 weeks from here stopping along the way.

Camping Capraro

19th May 2013 
Woke early this morning at 7.30am alarm after a whole nights sleep.After breakfast we set off in the rain for Venice walking to the bus stop on the main road to the bus station where we changed buses, and caught the bus to punta sabione. Once at punta sabione we caught the boat to Venice San Marco. We headed straight to San Marco square had coffee and hot chocolate in caffe florian which was established in 1720. The drinks were served on a silver tray and we even paid €12.00 for the orchestra! We then headed for the Rialto bridge and market. The bridge was larger than expected.There was some kind of regatta taking place with lots of boats, canoes and gondolas sailing past along the grand canal.We then headed for the Rialto market and purchased some souvenirs ( including a brolly)and then the sun came out. We then made our way to Harry's Bar for our signature bellini's at €15.00 each however we had to cherish the moment which was wonderful. Unfortunately the queue for the basilica San Marco was too long for us to wait. After spending the whole day in Venice our feet were tired so we headed back to the campsite by ferry, and bus which took 2 hours.To finish off a lovely day we had an Italian meal then back to the motorhome for an evening to reflect our special day.