Susie's Report No 34

Hello to All, “HOLA” and welcome to the next part of our Journey? That is if you choose to take this mission on and have nothing better to read. We welcome 2015 with more adventures, hopefully not to many mis adventures, but Hey!!!! It’s character building.  (isn’t it???????)

I thought I’d better keep the ball rolling, as I write this, it is our 12 month anniversary of the day we left home, January 16th.

 

 

 We spent Christmas time in Spain on a camping site on the outskirts of Barcelona, Villanova I' la Geltru, It’s extremely large and as we arrived I was looking around, there were lots of people playing “Boules” and just sitting and shuffling around. I thought this must be a retirement village next door but alas it was just part of the campsite with lots of oldies trying to find a patch of warm sunshine.

 We caught the bus into Barcelona, 1hr 20mins away, via the aeroporto, (the scenic trip), this is a huge city. We wandered down to the harbour where there were yachts parked along the sea wall waiting to leave on 31st Dec on a double handed non stop around the world race, open 60’s monohulls = 24,000 miles = very impressive,

 The Food markets were incredible, Terry’s photo’s tell the story, the Christmas Hams were 250.00 euros each, so we gave those a miss and the Seafood if you can work out what some things are…. Is also expensive, the displays of all this, sensational.

And guess what? Along comes another stray cat looking for a little kindness and food. The weather was a little chilly and windy so he ended up with his own personal wind break much to the disdain of the other strays!

The Spanish celebration time is really Jan 1-6th. Presents and gifts are given on the night of the 5th. The children have to polish their shoes and leave them outside. If they’ve been good they are given gifts, if they have been bad they get a lump of coal in their shoes (hopefully this is correct info). A lot of Spanish are doing Dec 25th also as it is difficult for the children as they start back at school on the 6th.

 It has been chilly here and the rest of Europe has had rain and snow, we have to keep heading South for warmer climes. Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was probably the quietest we have ever had!!!!. We got together with Marcia, Pete and LuLu the dog for a late lunch. We cooked 2 chooks in our space oven with lots of yummy veggies ( there is no such thing as Christmas fruit cake & pudding here) so I had to dream of Josie B’s delicious creations, we ended up with Tirimisu “Panetone” (we’ll have to plan ahead for this year as it’s just not the same without our Pud & Cake). We still managed to have a great time.

Next town was BENICARLO and then onto PENISCOLA. Interesting name, but pronounced a whole lot differently  both are beautiful coastal towns.

Our New Years eve was very quiet also, Terry cooked a fabulous Paella, and we were in bed by 9.30pm ready to face the next New Year. Terry had his Birthday lunch here at a lovely “Tapas” restaurant. We sat outside and was able to sneak our small fish tails to the stray cats under the table.

Actually New Years eve in Rome would of been very interesting 83% of the Police Force rostered on for duty rang in sick for the night, there must of been some good parties organised. Apparently investigations were underway, Rome’s security would of been shot to pieces (scary thought)!!! 

 BENICASSIM  We have been here before and just loved returning again, and as you have noticed we are drawn to water, the ocean is two streets away. We rode 20 kms today, Terry’s bike is behaving itself but I always carry precautions in my back pack (one never knows).

 We had to take our lives into our own hands and battle the freeway on our bikes the other day, luckily the road was in good condition with a reasonable edge and we didn’t have to dodge parked cars and the reason is……….the mixer tap in the kitchen decided to keep leaking and after much swearing and mopping up of puddles, we decided to try and fix it. So off we go and buy a pair of multi grips to do the job. BUT... the tap is not chrome IT”S very cleverly disguised plastic. So one graunch too many and it splits and cracks.  H.H. is dripping & so are our floor mats. So on our bikes to the caravan spare parts place 10 ks away and (guess what) NO LUCK they are out of stock of that particular one, (of course).  Part 2: The little freezer door in the fridge decided it should fall off also (the spring loaded hinges broke due to over use of ice making duties) I don’t think it has ever had so much usage SO!!  More ordering of spare parts again from the U.K. This is getting rather expensive and also trying to determine where we’ll be for delivery which can take 7 - 10 days.

We decide to head to JAVEA this is a very pretty town with an amazing amount of U.K residents. You hardly hear any Spanish spoken, just all these mixed accents. Great for rides and walking with so many restaurants catering for all tastes even fish & chip shops, and stores selling all English products & papers, mags etc.

 We leave for CALPE to await delivery of our goods, and we are still waiting…... Its a nice place to be, this also has a huge U.K population. I don’t think there is anyone left over there. They are all here avoiding the cold weather, lots of Germans on the road also.

Well I’ll sign off now, the next instalment will be on how did Terry go fitting the new tap mixer, if it ever arrives.???? May 2015 be all that you would like it to be….

XXXXX

 

Susie's Report No 33

Buon giorno ( soon to be Bonjour), to everyone, Hello and Arrivederla from Italy, so far we have been to...

TUSCANY: - Montalcino, gorgeous wine region, all the vines have done what they do best, the leaves have shed the vines and they are all looking gnarly & ready for winter and so are the trees surrounding all this beautiful mountainous countryside.

SIENA: We are at a campsite in Casciano di Murlo  We were the only ones here, great spot with fabulous facilities.

I must digress here, I have to take you back 170 kms  down the track to explain. We were in a free sosta with 4 other vans, then by nightfall there was only us. We parked under a security light, all o.k. I woke with a start in the early hrs of the morning, usually about 3am ( my best worry/think time ) and I started to quietly panic. I didn’t really know where we where …….90% of the town was closed down and there was no one around, my concern was if  there was trouble or if anything happened health wise to Terry,  what would I do. This is not very clever!!!!!! - My ignorance of technology (my fault) stupid!!!!  I am relearning the G.P.S. & the TOM TOM so I know what to do in all situations. It’s rare that we are totally isolated (alone) but it does happen.

PISA: For someone i.e. ME…. who didn’t appreciate History at school, I’m sure stuck on it now, wow!!!  The leaning Tower of Pisa, what a site to behold, (not to be missed) the photos tell the story.

 

The town itself is picturesque, with narrow streets and wide piazzas. We wandered around for a couple of hours, they have very “upmarket" markets, a colourful sight.  We had the best Cappuchino in all Italy at Pisa, it was HOT... not lukewarm -( but I believe this is how its served in Italy)  - Darn!!!I It was from McDonalds McCafe! Would you believe it?

I must also tell you we have no cookbooks/recipes in H.H. Its nearly 12 months gone, so we have been relying on instinct/memory and after a few wines/beers we have become quiet creative to say the least, especially in Italy with all the pastas etc. anything goes. T.Lee has perfected a perfect Risotto with Porcini mushrooms. yum…...

Le CINQUE TERRE: the 5 lands.  We have climbed this mountain and H.H. our little workhorse loved the challenge of the climb and the narrow roads.  We are about 1000ft above sea level at a camp sosta and we are the only ones here, surrounded by Olive and Bay trees, what a view.

Next day we work our way back down to the town of Levanto to catch the train. We decided on 3 of the towns as it was a funny old day weather wise.  We had a very helpful woman at the train ticket office who spoke good English, she suggested it was the best alternative as most of the shops were closed for the season, so 3 it was.  There are fabulous walking tracks between the villages but because its been so wet, we decided to hop on and off the train. Monterosso, Vernazza & Riomaggiore were the chosen towns. Each unique and beautiful.

We could only imagine what these would be like in Summer. Full of life and very busy.

Anchovies are a traditional dish of this region. We stayed at a campsite Fornaci al Mare, Deiva Marina and met up with Marcia, Pete and LuLu again.

Still moving N.E. along the coast, it is so stunning on a non rainy day with the sun shining. We are at FINALE LIGURE, a sosta on a ocean wall facing the sea.

Today is a day of celebrations here “:The Imaculate Conception” (public holiday) We couldn’t work out why there were so many camper vans parked here!  We went for a great walk and weaved in and out of the huge market stalls and carnival sideshows set up for the holiday and back through the side streets. Most shops have their Christmas decorations and sparkling lights, up it’s Dec 8th. So we decided to join in!

 Next couple of days we spend at Diano Marina another fabulous coastal town (actually they all are ) with beautifully decorated shops. The campsite had a winter tariff of 22 euros for 3 days incl. power ...yeah!!! Wandering around I decided to find some ducks to feed with our excess bread, and as I passed a little Italian man, he burst into song at the washing up station. He was having a lovely time scrubbing his pots and pans and serenading the area. And of course we are feeding the local stray cats. They also love bread, they know how to work a couple of suckers like us.  We now keep a stock of “Whiskas” type biscuits in H.H. We sadly patted a grateful Tabby goodbye with a tummy full of these (unfortunately most strays will get up into the engine bay for some warmth). A couple of campsites back we saw Pete shooing four out of his - I thought he’d actually lost the plot, untill I realised what he was doing.

Off we go again and ended up down a very skinny road, we could do our window shopping from the comfort of H.H. quite incredible - nice beds, mattresses, shoe and camera shops etc., I’m not joking !!! Every where are potted Poinsettias and Cyclamens, here is me thinking the later are a delicate plant, not so, they are out in all weather conditions.

SAN REMO: As the coast gets prettier and closer to Monaco, so does the size of the boats increase.

Very large Motor Yachts/Ships start to appear.Goodness me the money involved.

 

The Gold Coast in OZ has seen nothing like these, there’s nowhere big enough there and we are not even in Monaco yet! It’s almost obscene, (jealousy is a curse).  We rode around another one today goggle eyed. Speaking to one of the crew they mentioned that on “Stand Down” when the owner was not on board, they had a crew of 20! Double that when they went to sea.

It was nice to get back to H.H. and the real world and a big bowl of home made chicken and vegy soup with crusty bread. Yum !!  Our first ride together for a while was a mere 30 klms on a converted railway line, even the old tunnels were fun but chilly.

It’s starting to get colder. Winter is arriving. We both had very sore back sides from the ride and my old legs were tired out.   

We’ve been in Italy for 3 months now, we’ve seen a lot, and a lot we’ll have to see next year, It’s been fantastic even with the lunatic drivers.  Most campsites/sostas have only 3 amps for electricity which means, no jugs, no heater, no space oven, so its back to L.P.G, when you get 6 amps its a bloody bonus…….

It’s a shame our passports don’t get stamped changing countries as ours would of been very interesting with all the crisscrossing we have done, especially on our bikes. 

We’re off to France tomorrow via St. Tropez….this only for a couple of days, then onto Spain for Christmas. (Barcelona) We crossed into France and after paying so many tolls (about 40 euros) in two days, the last one got us! It would not accept our 5 euro note, (we had run out of coin) so holding up the traffic, I had to jump out of H.H. run around the back,( put the steps back up) wave to the other motorists (trying to be nice about all this.) Terry couldn’t get out as they are narrow lanes. I shove the note in, the boom gate goes up. Terry has to move quickly, I have to jam myself up against the machine so he could get out, I then have to run and then nearly get clocked on the head with the gate coming back down, then run to H.H. (put the steps back down) jump inside, (put the steps back up) (as you will all remember what happens if you don’t!!!! ) lock the door and we’re off again. All in a days work on the road………? 

So everyone have a wonderful, safe, Happy Christmas & New Year. We'll be writing of our adventures/misadventures for 2015,  Enjoy!!!! With Lots of love to all ,and the best of the seasons greetings.

From Susie, Terry and H.H.  ( "Henry Hymer” )  X X X

Susie's Report No 32

Buonasera to all, nearly- Merry Christmas to all,

We have left Sicily, and we arrive back at GIZZERIA to Hangloose Bay, we return Kym’s book and say hello to all the dogs, the puppies have grown so much in the 3 weeks and we catch up with Marcia, Pete and their dog LuLu ( we met in Sicily).

They are from Newlyn/Penzance in England.  We are both heading in the same direction so we team up, so after a couple of days R & R (ha,ha!) we head of to a quaint town DIAMANTE/CIRELLA. Another great location on the beach.

It’s getting colder now and with the sun setting around 4.25pm it was decided that a good old fashioned fire would be just what we need and the two boy scouts would be able to reinvent themselves.  Next day Marcia, LuLu and I come across an abandoned, rusted, 3 legged B.B.Q, and it’s able to stand unassisted (what a little beauty!!) firewood was next, back down the beach we go gathering driftwood, kindling and some old fence palings, so with an old supermarket brochure shoved underneath, and this goo/gloop that Pete had (non explosive) to kick start us, and Magic!!!!!,

What a lovely sight FIRE!!!! So out come the chairs and our warming liquids, wonderful. This little rusted thing kept us warm and amused for 2 nights. We even found our little b.b.q. in the bowels of H.H. and we went to the local markets and Pete bought fish (sprats). We even cooked chips. The stray cats loved us the next day, we kept the tails and inards for them. As usual the sunsets were brilliant.

 

Time to move on again, we are heading to POMPEI and the Zeus Camping Site. The ruins are an incredible site. This city was completely lost, covered in deadly ash and lava around 79 A.D. Everything that was alive perished. Pompei was non existent, but after its resurrection/excavation, the archaeologists have uncovered the most extraordinary, well advanced civilisation. This has been a tourist attraction for the last 250 years. Mt Vesuvius is classified as the most dangerous in the world i.e. proximity to Napoli = Yikes !!!!!!!

Next day we are on the train 35 mins to SORRENTO and then a bus to POSITANO 55 mins. The AMALFI Coastline is stunning, the roads frightening, especially on  a bus.

O.M.G. with only centimetres  to spare, passing other traffic is horrifying - if you have been here - no need to explain.

We could go no further down the coast than Positano as there had been a huge landslide.

Motorhomes are not allowed on this road (thank god!!!) The return trip was just as hair raising …. T. Lee thinks he should be able to do just about anything after watching the bus driver ( we are in the seat behind him). We wandered around the town of Sorrento before catching the train, its beautiful also. They had their Christmas decorations and lights up ready to twinkle away.

Next day on the road again from Pompei to ROMA 228klms away, we again arrive in our little convoy in a camping site on the outskirts of ROME…..Next day walk to the tram station, then on the bus and what a sight, ruins, ruins, ruins, everywhere. Terry and I head off to the VATICAN SQUARE. It costs 46 euro each to get a fast track queue into the SISTINE CHAPEL - we declined this and watched the ever increasing queue get longer.

 

The square has lots of outdoor speakers, large T.V. screens, cameras and amazing statues that I can’t stop looking at, I’m trying to absorb all this. Walking back we cross over the The Tiber River on the Ponti Mazzini bridge and were stopped by an old man, in an old car trying to scam some money with a handbag for me and a watch for Terry.

It was clever but tragic acting, we gave him back his goods and wandered off. We left him revving up his car, crunching gears and muttering and cursing as he drove off looking for his next victims.  The street Police keep the beggars running for the next alley way with their whistles blowing and there are lots of pick pockets, same the world over. 

 Next stop the PANTHEON - 2000 yrs old  with the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, built 27 BC, rebuilt 126 A.D.

 

 

The TREVI FOUNTAIN - was shrouded in scaffolding doing major renovation work, They had erected a walkway over part of the fountain, so not all was lost, and tourism was saved a mighty blow and complaints!!!Ppeople were asked NOT to throw coins into the dry fountain area (but they did).  We had a Chinese lunch in Rome (sacrilege,) but a nice change (In keeping with tradition the noodles were spaghetti). We then walked over to the TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, a massive area with 2 Military guards at the top of the stairs, 24 hours a day. The bronze statues way up high of man and horse were incredible.

The COLOSSEUM is aptly known as the “Host” in the Capital, this Travertine structure is very impressive, it could seat 50 thousand spectators - I think we all know what went on here!!!!! As far as entertainment goes, not nice!!!!!

The history surrounding Rome is never ending, amazing to the eye. These colossal structures and buildings are incredible to see and of course lots to comprehend . ROME was founded in 753 BC - not looking too bad for her age, but the cobble stones are a killer, definitely not stiletto territory (sensible shoes required).

BEWARE!!!!!! All relatives & friends…. Terry is now into “Selfies”. He is now an owner of this stick thing  (extendable rod). Your phone is encased in the end of it and it also comes with (extra of course) a blue tooth remote controller ( Joe the Gadget Man is at it again) he’s done some doozies already - coming to our blog/your screen soon.

 

Time has come to leave Roma - we’ll keep you updated, onto Tuscany & Pisa next -  Love to all Susie, Terry = H.H. (he’s had some well deserved rests).  X X 

Susie's Report No 31

Ciao to everyone,

Moving along the coastline and we are at PUNTA BRACCETTO BAY on the Iblea Coastline, Camerina is just a few klms away in the province of Ragusa.  This site is open all year round “thank goodness” we have spent so many useless klms trying to find places open. The beach walks were great to stretch the old legs.

 LICATA: Yet again we arrive it’s closed,two guys come along as we are trying to turn around and gesture to us to follow them, “god we’re trusting” I thought and ended up at a partially closed sosta on a cliff top location at a “closed for the winter” Restaurant. We are the only ones there, Rosa the lovely owner, has a little English, everyone we meet has a relative in Australia and hers is in Leichhardt. She is very proud of her wooden carved sign that says,  "AUSTRALIA 16,766 klms".

Also a clock with our national icons surrounding it. We are parked just near the chicken coop that houses the obvious but also a CAT, an interesting combination.

They also have this huge dog called  “Hugo” who insists on marking his territory on our outside step, to which I insist on going over and washing it off. We think he is a Shar Pei Cross.

 

He loved is scratches from Terry.

 

I walked down some decaying steps to get to the beach for a dip very refreshing, this place has so much character, it’s hey day would have been spectacular.

As usual the sunsets were spectacular.

As I was contemplating this, I could hear planes overhead, the sound was delayed and finally into view came 3 planes, obviously Military Jets, doing circuits over the ocean, so loud, they were grey in colour and shaped like a triangle, I don’t know who’s side they were on, interesting ????.

AGRIGENTO: Is Sicily’s largest Archaeological treasure trove, it sits on a high plateau facing Africa (which is where all the red dust comes from) over the Mediterranean Sea. It still has the culture of ancient Greece. There’s was the golden age between 5C & 6C. BC.  Now that was definitely a long time ago, and you might say they were conquered a lot.!!  We  ended up at a free Sosta for the night, all the facilities that were there were very new & modern, but nothing worked. Water pump not working, power turned off, scenery fantastic,10 steps down and your on the beach.

 I also befriended a black & white stray cat, who loves Mortadella so I gave her a couple of chopped slices out of Terry’s lunch pack, she also finished off our spaghetti bolognese, she was very hungry.

The Valley of the Temples we had to miss, as we missed the turn off and couldn’t turn around, so up, up, the winding roads we go to the city itself and being directed by the Police! We ended up in the assembly area of a street march, Brass Band and all, so all we could do is wave our flag and smile and hot foot it outa there. We really didn’t mean to take another wrong skinny turn, H.H. likes the attention I think, we gave up and came back down the hill. I managed some long distance shots.

MARSALA: The home of the grape ( I can’t remember if this is an aperitif or a dessert wine), it has a lively port and with a mixture of many Tunisian people which influence the area. We drove through the town and around the docks and ended going through to TRAPANI: This is the home of the Salt trade, and is within sight of the Egadi Islands.

It’s a medieval district with lots of narrow streets. H.H. is not good with these!!  We also drove through a town called PURGATORIO! What a great name, tried to get a photo but the sign at the end of the town had fallen off. It would of been a great Kodak moment  -  we escaped purgatory??????

Now how is this for another novel new idea, ( it’s just formed !!!) Forget the owning of a Toilet Block in Venice,(charging 1 euro a use), it is owning a Panel Beating Shop in Italy. Most cars are either scratched or trashed, (just a thought - it should be an almighty business) As parking is an art form - sideways - back to front -right angles - double parking is the norm  ( i.e; going off to have a coffee or buy cigarettes etc), but no one seems to care.

The above photo is typical! There is plenty of room for this guy to park properly, i.e. parallel, but NO, just sticks the nose in and in the small streets with oncoming traffic, someone has to stop and give way…. Bloody nuisance.

Their parking of boats is a little better!

I know I keep going on about this but it’s truly extraordinarily amazing to be involved in this - Terry says his reflexes have sharpened by at least 200% and I’ll keep taking the B.P. Tablets. He and H.H. have passed the ‘ADVANCED EVASIVE DRIVING COURSE’ I would say with flying colours. We thought we’d also let you know that we have been passed on the motorway on two different occasions by HEARSES’, either heading to or finishing a job (hopefully unoccupied). We however passed this old beauty!

There are still lots of these Fiat 500’s still here of course, along with the new ones. If you lived over here it’s definitely the type of car you would buy…. SMALL…   

PALERMO: What an alive city, we have been here 3 days, it’s never quiet, it’s loud with people & car tooting. We have risked our lives crossing the streets and are forever vigilant for dodging dog poo on the pavements. This is a huge melting pot of customs and people and the public markets about 6 in total are an exotic mix of those.

It’s fabulous we did lots of walking to and fro.  We have become semi addicted to Arancine Balls. Traditional southern Italian snack foods and bought some from these lovely blokes!

 

 

The Capuchin Catacombs (worth a google) contains adults & childrens mummified bodies, dressed and appended to, or propped up against walls.

We didn’t find it spooky, just an incredible sight to see. The last to be mummified there was a two year old girl in 1920. The first in 1599. The 2yr old girl is so well preserved she really does look just asleep - she’s in an open coffin, enclosed in glass.

CEFALU: A coastal fishing village, very impressive from the road but we had to drive on as our campsite was further on.  We are parked on a hill side overlooking 5 Volcanoes in the distance and we are 600 mtrs walk from the campsite into the village of FINALE, we have a 180 deg view of the Tyrrhenian Coastline, its stunning.

 

 Amongst other things, we have been feeding yet another stray, very sick, tiny kitten, I have had a good cry over this, he put himself to bed in one of our outside lockers after a good feed.

I think he’s starving and has got cat flu - he’s not long for this world (after writing this) our little friend passed over "The Rainbow Bridge”  2 days later, so,so, sad, it’s probably the first time in his little life that’s he’d  purred and was happy, he lost the battle, Terry buried him. 

RANDAZZO: we called into to do a shop and this small town is dangerously close to Mt.Etna.

It is also known as the “black town” due to its lava paving. We wound our way back down to the coast with some very hairy, windy bends and turns, Terry & H.H. handled the roads superbly, these were also very narrow at times. The countryside is just beautiful with all the falling leaves and changes of colours and we ended up back were we started from on the south west coast of Sicily. We didn’t get to see Catania or Taormina etc. maybe next time, they had had some really bad storms that we were lucky to have missed.  

 I also had to try this interesting fruit “Prickly Pear”, tastes like watermelon but with lots of tiny seeds, I liked it, Terry didn’t. It was one of the most invasive “weeds” ever to be imported into Australia! But they eat it by the box load over here.

 It’s Sunday morning and we are off to the Ferry Terminal back to the mainland.

For a 30 klm drive to the terminal, we went through 23 tunnels, that tells you how hilly and mountainous Sicily is. I still do not like them and neither does the GPS, but we really enjoyed being there. 

Anyway that’s all folks for now. We are back on the mainland and heading for Pompei, the Amalfi Coast and then Roma!

Love to all, from Susie,Terry = H.H.  x x x .