182 – Monday 19th October 2015 – End of our first 6 months Euro Travelling !

By James

I seems like only yesterday that  we started on this epic journey and the time has just flown by – we have only scratched the surface – lots more to be seen. We commenced our trip staying with Jimmy and Ian Read in Rustington – and we will hopefully end our first year with them also. Three of our dear friends have passed away in the last year – Nicky, Mathew and Andrea – tragic losses to friends and families – the truism is “we never know what’s around the corner”.

This morning dawned (rain again) in our overnight at Mesola – brekkie and all services topped up – or in the case of our WC – “bottomed out”! Certain people were surprised at the outset at the fact that we intended to transport our poo around Euroland – Mr Tim Leslie take note !

Mid morning break at Commachio – well, lunch break really…. walked about – saw the Triple Bridge and the fishing homes on stilts – and two churches – Chiesi to us fluent (!) speakers of Italiano…

Took on some beer and other supplies at a EuroSpar –  amazing value – a big lump of loin pork for Euro 2.4!  Will serve us two days, and can use some of the 6kgs of apples we are still munching our way through.

Ravenna welcomed Chardonnay and crew in the PM – some more Chiesi – the most famous mosaics in the world, Basilica, Baptistry – and the tomb of Dante Alighieri!  Definitely worth seeing (sorry about all the pix); I know Ravenna is known for the seaside too, but we did not see it!

The good ship sailed serenely down the coast and after examining a few sites, settled on a motorhome overnight parking at Lido di Salvio… Head Chef K about to present a succulent serving of monkfish, mashed potatoes, green beens and a red pepper sauce – has a Michelin star ever been awarded to a motorhome – Haute Cuisine indeed !

Buona Notte, Signore et Signori et bella bambini – Ciao !!!

 

 

183 – Tuesday 20th October 2015:  Three Towns and a Tooth!

By Katherine

We ran from our car park and tried to find the beach front walkway … surely the Eyeties promonade the prom?  Two abortive forays to discover locked up private beaches and a glimpse of the sea; we stayed on the road.

Drove to Cervia: fishing, tourism, water inlets and canals and famed for salt extraction. Limited time here as we had to pay for the car park and as we took up over 3 bays, and hour was EUR3 … the planned coffee did not happen.

Drove slightly inland to a hilltop (more of a mound) fort at Santarcangelo di Romagna, where we lunched in Chardonnay.  Walked around the old part of the town and could just make out the Adriatic on the horizon.

We disturbed 4 white doves who waddled away from us and then eventually took flight:

Onto Rimini: the pitch we had identified is EUR10 to park and additional charges for water etc … we shall try to make do with what is in the tank, even though I showered this morning.  BUT the location is excellent, secure and  bang smack between the old town and the beach.  We had a wander around our third town of the day and wished we had set the exercise app to track our mileage … we seem to have walked a lot today!

Over supper, J pulled a tooth out of his mouth … he knew it was a weak one and fortunately no pain.  But it does mean that we need to present ourselves and his EHIC as the hospital tomorrow for a state dental referral … fingers crossed for a quick process as K flies from Naples on Wednesday and it is still quite some miles away!!