Saturday 10th September – Another day in Rome

We decided to avoid the bus and used that car and parked at the station car park. This station has three tracks and you have to walk across the track to catch your train as there are no under or over pass.

We arrived at a main station in Rome then took the Metro to the Spanish Steps and this was also packed with people Uugh!. We both fancied a drink and the loo and found what must be said as the very best McDonalds we have seen anywhere else before. On the ground floor was the McCafe selling coffee cakes and other nice stuff and then upstairs in a nicely finished and furnished large room selling the usual McDonald’s stuff.

From there we went to the Piazza Navona which was also packed with tour groups and there was also to be in approx. two hours’ time a protest and so there were loads of police and garibaldi’s blocking off the place.

We then went on to an nice area where we had been the previous day to find a little restaurant but it was closed and so we found another very local place where the food was really excellent. It now seemed even hotter than before and we went dowen to look at the protests and was stopped on the way by a small group of English cruise passengers who were lost and looking for the river and so we were able to help them. They were on a very large ship which carries 4000 passengers plus almost 2000 crew, they said it was so large and they have been on it a week and still have trouble finding their way around but the food was excellent, I think it was the ‘Adventurer of the Seas’ or something like that. Can you imagine if this thing sank how many other boats you would need to pick everybody up from the water, I shudder to think?  

By mid-afternoon and having seen most of the sights that interested us we found a bus back to the Station near to  St Peter’s Pizza from where took the train home and this time no delay as we had the car waiting.

A quiet drink in the bar and struggled with the internet which is so slow it upsets my Outlook Email programme quite badly and then an early night as the prveious night there must have been a Techno Disco somewhere near the Lake which rebounded around the lake and kept us awake for a while until we found our ear plugs which are a real must for camping.

Friday 9th September- What have the Romans ever done for us?

Well quite a bit really.

We were able to purchase train tickets from the camp site and we could not believe the price of 6 Euros per person for 24 hours which included the train from Bracciana to Rome which takes about one hour and this was following the bus ride from the camp. The bus driver did not have any change whatsoever and we travelled free to Bracianna Station or nearly as he dropped us of in the middle of town with a brief wave as to where the station was. So we headed off in the wrong direction for about five minutes and asked a workman, Scuzi The Stazioni Gracias..which sort of helped as he sent us off in a different direction and we caught the train earlier train which was running at least ten minutes late.

The train was quite busy with both lower and upper decks and the complete train inside and out was covered in Graffiti.

We arrived at the station next to St Peters Square and that was also very busy with tour groups and guides pushing people all over the place and the queue for the  Basilica stretched almost around the complete square, which incidentally is round and perhaps should be called St Peter’s Piazza, and not to be confused with St Peters Pizza.

We were almost knocked over several times by very expensive and very large Mercedes cars with drivers carting the big bishops around and that’s where the money goes and not to the starving children in Africa.

From there we went to the Trevi fountain and then along the river and in to what we though was the nicer part of town with lovely little shops and a wonderful ice cream parlour before then setting off for the Pantheon and also the Coliseum. There was a forty five minute wait to by a ticket but you could get the fast track route which costs 25 Euros plus the cost of the ticket and so we did not go in.

Everywhere around Rome we saw very many Polizei and Carabinierie and so Noel asked why so many police were around and was this usual. The Carabinierie I asked said they were military police and not the normal police and that he did not understand the question. Oh well never mind.

Many shops we entered for a bottle of water or similar had no change, very strange indeed. In the meantime we had found a quiet restaurant with excellent Wifi and we stopped for lunch which was sort of OK but not great.

It had been really hot all day and we thing around 33 degrees which is quite tiring really and so we caught the metro train, also covered with Grafitti back to the main line station and then back to Bracciano where we had to wait 45 minutes for the bus and then it took the long way back via Napoli and so 25 minutes later we arrived back After a quick shower we had a light snack and then some email only the Wifi connection on site is appallingly slow and therefore difficult to use

Then back to bed and to blow the bed up again, we will change this for next years camping.

Thursday 8th September- Where is our campsite

We left the seaside town and were surprised to learn that the campsites we were to look at were only about one hour away which is great. There were three to choose from on a place called Lake Bracianno which is North West of Rome and about 25 miles away from the outskirts of the City. There were also camp sites closer but the reviews were not good and so we decided that lakeside would be best. The first two we saw did not look great and you could not park you car near your emplacement but the last site called Camping Roma Flash is used by the Caravan Club and it looked a lot more presentable.

We set up camp thirty yards from the beautiful Lake and under the trees and this took about two hours as we had not been camping for a while and you need to remember things and not having used this tent before this also made it a little longer.

Once we were set up we located in the main town a small supermarket where we could purchase a few groceries for the next few days. The rest of the afternoon we took it easy apart from changing things around the tent a bit and discovering that the blow up bed was in fact suffering a slow air leak and therefore the final pumping would be later in the evening,

Tonight we planned to have fried chicken and salad but as we had decided to go the bar first it was a little dark to cook in and even darker to eat of a plate on your lap but the wine tasted good.

And so to bed on our lovely large blow up but losing air bed.

Wednesday 7th September- We are sailing

We both slept well although the bed was a little hard and after ablutions headed for the breakfast room and hoped that the main restaurant would be open but no such luck and so to the fast food we went. The prices were extremely high and the quality extremely low and we paid 22 Euros which included the free part of the breakfast which comprised of one small croissant and a cup of coffee which is not much and so we added another croissant each and an yoghurt and hence the 22 Euros.

After an uneventful crossing from Barcelona we arrived in Civivitecchio which is Rome’s main Port. To get down the ramp was another load of chaos with everybody cutting each other up to get to the ramp first and some have to back up by misjudging the turning circle of their vehicle it was sheer bloody chaos and the only way to describe it. Then the hooting started and the single Asian car controller basically gave up and left everybody to sort it out themselves. What is amazing however that the ship only had about 300 passenger when the previous week it had 1200 and so how they coped at the ports is beyond imagination.

However, finally we got off and headed for the Port exit and it was getting rather dark and the signs were poor and we were heading about 20 miles down the motorway to a small seaside town to the hotel which we had great difficulty finding as it was dark with very small signs and a one way system which the SatNav could not understand and even that was shouting for help. Turn right, then turn left then turn right and then turn left it was saying and so we turned it off. Finally we found the Hotel at around 8.45 pm where we parked across the road and asked if the restaurant was open and the answer was NO it closed at 8.30 pm but you can go down the road and there is a nice place. We dropped our bags in the room and tried to turn on the air conditioning system and it did not work and this was a proble as the room was very warm.

So on the way out I questioned this with reception and she said that we had booked a standard room and she could turn the aircon on for 10 Euros and this now became a superior room, I agreed to pay but could not believe this.

However we found a great little restaurant where we both had a pizza and Vina Casa Rosa which was great. We then quickly visited an internet shop so that Noel could print of a letter from Lloyds Bank which may just get him back online with his Bank, but this is another story.

Tuesday 6th September- A day in Barcelona

Just prior to breakfast we used the computer to pay a bill online using Jens access codes and initially it accepted the instruction and then changed it mind at the last moment and also cut Jennifer off from our joint account. Brilliant!. We spent the next half an hour on the mobile phone arguing with Lloyds Bank to try and get reinstated and just wait till we get home and they can compensate us for our expensive mobile bills or they lose a customer.

The breakfast at the Hotel was pretty bad but we ate some anyway and then packed up and drove in to Barcelona as was able to park close to the Port which is not only the centre of town but also close to where we catch the Grimaldi  Car Ferry to Italy.

We left the car park and walked along the beachfront which was quite busy as their were at least two cruise ships in port and by god was it hot in the sun and we guess around 34 degrees centigrade. At the far end of the first part of the promenade we came across a large marquee which enclosed about thirty stall holders all selling food and wine and clothing all from Argentina. So we tried some of the local produce a a treat before lunch as we planned a light lunch and then eat on the ferry later.

We walked around the  Las Ramblas for a while and felt it looked a bit shabby with some shady characters everywhere and others selling rubbish copy Gucci bags and sunglasses etc.  

We continued exploring the side roads and eventually came to the main food market which was still open and quite busy especially the small fish restaurants where people were standing waiting for others to finish but the prices we thought were quite high.

By this timer we were slightly peckish and then headed back to the Argentinian shops and purchased their equivalent of the Cornish pasty and a bottle of coke and hoped that would keep us full for a while.

Time was soon flying by and then we went over the bridge to the Marina Ramblas which appears to be fairly new and this area was packed. We stopped in a café by the side of the sea and had a glass of wine and then realised that it was restaurant called The Wok and of course selling Asian food.

It was now 1800 and we thought well by the time we are on the ferry and get to the restaurant it would be around 10 pm and rather late and so plumped for some Asian noodles and a glass of wine.

We got the car from the garage and started looking for the Car ferry Port entrance and initially got lost and with lots of arm waving and a loud Italian voice we were directed to the ferry port. Arriving in the ferry port which initially looked dis-organised but we found the check in desk which is about 200 yards away in a building with very little signs. Also in the car park there were quite a few vans and cars with self-built roof racks and on top was anything you can imagine and built to the same height of the van or car. This would be strictly illegal in the UK but seemed to be Ok here but the people in these vehicles looked a little rough and so I did not take any photos fearing for my life.

Finally about 45 minutes before the Ferry was to leave we were sent down the port roads to our next car park right next to the ship and here chaos took over. There were lines of cars waiting, tugs pulling trailers on to the ship and with trucks collecting trailers which had arrived on the ship and hundreds of Toyota small trucks and other small cars being driven at reckless speeds through the previously mentioned list of vehicles etc. Then the fun really started as two coaches pulled up with the walking passengers who then proceeded to cross the path of speeding trucks, tugs, Toyota cars and on to the ship whilst avoiding the loading that was taking place. Finally we arrived on the first ferry deck and were ushered up a very steep ramp which was no problem for us but the small car in front first of argued that he could not make it then backed away and took it at a fast pace and eventually made it. One more ramp later and  we arrived and was shocked to find all the Asian crew waiting to help us to our cabins which was really not expected.

Our cabin was ok but the shower was rather small with a light shower curtain which stuck to you as you turned the shower on. We looked in on the fast food restaurant and it was pretty bad and so we had a quick drink and went back to the cabin but the ship seemed quite empty.

Monday 5th September- Watch out Messi here we come

Messi

Who is Messi, well perhaps one of the world’s best footballers who currently plays for Barcelona

Our route today took us by the Toll Roads all the way up the coast to near Barcelona and then we left the main road and then there was another Toll and then yet another Toll, I think we bailed out Spain.

We found the Hotel in a town called Castelldefels which is about 20 miles from Barcelona where the Hotel prices are about 50% cheaper than the main town and as this Hotel has a large swimming pool it will help us fill in the day, or so we though as by the time we got here the temperature had dropped quite a bit and it was a bit chill for the pool. Anyway we needed time to plan the first part of our Italian trip as we arrive at the Port in Italy around 6.45 pm and not sure how lomng it will take to get off and then drive to the campsite and set up we have chickened and booked a Hotel. We also looked at a number of campsites in and around Rome and think that the ones near a Lake and about 40 minutes train ride would be the most suitable for us rather then risk a noisy site with American tourists.

After sorting this out we did a little shopping and then down to the beach area to look for a restaurant and we succeeded in finding what turned out to be really excellent food and we tries the paella which was excellent. Then back to the Hotel for a little more blogging and general catching up with the past few week’s emails.

The weather this evening is about 25 degrees and quite cold compared to the previous ten days, and its lovely.

  

Sunday 4th September- It’s time to leave Moraira

All good things must come to and end and so it is with our third annual visit to Roger and Sue in Moriaira. After a good breakfast and packing the car once again and this time some goodies for Rog and Sue back home we headed off up the coast road in the direction of Valencia.

We passed through many small villages by the sea as the sun was shining down and the temperature soared to 35 degrees centigrade and eventually we came to a small seaside town where we had lunch. I say small as the land area was small but the apartments went up twenty or thirty stories and in part resembled bits of the Causeway Bay in Hong Kong.

We had lunch which in retrospect was of poor quality but bever mind and we carried on up the coast iuntil we arrived in Valencia and followed the Sat/Nav to the Ibis Hotel where we had stayed last year .

This is a good Hotel on the suburbs of this very nice and obviously well off town and is a fairly new build. The rooms are clean and very nice and for 48 Euros you cannot go wrong.

Later in the evening we left the Hotel for a walk and came across a very busy little café where we enjoyed some wine and a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese which was really tasty and then home for some blogging and som good sleep before we leave for Barcelona tomorrow morning.

Saturday 3rd September- It’s a Zoo down there

We met the party in the breakfast room and it was really a zoo down there and just like the back end of a Boeing 747 on a flight full of kids and so we were all glad to leave and get away from the noise.

Back to Roger and Sues for a swim and little rest and then get tarted up for a trip to Javea which is just up the coast and which we had visited last year and enjoyed and excellent meal and so we went back again and had a great lunch overlooking the bay and the sun bathers and swimmers.

The food was excellent and even the house wine was really very good indeed and a lovely time was had by all.

We retired back to the swimming pool and then started packing the car with all the camping gear to get ready for our departure tomorrow to go North.

It was our original plan to go South down to Malaga and Cadiz and sround Portugal but after an ernest discussion earlier in the week Noel had the idea not to go there but to see if there was a ferry operating from Spain to Italy and after some research we are booked on a car ferry from Barcelona to Rome, or the nearest port, where we shall camp for a few days and explore Rome. After this we intend to visit Tuscany and the Italian lakes and then over the hills in to Switzerland. Sounds great!. Tomorrow we have a short day and spend the night in Valencia in the same hotel that we stayed last year.

 

Friday 2nd September- Alicante Airport and Benidorm Palace

We left Moraira shortly after 11.00 and took John and Lyn to Alicante Airport for them to connect to their Monarch flight home which was due to leave around 14.00 hrs.

After than we headed in to to Alicante and just by pure chance located a Burgerking where we duly enjoyed the traditional double whopper before collecting the car from the car park and then on to Benidorm. At an event easrlier in the week we had met some of Roger and Sue’s friends who were going to Benidorm for the show at the Benidorm Palace which has a good reputation and we had been invited to join. We arrived at the Hotel and found the party enjoying fish and chips down the road from the hotel at the Admiral Nelson pub where we also had a few bevvies before goint back to the Hotel.

A brief clean up and then on to a small bar, yes we had another drink, and then arrived at the Benidorm Palace where a table for thirteen people had been prepared. The show started around ten pm and after a short thirty minute half time break went on for another hour and half. The show was very good with acrobats who were amazing and then finally on to the finale where some of the ladies allowed to lights on their upper bodies, Oh to be young again. This was a really good night with mixed views over the food but we hadf a great time and then back to the Melia Hotel at around two pm just in time for bed!

Thursday 1 st September- a trip to to Guadalest in the hills

We left the house and drove for about an hour and arrived in the foothills and climbed the mountain side and arrived in this lovely village which stands on the top of a hill. It is quite touristy and but we were able to get some really great views and so see the Phanfare photo blog for more.

We had lunch in a super little restaurant which also had a shop attached which sold wines, fruit and some lovely orange flavoured olive oil. We had a slow drive back down the hill and then spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool to get ready for the evening event. Roger had booked us a German Restaurant on the open balcony and we all had a great steak and the German potatoes with onion and bacon etc and of course a few bottles of the local rioja wine. This was the last night for John and Lyn who would leave for the airport the next morning.

Tuesday30th and Wednesday 31st – Same both days

These two days were spent sunbathing and having great food in a number of excellent restaurants including an evening at a super BBQ and Steak restaurant in downtown Moraira. Also on Tuesday we had a trip out on Rogers & Sue’s power boat and did some swimming etc. and so overall we took it quite easy and spent a few hours at the gold club overlooking the Calpe Rock.

Monday 29th August- Another chill out day

We all had a quiet morning around the pool with a light snack for lunch and then back to reading, blogging and sleeping where appropriate.

In the afternoon we headed down to the marina where Roger and Sue keep their power boat and then off sor an afternoon swimming in thje sea which was lovely but we did not go to far as the sea was a little rough which would/could make it dangerous for getting back up the ladder on to the boat. A very pleasant afternoon indeed and it was great to swim in the sea again.

Following a shower and clean up we went up to the Golf Club for a pre- dinner drink overlooking the bay and the rather beautiful Calpe mountain and then back to one of Rogers famous curries and natiurally a touch more of the rio tinto. A very nice day indeed.

  

Sunday 28th August- Should not have had the extra Brandy

Oh dear, Oh dear we were all suffering a bit this morning and clearly we were not going to far except perhaps for the planned lunch up in the hills.

After a few cups of coffee we left for a late lunch in a restaurant that we visited last year overlooking Moraira and although Roger had phoned several times to make a booking there was no reply. Any way, after a 45 minute drive through the hills and passing the German Restaurant from the previous evening, where we all looked at with daggers and then we arrived only to find the place we planned for lunch had closed for the summer. Oh. Anyway there is a place over the road where we tried and were very pleased with the food and the lady who served us so well. So we sat in the shade eating roast lamb and with a glass or two of riot into of some year but excellent all the same.

Then back home for a late afternoon cool off swim and some had a light snack but most of had a sleep before watching the Belgian Formula One GP which was very good indeed.

Bed time came early tonight as we were all pretty tired and so by 10 pm we had all departed for our night’s sleep which we all very much needed.