Mikes Blog

Porto Nueva to Lago Magiore
17th April

Pay the bill. E90 per night = E180 + E20 for parking. Our most expensive nites of the trip. But it allowed us to keep the car safe and do the walk. This has all worked out so great being out here at Porto Venere. But car wise, it will be good to be in Germany.

We drive off towards Lago Maggiore in the Alps.
Back along the pretty coast road into the city, LA Specia. After a couple of false trails we find the way out towards Genoa. Soon onto the motorway and cruising at 110 kph - slow compared to most traffic. But it helps fuel consumption and pollution. I think we should have a rear window sticker -
"Our Earth is ill
Help her recover
Slow down"
Three lanes each way and lots of tunnels. Lots of bridges and flyovers 50 or 100 metres above the valley floors. Makes for fast smooth driving - but these constructions are a blot on the beautiful countryside. We spend most of the day speaking Deutsch. I need the practise.
At Lago Maggiore we find a simple camping ground and hire a ordinary caravan for E25. I feel deep affection towards this humble dwelling - a sinple and unpretensious shelter for the night. We spend two hours back in the local town. It feels very very safe. Zita tries shopping but is frustrated with the latest fashions. Shoes for example are all silvers and goldsand huge stones attached and strange shapes. Maybe this is just Italy. I track down an internet Cafe that won't let me blog out of Italy and most of the on screen messaging is in Chinese. Very frustrating this.
A simple dinner at a local restaurant. Zita sleeps and I play guitar for 2 hours then write this. Tomorrow = Germany