Italian Gadabout

Well, what an amazing morning in Matera! The shuttle bus dropped us off very close to the official bus station, which was a five minute walk to the Tourist Information office. From there we were given maps and guidance to the pedestrianised city centre and even we old crocks could manage the walk and the many steps to Sasso Caveoso, the cave dwellers region. Although highly commercialised now, it’s still very beautiful and breathtaking! The reward for climbing down the many steps was lunch and for climbing back up again an Italian ice cream!
Again, we left Max in the van, because he wouldn’t have managed in the heat, so we were very conscious not to be too long, in case he needed a wee or something.53909042-4D75-4EDD-B5B3-77177996963F.jpeg4C8D36B6-7A45-42BD-A185-39C4F0CECD68.jpegCAEBE3D9-5FC7-4B3B-9963-2F5E44E21F87.jpeg
 
You mention the heat Rog. What temperatures have you been seeing?
 
I can only go by the clock/thermometer on the wall in the bus, which has been showing temps of 27/28 c in the mornings but by lunchtime the Sun is quite disconcerting and we’re better off in the shade.
Today is an exception however, it’s just started raining!
 
Eek! Sounds warm Rog. Mrs GMJ isn't great with heat much above 25 degrees so fingers crossed when we get there.

Hopefully the rain may take some of the heat out of the air for you Rog.

When are you off to Sicily?
 
I'll watch this thread with even more interest when you get there Rog. We don't cross over until the 29th of this month so you'll be well away from there by then.
 
RoaminRog said:
We are again on the beach tonight, at Borraco. We tried to find a Sosta or Campsite or anywhere with water but sadly everywhere still not open. Going to spend tomorrow driving to Matera in readiness for the cave dwellings. We have found a site which offers free bus trips, if of course, it is open!
Tonight’s abode,

View attachment 66568
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If that’s Masseria Radonga East of Matera, it was open last year at this time. Great for a walk along the top of gorge with great views across to the city. But there’s a free parking area at 40.66071°N 16.59937°E close to the old town. We stayed a day at the first for the walk and views, and a day at the second to visit the city. Stunning place, unique.
 
I well remember one Italian road that had a speed limit of 5km/hour just before a corner, and I thought it ridiculous.

I turned the corner, saw the collapsing road, and realised it wasn't. 🫣

Signs are cheaper than a repair. ☹️
 
Well what a turn up for the books! We are in Lago Sirino, with the most fabulous views over the lake and the mountains of the National Park but it’s not stopped raining since we left Matera this morning. Currently, it’s lashing down with gusting winds, blowing the van from side to side. We have just pulled into a sosta, and are sitting it out. The forecast for tomorrow is fairly promising, so will see what happens then. Chins up!2C4B2BF7-485D-445D-A4D9-074EF0F0C2B9.jpeg
 
HurricaneSmith said:
I well remember one Italian road that had a speed limit of 5km/hour just before a corner, and I thought it ridiculous.

I turned the corner, saw the collapsing road, and realised it wasn't. 🫣

Signs are cheaper than a repair. ☹️
Click to expand...
Mmmm, a few years ago we were descending on the west side of Mt Etna and entered a village ....... turned a corner to immediately find a van parked across the road with two guys on top of the van, one on top of a step ladder the other holding it whilst he was messing around with an overhead cable. No signs, guess they didn't get much traffic on that route 😄😄
 
I've learnt my lesson with water pumps and gas regulators and fan belts and brake pads .carry spares..
Our gas regulator went in Spain 4 years ago cost £280 over there robbery.

But there again dog took poorly 3 visit to vets and xrays cost £130.
UK we could of kissed a grand good bye...
 
RoaminRog said:
Well what a turn up for the books! We are in Lago Sirino, with the most fabulous views over the lake and the mountains of the National Park but it’s not stopped raining since we left Matera this morning. Currently, it’s lashing down with gusting winds, blowing the van from side to side. We have just pulled into a sosta, and are sitting it out. The forecast for tomorrow is fairly promising, so will see what happens then. Chins up!View attachment 66612
Click to expand...
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Can you please send some of that rain over here Roger, we have only seen 2 hours of light rain since we have been here and my solar panels need a good washing ☔☔👍
 
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