Day 26 Tuesday 10 September

The bed is still not up to my comfort level, bouncy hard verses rocks and no blankets – just a light cover so with the aircon on it actually gets a bit cold. Suffice to say between the pair of us with our colds still no better and hard beds our sleep is not as restful as we would like. Its a shame as it is lovely and peaceful here. Today is the first of our special breakfasts prepared by Marielle, who serves it on the deck from 8:30 onwards. Every day is going to be different and is a selection of local products and her hand made specialities. The little white mozzarella things are AMAZING – more on them later.

As our tray is place at our fresh table setting, each item is described with pride – especially the ones made by herself. Really superb and such a pampered experience. The relaxing atmosphere is allowing us to unravel a bit and slow down – just what we need after our full on time so far and in order to shake the colds. As we are still not on top of the virus, we decided not to go too far today. Vern also had some washing to catch up on, so we planned to check out the post office and go for a swim in San Vito just across the paddock.

Driving in town is harrowing – I think more for me than for Vern as I am like a jumpy racehorse that needs blinkers as I freak at the cars and scooters coming from all directions whilst Vern keeps his eyes steady in front like a draft horse. As a pair though we compliment each other and despite a couple of missed turns we have managed really well. Yes we are getting a feeling of accomplishment, but its darn exhausting – venturing out and battling the chaos, the language barrier, the uncertainty of where you are going – is it a one way, a two way, a no go down there, roundabouts that don’t make sense. An environment where there are no rules when entering or exiting except sheer iron nerves. Oh and where are the traffic lights to help control all of this? Our car outside our home, under an olive tree.

We found a free park by the railway as the post office is only two blocks away as indicated by Marielle. We wanted to send back our cooler weather clothes so we can lighten our load a bit and make life on the road a bit easier. We have posted from Italy on previous occasions and there is a system to understand. You enter and take a number like at the supermarket. You have to choose the particular service (post, banking, bills or benefits) and then when your number is called you got the applicable counter. Usually they have someone who can speak English. This time unfortunately the post office which is the main one – didnt have any of the pre paid boxes to send International so he told us to go to a supermarket and get one. We were pretty sure the supermarket we went to last night didn’t have that range of items but we had the iPad so made use of that. She directed us to a department store – as there were no newsagents.

We walked a couple of blocks through a residential section an a dry park and play area where brown tanned young men with no shirts were having a soccer practice whilst young giggling women watched in admiration. Onwards past a church where a serious and anxious grandma was looking at us funny and checking up and down the street. There was a poster outside that indicated the first anniversary of the passing of someone, so I think that might have been her husband and she was waiting for the arrival of family etc. It is quite a big occasion here, they put posters up and commemorations are big.

iPad indicated we had arrived in front of a shop that was a very small Superette – come corner store. By chance outside a young man was breaking down cartons for collection so we seized the opportunity and asked if we could have one. They were so friendly and helpful and zipped out the back to get us a good light one. We bought some tape and a couple of drinks and tried to give them some extra for the box but they wouldn’t accept it. These are the lovely experiences you get with locals away from touristy things that give you a more rounded connection, perception and memories.

As we headed back to the car we passed a covered fish and vege market so went in to buy a couple of gorgeous big yellow-orange plums and Vern got cheeky or opportunist and asked if we could put our bag of clothes on the scales (we had taken them to the post office in anticipation of a box being there in the first place). She was fine, and that gave us a good idea of what we could pack to stay within an affordable kilo rate.

It was a lovely warm day and we were quite ready for beach, so drove back past our accommodation to San Vito for a bit to eat and swim. Across the road from where we had dinner last night was an small cafe that was doing good business so we sat down in the covered open air area and ordered. It was rude service but our meals were ok, but nothing special. My seafood was over cooked (a pet hate of mine). Vern having a tortellini dish and me a seafood pasta. When we got the bill we were charge €4 cover fee but had not even got dry bread. I queried it an got a stroppy no speak english response and a point to the napkin. Fine, I jumped straight on Tripadvisor and gave a terrible review. Sorted.

We got changed and wandered around the tiny port to the rocky but protected swimming areas. What looked calm was actually very dangerous as the rocks were so slippery. We had a we soak and then moved on further and found some cut our areas like little baths – they must have done that for blocks for building. There I had a better soak amongst lots of little fish. Swim rocks – very slippery went further – appears they cut our little ponds and use rocks for building. We would have loved a swim in the port bit, but it was quite choppy and not suitable. Hopefully the beaches further south later in the week will be better.

Being in the sea regardless is very refreshing on a hot day. When we got home Marielle had brought us a kettle (we had asked where we might buy one and she offered to bring one to us and cups) so we had a wee rest, a cuppa (from our procured supplies) and sorted where we would dine for dinner.

We headed into town at 7:30 to a restaurant called Piga but there was a sign on door and it was closed. This was after about a 7 minute walk and parking free somewhere we weren’t absolutely sure we could. Other cars were there, but no attendant so we had parked and hoped for the best. One thing we are starting to get braver with is parking – Italians are such rule breakers, and where it doesn’t say not to do something – its make your own rules up.

So we went for our second choice which meant walking a further 10 minutes into old town to a well rated Vegetarian. They didn’t have a table but said we could wait about 20 minutes, which we did. It was nice, but very expensive for what it was – great eclectic atmosphere. We got a vegetarian burger and a tuna burger both with raw vege twirls as a side – €18 each. Their desserts looked fabulous but we didn’t have room unfortunately.

Wandered back up to find the car safe and sound and home to rest in our quiet seaside villa.