Slipping through Greece into Italy

Mon 24th Nov

The girl in the ticket office gave us good advice when she suggested where to stop. We spent a warm sunny day on a long sandy beach. We even went in the sea, though it was cold but no worse than going in the sea at home in August! Our ferry doesn't leave until 1am, so on the recommendation of the ticket girl, we head out of town to a little coastal village and have lovely meal in a most unlikely restaurant. As she said, it doesn't look much from the outside. Inside there is a betting office!? The people are friendly and food as good as we were told. We do feel it is shame to be bypassing Greece but we cannot do Greece and it's islands properly in the time we have left. It is good food for thought though for future planning, 2016 maybe?

Tue 25th - Fri 28th Nov

The ferry docked in Brindisi the following morning. We watched bemused by the entertainment of the off loading of the ferry; exasperated Romanian truck drivers being directed by excitable Italian crew, until between them they managed to get one artic stuck, so everyone had to reverse off. It was a wonder that in amongst the very frayed tempers no one got "lumped."

Over the next few days we worked our way around the heel of Italy, crossed over mid instep and made our way to the toe. There is always a period of adjustment when we have changed countries, this time though it seems harder and takes longer. Whether it is simply that we spent so in Turkey or perhaps it is simply that Italy is, well, too European! One of the reasons Turkey suited us so well was that it is indeed, where East meets West. When we returned there from Pakistan, it was definitely Western enough to put us immediately at our ease; at the same time though it is Eastern enough to be different. I loved that difference and that combination.

There is news from home. Earlier I had received brilliant news; the girls at work have been awarded a prestigious trophy. The runner up award for the best domicilliary care agency, in Hampshire! This is a significant achievement, since Hampshire is such a large county, with so many agencies and we are such a small, independent company. Well done girls, I am so proud of you!

This time, unfortunately, the news is not good. A close, elderly relative is very poorly. The thought looms that I may have to return home, temporarily??

After a telephone conversation with my daughter, the decision is made to continue with the trip, for now at least. Fate will cast her dice as she sees fit.