Piazza Giacomo Matteotti

Well the earliest room-mate was up at 6.10am he proudly told me as he finished his packing at 8am when I left. So what on earth had he been doing for nearly 2 hours? Everyone else had left by the time my alarm woke me at 7.30am. For the walkers the only practical next stop was only 11 miles away so why leave so blooming early? It isn’t that hot these days. Pleasant but not roasting. The chap still packing was a cyclist and I was intrigued to be told that he was just going to ditch his bike in Rome rather than pay Ryanair’s charges. He bought the bike years ago on eBay for £40 so didn’t think it was worth taking home. What fascinated me was that he chose to cycle from France, through Switzerland and down to Rome on a clapped out banger. I think I would have preferred a better bike and pay the charges. Surely they couldn’t be that high?

Although it was a short day it did have a couple of 300m ascents to start with just to help build up a sweat. Passed close to one of these hilltop villages with a ruined castle that they go in for hereabouts. Didn’t seriously consider visiting it in view of the extra climb required but later regretted it as the views would have made it worthwhile. I could just about make out some of the view through trees but it was never very good. Live and learn I suppose.

Got my first glimpse of the Med. The photo is not great but if you look closely you can just about make out a boat on a patch of grey sea beneath grey sky. I get closer tomorrow so I’m hoping for a bit of sun at the appropriate time. The route never actually gets to the sea, it gets about a mile away and then starts going back inland again.

Arrived about 1pm but entry to the apartment was from 3pm. Spent an hour having lunch and then phoned, hoping for the best. I was in luck, the chap said he would be there in 10 minutes to let me in. Grand apartment even if a bit rundown. Not having to share a bedroom with randoms helps too. Had plenty of time to get organised, get some shopping, visit the cathedral and organise some more accommodation booking. Put my washing on the outside line to dry just like a local. Bit put out when it started to rain shortly after. Rather dampened my excitement.

Tea was a little odd. Went to a pizza place suggested by my host, said it did local pizzas. I didn’t understand his comment but my pizza ended up looking like a Scottish chip-shop one. Small in diameter but fairly thick. Alright but not great although can’t grumble about a 10€ cost included a pint of Peroni.Read more