Adventures of the three in 2015
June 8th-12th, 2015 - Stage 3, on to piaggine
June 8th
Leaving Florence was an introduction to city driving in the Italian rush hour! I went to pick up the car with Jayne. Having ensured we had a police permit to circulate in the restricted area, we headed towards the nearest roundabout. The roundabout was just outside the restricted area and we had to go all the way round to re-enter and pick up our luggage. It was a bit like closing my eyes and just going for it! The speed and density of traffic going around left no gaps to join. I made it and was congratulating myself then remembered that without the satnav I wasn't sure of the road to turn off! Jayne remembered, although it didn't look familiar. A wrong turn meant the roundabout had to be negotiated again. By the time we eventually set out on the trip southwards, I'd actually negotiated it three times!
It was a good journey, the heat was beginning to dissipate somewhat much to our surprise and delight; around the 30 degrees seemed cool! We were nearing Salerno when Lourdes sent an optimistic message to say we wouldn't be too long before we would be in Piaggine. We were following the satnav and weren't too concerned when we started to climb mountain roads. After climbing and negotiating narrow roads in bad condition, we stopped to ask someone the way. We were told to head back down the mountain and started to head that way before stopping and asking someone else and retracing our original route. Gradually we realised the satnav was taking us to our destination the quickest way, however the road surface left a lot to be desired. Eventually we picked up signs to Piaggine and bumped our way into the centre where we were met by a relieved guy with whom Lourdes had been in touch. He thought we were lost as we'd not had a mobile signal either!
A quick visit to the apartment which had been made available and then it was off to find some food. Of course, it had to be a pizza or pasta didn't it! Jayne had on her mobile a translation app and was soon explaining and demonstrating how it worked, causing much laughter!
Leaving Florence was an introduction to city driving in the Italian rush hour! I went to pick up the car with Jayne. Having ensured we had a police permit to circulate in the restricted area, we headed towards the nearest roundabout. The roundabout was just outside the restricted area and we had to go all the way round to re-enter and pick up our luggage. It was a bit like closing my eyes and just going for it! The speed and density of traffic going around left no gaps to join. I made it and was congratulating myself then remembered that without the satnav I wasn't sure of the road to turn off! Jayne remembered, although it didn't look familiar. A wrong turn meant the roundabout had to be negotiated again. By the time we eventually set out on the trip southwards, I'd actually negotiated it three times!
It was a good journey, the heat was beginning to dissipate somewhat much to our surprise and delight; around the 30 degrees seemed cool! We were nearing Salerno when Lourdes sent an optimistic message to say we wouldn't be too long before we would be in Piaggine. We were following the satnav and weren't too concerned when we started to climb mountain roads. After climbing and negotiating narrow roads in bad condition, we stopped to ask someone the way. We were told to head back down the mountain and started to head that way before stopping and asking someone else and retracing our original route. Gradually we realised the satnav was taking us to our destination the quickest way, however the road surface left a lot to be desired. Eventually we picked up signs to Piaggine and bumped our way into the centre where we were met by a relieved guy with whom Lourdes had been in touch. He thought we were lost as we'd not had a mobile signal either!
A quick visit to the apartment which had been made available and then it was off to find some food. Of course, it had to be a pizza or pasta didn't it! Jayne had on her mobile a translation app and was soon explaining and demonstrating how it worked, causing much laughter!
June 9th
I was keen to suss out the bridge and waterfall I'd seen on photos of Piaggine, so set off in the early morning to find it. Walking down the hill towards the upper Plaza, I couldn't help but notice quite a few men just hanging around the bars, standing outside and chatting, I wondered what it was all about.
I continued walking downhill and after a while heard splashing water. I'd found the bridge and there was a fair amount of water in the waterfall too. There had been a suggestion that normally the river would be dry, however we'd learnt that it had been a really wet winter and I was reaping the reward. I spent some time taking photos and exploring around the bridge before Nell and I walked back up the hill to the apartment.
Later, we wandered down to the Plaza which was still heavily populated by men. Of course we were a curiosity, however word had quickly spread that we were from Sayalonga (well, two of us!) and it wasn't long before we were joined by people Lourdes had met previously. Having made it clear to the local dignitaries that we were there as private individuals and not as representatives, we were able to side step proposals for formal celebrations. The mayor did insist that we go for a meal later in the day with him alone however, which we were happy to accept.
I had my camera with me, however I wanted to take in the atmosphere and surroundings before I started to take photos. The locals had other ideas though and I was soon being asked to take photos of various people and being given email addresses of where to forward photos. This was the day when we realised we would have difficulty paying for anything as the invitations to eat and drink were numerous!
I was keen to suss out the bridge and waterfall I'd seen on photos of Piaggine, so set off in the early morning to find it. Walking down the hill towards the upper Plaza, I couldn't help but notice quite a few men just hanging around the bars, standing outside and chatting, I wondered what it was all about.
I continued walking downhill and after a while heard splashing water. I'd found the bridge and there was a fair amount of water in the waterfall too. There had been a suggestion that normally the river would be dry, however we'd learnt that it had been a really wet winter and I was reaping the reward. I spent some time taking photos and exploring around the bridge before Nell and I walked back up the hill to the apartment.
Later, we wandered down to the Plaza which was still heavily populated by men. Of course we were a curiosity, however word had quickly spread that we were from Sayalonga (well, two of us!) and it wasn't long before we were joined by people Lourdes had met previously. Having made it clear to the local dignitaries that we were there as private individuals and not as representatives, we were able to side step proposals for formal celebrations. The mayor did insist that we go for a meal later in the day with him alone however, which we were happy to accept.
I had my camera with me, however I wanted to take in the atmosphere and surroundings before I started to take photos. The locals had other ideas though and I was soon being asked to take photos of various people and being given email addresses of where to forward photos. This was the day when we realised we would have difficulty paying for anything as the invitations to eat and drink were numerous!
June 10th
We met Carmelo as arranged in the Plaza to go on a trip into the mountains. Heading out of the steep roads away from the village, we were taken along twisting and turning tracks ever higher. Along the way Carmelo stopped to greet friends and insisted on them having their photos taken, sometimes with him, sometimes without. We stopped to let a huge goat herd pass; their horns were massive. They were impressive creatures and I stepped out of the car to take some photos. Carmelo was concerned that the guard dogs would get the smell of Nell who was sitting quietly inside the car and looking a bit concerned. As the herd passed, the dogs came into view and I also became concerned; they were huge and I needed no urging to get back inside the car.
Turning off the main track we arrived at a small farm where the cows were just being set free to wander having just been milked. Carmelo guided us into an open shed where we were treated to the sight of Mozzarella cheese being made. Jayne had a stir of the milk and we learnt a bit of the process involved. Then it was onwards and upwards eventually finishing up at a picnic area which is heavily used during August we were told. There were facilities for cooking food and baking bread and as the area was located close to the source of one of the mountain rivers, plenty of water. It was a beautiful location with views across valleys to distant mountains. In the winter snow can be up to several metres deep we were told.
On the way back down to the village we stopped to watch some of the horses which wander over the mountains, visit a vegetable plot on which stood a scarecrow (Carmelo thought we wouldn't have seen one of these bird scarers before!) and stop to pick cherries from fruit laden trees beside the road.
We met Carmelo as arranged in the Plaza to go on a trip into the mountains. Heading out of the steep roads away from the village, we were taken along twisting and turning tracks ever higher. Along the way Carmelo stopped to greet friends and insisted on them having their photos taken, sometimes with him, sometimes without. We stopped to let a huge goat herd pass; their horns were massive. They were impressive creatures and I stepped out of the car to take some photos. Carmelo was concerned that the guard dogs would get the smell of Nell who was sitting quietly inside the car and looking a bit concerned. As the herd passed, the dogs came into view and I also became concerned; they were huge and I needed no urging to get back inside the car.
Turning off the main track we arrived at a small farm where the cows were just being set free to wander having just been milked. Carmelo guided us into an open shed where we were treated to the sight of Mozzarella cheese being made. Jayne had a stir of the milk and we learnt a bit of the process involved. Then it was onwards and upwards eventually finishing up at a picnic area which is heavily used during August we were told. There were facilities for cooking food and baking bread and as the area was located close to the source of one of the mountain rivers, plenty of water. It was a beautiful location with views across valleys to distant mountains. In the winter snow can be up to several metres deep we were told.
On the way back down to the village we stopped to watch some of the horses which wander over the mountains, visit a vegetable plot on which stood a scarecrow (Carmelo thought we wouldn't have seen one of these bird scarers before!) and stop to pick cherries from fruit laden trees beside the road.
There was time to get back to the village and reach the Plaza before we were on our way again. This time we had been invited to share a meal with friends gained over the past few days. There were nine of us in total and about as many courses prepared! One of the many highlights of the afternoon was a special cake which had been prepared using some of the Sayalonga raisins which had come with us. It rained during the afternoon and it looked ominously dark with thunder rumbling throughout the mountains as I headed back to the apartment walking with Nell. I made it back not long after the others and without getting wet and when I saw lightning in the distance, set up my camera to see if I could capture any bolts. I was chuffed to see I had indeed managed to capture several in an image.
June 11th
Our last full day in Piaggine started off as usual in the Plaza and as usual it wasn't long before we had company. Lourdes wanted to visit the local school to meet up with someone she knew so we all went along. We found out that English was taught and met with the teacher, a local lady who taught for a few days a week. I wished we'd known beforehand as I would've liked to have visited and maybe given some impromptu lessons.
We were told to wait in the Plaza as another trip out was going to take place. Whilst we waited I was able to take a few photos of some men playing a card game. I also took some photos of the happenings in the Plaza as people went about their dailybusiness; including Lourdes on her phone!
The we were off into the mountains on the other side of the valley from where we'd been previously, this time with Franco. The air wasn't too clear otherwise we were told we'd have been able to see to the coast. We were about 1800m high and so the views were stunning anyway.
Another meal had been organised for later in the evening, however Jayne and I felt we needed some rest and couldn't face another round of 5-6 courses. We retraced our steps to the restaurant we'd been to with the Mayor and were provided with some bread and delicious cheese.
Our last full day in Piaggine started off as usual in the Plaza and as usual it wasn't long before we had company. Lourdes wanted to visit the local school to meet up with someone she knew so we all went along. We found out that English was taught and met with the teacher, a local lady who taught for a few days a week. I wished we'd known beforehand as I would've liked to have visited and maybe given some impromptu lessons.
We were told to wait in the Plaza as another trip out was going to take place. Whilst we waited I was able to take a few photos of some men playing a card game. I also took some photos of the happenings in the Plaza as people went about their dailybusiness; including Lourdes on her phone!
The we were off into the mountains on the other side of the valley from where we'd been previously, this time with Franco. The air wasn't too clear otherwise we were told we'd have been able to see to the coast. We were about 1800m high and so the views were stunning anyway.
Another meal had been organised for later in the evening, however Jayne and I felt we needed some rest and couldn't face another round of 5-6 courses. We retraced our steps to the restaurant we'd been to with the Mayor and were provided with some bread and delicious cheese.
June 12th
I was up early and as we'd arranged to meet the Mayor to hand back the keys at 8am, there was time for one last walk around the village. I made it to the river as I wanted to see how much more water was flowing after the recent rains. I had also passed by the bakery each morning and decided to ask if I might take some photos of this early morning work before I left. I was delighted to be ushered inside to take whatever photos I wanted.
Back to the apartment, car loaded up and then a meet with the Mayor. Offers of drinks before we left were coming fast; it was easier to give an affirmative nod and just go with it! Full of liquid we were accompanied back up to the Plaza where all the friends we'd made were waiting to say goodbye. It looked as if we'd have difficulty leaving, however somehow, we made it to the car and were on our way by 9am.
What a visit, what people and what hospitality. It had been a long journey to get there, however it had been so worthwhile and memorable. Now the journey back was to begin.
I was up early and as we'd arranged to meet the Mayor to hand back the keys at 8am, there was time for one last walk around the village. I made it to the river as I wanted to see how much more water was flowing after the recent rains. I had also passed by the bakery each morning and decided to ask if I might take some photos of this early morning work before I left. I was delighted to be ushered inside to take whatever photos I wanted.
Back to the apartment, car loaded up and then a meet with the Mayor. Offers of drinks before we left were coming fast; it was easier to give an affirmative nod and just go with it! Full of liquid we were accompanied back up to the Plaza where all the friends we'd made were waiting to say goodbye. It looked as if we'd have difficulty leaving, however somehow, we made it to the car and were on our way by 9am.
What a visit, what people and what hospitality. It had been a long journey to get there, however it had been so worthwhile and memorable. Now the journey back was to begin.