There is a first time for everything

Today was the day that Grant was going to have his hair cut.

Helena looked happy at the day dawned and approached the task of cutting Grants hair - Grant not so sure.

Armed with necessary clippers she set to task on his quite long and curly hair.

Not happy Jan! 

Doesn't look too bad does it?

The Lakes in Northern Italy

Stunning, beautiful, calm and restful are words which immediately spring to mind when describing this area.

Our first view of Lake Garda in Northern Italy

We were lucky to find a magic site at the Lake Garda end of the park. Being by this entry point we see lots of people coming and going - lots of boats, enjoy the ducks, love the geese, see lots of dogs and enjoy the music from the 'boys club' which operates the water school. Out comes the guitar on Sunday morning accompanied by much singing and laughing.

It is a beautiful part of the world

Gorgeous early evening walks

The Lake first thing in the morning

and the Lake last thing at night

 The Danish, Dutch, German and Austrian kids are now on holiday so life in the park is different, lots of happy children getting up early, running and enjoying being by the water. Early in the morning, the camps loud speaker comes on singing ' Good Morning, Good Morning, it's nice to say Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu . !!!!!! AND then proceed to tell you in a number of languages what's happening in the morning and early afternoon. Stretching or water sports etc for the children. Cute and we hope most are actually having a GOOD MORNING. (I just can't get it out of my mind !!)

It's great and we've enjoyed some lovely walks and rides along the foreshore in the early morning and evening.  Local mother Goose brings her little gosling's to the foreshore in the early evening and we've been lucky enough to feed them. It was lovely. Mother Goose got a little wobbly or forgot the hand that feed her and gave Helena a bite on the bum. Miserable bird!

No introductions needed - aren't they cute ?

We spent four days at Lake Garda - unfortunately poor if any internet connection but just loved the place and really enjoyed the times we shared over a drink or two ......

Now - who is that bird ??

Who is this guy? Doesn't he look relaxed.

                                                         The Italians and their transport ........

There are so many of these little cars ...

AND - look at the other car I spotted

We spent some enjoyable time with a couple we met from England - Paul and Jackie. Lovely couple and great to hear their stories over a drink or two and hope to see them again. 

Verona

We went to Verona on our way to the Lakes in Northern Italy. Northern Italy is beautiful and we have loved feeling the life of those who live on the land. The gardens, the chooks, and the rows of fruit trees remind us of the backyards of many who live in Adelaide including our own. It's a simple and honest existence and the land serves them well. The country side is beautiful with green hills, contrasting voliage, trees and mountains - just lovely.

We were lucky to get a good vehicle park in Verona which didn't leave us far to walk to capture the beauty of this city. Catching the CitySightSeeing Verona - Hop On Hop Off bus we had disposable ear phones with English translation as we moved around the city.

A beautiful view of Verona

 
It's a good way to see the city without getting lost and missing some of the highlights.

We saw a beautiful view of the city from the hilltop and enjoyed seeing some of the inner city 'old stone' buildings.   

These little cars always make me laugh ...

and they are just so practical

                                          We're now heading to the Lakes in the North of Italy.   

Venice - the city of Love

We made it to Venice and found a perfect camping spot at Fusina which was on the coast overlooking the water surrounding this famous city.


Light rain delayed our ferry trip but as it cleared we headed off to enjoy the ambience of this old city which was built on the water.

Our first view of Venice

We could see the beautiful church as we pulled into the wharf

We had a lovely day strolling the streets and caught the water bus which took us from one side of Venice to the other and return. It was good and we were surrounded by many others trying to do the same thing.

Venice does have a historical centre but we enjoyed crossing the wooden bridges and passing through the famous fruit and fish markets before catching the water bus for the return trip. There were lots of old stones but it was lovely and worth seeing.  We enjoyed a beer and some nuts at a little table overlooking the water and enjoyed watching the daily life of those who live in this city. Their river is their road.

Ernie the dog also enjoyed his visit to Venice and accompanied us both ways.

Ernie - waiting to leave

and Ernie looking over the side

Marenello - home of the Ferrari

What do you do when in the home of the Ferrari?   You drive one and surprise, surprise that's what Grant did.

It was a RED CALIFORNIAN FERRARI - hot and ready to go ...........

Grant was heading for the ride of his life ............

Some 30 minutes after our arrival at Pit Lane, Grant was in the seat and heading off for the drive of his life !!  and with Helena scrunched up in the back seat we roared around the streets of Marenello for some 30 minutes and just in case we were tempted to leave our little home on wheels and take off a driver came with us and gave us directions to the various roads we could try.

Here's the proof ....................

It was nerve wracking to start with but Grant soon had the car under control and we whizzed around with the sound of power roaring in our ears. We had the top up and it was a little slippery on some tight corners due to light drizzle. The leather seats smelt good and steering wheel fitted Grants hands like a glove.

A ride never to forget

Heading back to the starting point we then visited the Ferrari Museum, the exhibition hall, the hall of Victories, viewed engine parts, photos of car assembly lines and looked at new and old cars on display. It was fantastic.

Some of the older stars

The hall of fame and the cars that were winners

Thinking of our Adelaide family and friends we left a parting message for the two who would most appreciate seeing and feeling the power of the red Ferrari. David Perry and Jason Brown.

                                                   A new appreciation of the Ferrari.

Assisi

We stayed at the local Camping Village and catching the shuttle bus headed to Assisi - which UNESCO has declared as the peace capital of the world.

It was intriguing, and you can admire the sandstone shades of pink and white from the top of the sweeping San Francesco Road which winds it's way from the bottom to the top of this wonderful city.

We climbed to the top of this village and visited partially restored ruins of Rocca Maggiore - a castle which used to protect those living within it's walls. It was a very long and steep walk but worth it.

The castle as it was

View from the top

The castle itself was well preserved with access to some of the higher levels by a tight cobbled stone walkway - very tight as you can see.

Assisi was beautiful - very clean with cobbled stone streets and not over retailed.

Rome

Leaving Siena we drove to Camping Tiber which was just North of Rome where they provided a free shuttle bus to catch the train to Rome.

Loud squeaky breaks and was colourful in and out ....

 

The next morning we caught a miserable looking train which was very basic to Rome. Here we were on a Sunday in Rome with Helena keeping an eye open for the Pope!! Needless to say she didn't see him but that was probably because it was a little wet and he kept under cover for the day. BUT we did see some amazing buildings in Rome and managed to see 8 of the 10 top sites. Pretty good for a pair of amateurs.

Keeping an eye on some old stones

I'm sure just being in Rome can be overwhelming for many but it was quite awe inspiring - a place stepped in history but crowded with tourists.

Saint Peter's Square - which is the biggest square in Rome and a wonderful Egyptian obelisk stands in the middle

The Colosseum  - a beautiful building, the ancient splendour of which is still clearly visible.

Trevi Fountain - one of the most famous and characteristic places in Rome with a legend guaranteeing your return to Rome if you throw a coin and drink the water. We did neither so I guess we won't be returning to Rome !

The Roman Forum which is the most famous place in ancient Rome but is in decay echoing the fate of Rome itself.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II - the statue of Rome and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier are two remarkable ornamental and celebrative elements of this monument.

The Trinita dei Monti which are the monumental Spanish steps, the Piazza Navona which is located in the area of the ancient stadium. 


Three fountains adorn the square and the Pantheon which is the only pagan temple in classical style still almost intact in Rome.      
 

Inside the cathedral - quite awe inspiring

and a candle for those that has left us .....

We also met some lovely fellow campers. Dutch couple William and Ina who we will see when we visit the Netherlands and English couple John and Jenny who talked about their trip from Italy to Switzerland and 'Marcho' the dog. He was little and loved the attention he got with each new visitor.