I have had a long break from blogging due to travel and other things that have claimed my undivided attention.  To get back into it, I am pledging to try to write one post a day for the rest of November.  In most of these posts I will write about what happened during the holiday my husband and I took in Italy. To make it more fun, I am fictionalising it slightly and changing names to protect both the innocent and the guilty.

How it all began

Back in May 2016, at Milkwood Manor, the First Earl and his wife were chatting to their friend, affectionately known as ‘The Admiral.

“The Captain,”she said, “has in his wisdom booked flights to Italy – leaving 1 August and returning 29 September!  We love Italy but 2 months is rather long and yes, he’s used his air-miles for the tickets but we still have to find a place to stay!”

“Sounds fab,”said the Earl.  “Why don’t we join you – and share expense.”

“We can’t,” declared her ladyship.  “We’re going to The Kruger National Park.  And anyway – you don’t like travelling in Europe!”

“Of course I do,” came the indignant reply. “It’s England I dislike!   And we’ll be back in time for Kruger!”

Yes they would be;  with barely a week to spare.   Lady Helen looked at her husband in disbelief but not wanting to miss an opportunity for an adventure she agreed and The Admiral insisted that The Captain, who was completing his time skippering a boat in the Middle East, would be delighted to have them as travelling companions.  And so the rush to get the bookings co-ordinated, sort out visas and find accommodation began.

The Earl although an active man and fit for activities like fishing, was not too keen on walking. And walking long distances would be a requirement on this type of holiday. Her ladyship tried to encourage him to get walking fit and he accompanied her on a few excursions but complained that it hurt to walk and his chest didn’t like it.  Feeling concerned, they decided to visit the cardiologist in Cape Town a few weeks before departure.  After an hour’s consultation he was pronounced fit enough to travel.  “Take your blood pressure medication and you will be fine,”said the good doctor.

And so full of confidence and excitement the foursome set off on their adventure on 1 August 2016.  Air Emirates were the privileged airline to be transporting the gentry on their journey.  A lovely airline indeed but even though of noble birth, first class seats were not within the limits of the budget!

Her Ladyship was recovering from Diverticulitis and not feeling quite her usual chirpy self. She was worried about the food on the flight but all turned out well with the bland meal she’d ordered.  Well done to Emirates. Two flights and 20 hours later they arrived in Rome and made their way to the city of Salerno.

The noble millions had dwindled over the centuries so although the Earl and the Captain fancied themselves as Lords they did not have the funds to carry it off in style. So instead of being transported to their lodgings in a carriage or a taxi they decided to save money, hoist packs on their backs, drag their trolley luggage and walk.  The season was summer;  it was hot, they were tired and they didn’t know the language or the way!  And to add to their dillema the cell phone batteries failed one after the other making Google Maps no help at all. Getting directions to the apartment became a tad nightmarish.  After stopping many well-meaning and kind Italians and who helpfully gesticulated and prattled incomprehensibly and drew maps that were impossible to interpret they finally made it to their apartment. “Getting lost is all part of the adventure!” declared her ladyship cheerfully as everybody collapsed in a sweaty heap.  Nobody else was in the least bit amused.

However, after unpacking and cooling off they cheered up and set off to explore and get something to eat.

They shared two Margaritas and drank some refreshing beers.

Later in the cool of the evening they set off to the Lungomare for a delicious Italian Meal.

More of the Italian Adventure tomorrow.