Adventures with Boris

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Adventures with Boris Sharing UK & European motorhome road trips and travelling.

After taking the free bus service and seeing what Luxembourg City had to offer this morning, (which isn’t much) we sat i...
23/04/2024

After taking the free bus service and seeing what Luxembourg City had to offer this morning, (which isn’t much) we sat in a coffee shop at 2pm and discussed our next move.

Belgium or not to Belgium? That was the question. After some Googling, Belgium seemed like somewhere we could afford to miss.

We decided that we’re both missing the dog - even though he’s a bit of a nob 🤣 and that after 32 days away that we’d like to sleep in our bed at home.

No sooner said than done, we booked a train ticket and after buying some cheap Luxembourgish diesel (1.50 euros a litre) we zoomed through the rough roads of Belgium. One can only assume that the roads are so bad there as they get ripped up with people trying to leave 🤣

At Calais, the helpful Le Shuttle chap offered us an earlier train which we jumped at.

Long story short, from making a decision in Luxembourg City to arriving at home it took 7hrs 20 minutes!

Going through the post at home I was pleased to see a book had arrived about our next adventure to my motherland. Ireland. ☘️

After a late start we drove the whole length of the B500 road through the Black Forest and it didn’t disappoint!At one s...
22/04/2024

After a late start we drove the whole length of the B500 road through the Black Forest and it didn’t disappoint!

At one stage the temperature got down to -1.5* and it was bitterly cold outside the van.

We passed through loads of eerily quiet, tiny villages with clock shops and traditional architecture. There was a quick photo opportunity at the Worlds Largest Cuckoo clock before a coach load of Italian tourists turned up.

Reaching the end of the B500, we decided as it was still early that we’d head towards Luxembourg instead of stopping in Germany.

Europe is very motorhome friendly, so it’s easy to have a flexible schedule and using the Park4Night app we’ve never struggled to find a place for the night.

The traffic was clear through France and after finding a campsite in Luxembourg open till 10pm we pushed on and arrived at at 8:15pm.

Tomorrow we’re going into Luxembourg City - probably via the free bus service. That’s right, all public transport in Luxembourg is totally free!

Having not been to Luxembourg before, we’re interested to see what it brings.

We hit the road out of Turin early and headed towards Switzerland and the 17km long Gotthard Tunnel.There’s an HGV (lorr...
22/04/2024

We hit the road out of Turin early and headed towards Switzerland and the 17km long Gotthard Tunnel.

There’s an HGV (lorry) ban on Sundays in Europe, so traffic was great till we got near the tunnel. Unfortunately Waze didn’t tell us that the tunnel was reduced to one lane either way!

What a mistake-a to make-a!!!!

We queued for ages as three lanes merged into one. 🥹

We entered the tunnel in bright sunshine and exited in a snow storm 🤣 It was quite bizarre!

Sticking to the strictly enforced Swiss speed limits, we sailed through Switzerland where snow turned to rain entering Koblenz.

In Koblenz there’s a short road across the river Rhein. One bank is the Swiss side and when you reach the other side you’re in Germany.

Five minutes into Germany we parked up at a motorhome site with a restaurant opposite.

Having had pizza / pasta and Italian food for many weeks now I was looking forward to some hearty German cuisine - which is mainly meat and potatoes.

Incidentally, our surname Everard is derived from the Germanic “Eberhard” which means “with the strength or courage of a wild boar” and after seven hours on the road I ate like one!

Today we’re driving up the famous B500 otherwise known as the Black Forest High Road.

Our stop tonight will be at the end of the B500 somewhere near Baden Baden - a town so good that they named it twice!

Turin bike tour this morning. Famous for its chocolate and known by other Italians for the people being boring (accordin...
20/04/2024

Turin bike tour this morning.

Famous for its chocolate and known by other Italians for the people being boring (according to our tour guide) It was once part of France.

Quite unremarkable (compared to the rest of Italy), but OK for a day exploring.

Last day in Italy before heading north. I’m working on the route, but it’s going to include Luxembourg and Belgium.

At lunchtime we arrived at Lake Orta. Much smaller than Garda and Como and 10 times more classy. Peaceful. Less tourists...
19/04/2024

At lunchtime we arrived at Lake Orta. Much smaller than Garda and Como and 10 times more classy. Peaceful. Less tourists. Wow! It’s beautiful.

After a bite to eat we drove another two hours to a nice site on the outskirts of Turin where Carriann found a washing machine and dryer, much to her delight.

Tomorrow morning we’ve got a bike tour of Turin booked and it’s supposed to be back up to 19*. 😊

Lake Orta has shot into first place of the places we’ve been.

Boris score 9/10. Would defo go back.

Today we left Boris parked up and got ferries between Lenno, Bellagio and Varenna (all on Lake Como). It’s by far the qu...
18/04/2024

Today we left Boris parked up and got ferries between Lenno, Bellagio and Varenna (all on Lake Como). It’s by far the quickest and easiest way to get around.

The weather this morning was OK but by this afternoon it was cold and breezy. 🥹

Lake Como is lovely and must be amazing in the summer. We have discussed a return visit in the future when it’s a tad warmer.

Tomorrow morning we’re pushing onwards to Lake Orta in the morning, then to Turin.

I’ll be playing the theme tune to the Italian Job as we pull up to our park up in Turin.

After a late start, we motored on from our plane spotting park up in Milan to Lake Como today.Once off the motorway it w...
17/04/2024

After a late start, we motored on from our plane spotting park up in Milan to Lake Como today.

Once off the motorway it was all tiny, windy roads around the edge of the lake to Bellagio where we got on a small ferry across the lake to stop on a site in Lenno. Twice today we’ve had to reverse back up the road to let a bus and a lorry pass.

Before boarding the ferry in Bellagio we had the “pleasure” of meeting the most militant female police officer who was insistent on the exact spot we had to park whilst waiting 😂

The ferry was only 18 minutes and cost 19 Euros. On the ferry Carriann was asked by a few people to take photos for them, much to her frustration 😂😂

Since being in Italy my favourite condiment has changed from salad cream to Balsamic Vinegar Glaze. I’m thinking about getting myself a holster for my belt and a small travel bottle, such is my new addiction. 🥰

The weather has definitely changed now we’re further north. The jeans and hoodies are back and we saw a few spots of rain today 🥲

Tomorrow we’re leaving Boris on the site and catching a foot ferry back across the lake to Bellagio to explore.

Bike tour of Milan this morning, then lunch and strolling around / shopping this afternoon. It’s “Design Week” in Milan ...
16/04/2024

Bike tour of Milan this morning, then lunch and strolling around / shopping this afternoon.

It’s “Design Week” in Milan so lots of arty types wandering around in hipster threads and huge thick rimmed glasses.

A pleasant day with sunny weather. Carriann liked Milan. I think it’s like any other capital city. Florence is still our favourite.

We’re moving on to Lake Como tomorrow.

Today’s route from Florence was to Vernazza (Cinque Terre) and on to Milan.Vernazza is a small bay that’s only reachable...
15/04/2024

Today’s route from Florence was to Vernazza (Cinque Terre) and on to Milan.

Vernazza is a small bay that’s only reachable by boat, train or via a lot of twisting, narrow mountain roads with passing places.

It looks like a place out of Doc Martin but unfortunately it’s massively over touristed.

We had to walk the last mile because its residents parking only after that.

We went in, had a look, took some photos and left.

From there we’ve driven to the outskirts of Milan.

The closest safe park up outside their ZTL (ULEZ zone) we could find was in Linate next to the airport. It’s a car park /storage facility.

In fact, it’s so close to the airport that we keep ducking as the planes go over 😂

We’re leaving Boris here tomorrow and going in to Milan.

From Siena we took the SR222 road through Tuscany to Florence. It’s credited as being one of the best driving roads in T...
14/04/2024

From Siena we took the SR222 road through Tuscany to Florence. It’s credited as being one of the best driving roads in Tuscany and it didn’t disappoint. Being a Sunday, there were many cyclists and motorcyclists enjoying the twisting roads.

The pace of life is definitely slower in Tuscany and this mornings drive was a great chill cruising through amazing countryside with grape vines, olive groves and loads of tall slim Cypress conifers.

Every mile or so there’s a local farm / grower offering wine tasting and you can buy fresh olive oil. It’s a foodie and wine sauvants heaven.

We arrived in Florence and parked at a camper car park about 30 minutes walk to the city centre. On the walk we saw loads of cool cars and old school motorbikes. Too many to get photos of.

From our experience Florence had less tourists than other places (it is a Sunday though). It’s very walkable and not too hilly.

We stopped at a famous sandwich shop and accidently filtered into the beginning of the queue that went back for 50 metres. (We saw the shop on a travel program hosted by Jack Whitehall). The sandwiches were well worth the (short) queue.😂

This afternoon, we mooched around the city, had a few drinks, tried Gelato from the best rated shop in Florence and basked in the 28* sunshine. (Florence is the home of Gelato after all)

In my opinion, Florence is edging into top place of our stops so far. Well worth a weekend away with your partner / friends. There aren’t many places worldwide that I’ve been to more than once, but Florence would defo be.

We’re now very smitten with Tuscany. I can see this being an area of Italy that we’ll definitely visit again.

We ❤️ Tuscany.

Boris Score 9/10

After an hours chilled drive in the Tuscan countryside we arrived in Siena mid morning.Siena has an amazing, massive squ...
13/04/2024

After an hours chilled drive in the Tuscan countryside we arrived in Siena mid morning.

Siena has an amazing, massive square that hosts a ba****ck horse race (il Palio) twice a year in July and August. Given the size of the area and the surroundings it must be a bucket list thing to witness.

We had lunch and a mooch around the city and the shops. It was well manicured and preserved and looking in the estate agents windows, it’s a very expensive place to live, understandably.

We’d recommend a weekend in Siena it’s lovely.

We left Rome this morning and drove two hours up the road to Saturnia in Tuscany.What we’ve seen so far of Tuscany is lo...
12/04/2024

We left Rome this morning and drove two hours up the road to Saturnia in Tuscany.

What we’ve seen so far of Tuscany is lovely. It’s very green, tidy and the pace of life seems slower.

We found a nice camp site in Saturnia and rode the bikes to a local waterfall that is sourced by a hot spring. It’s like a free lido in the middle of nowhere. The water is from a sulphurus spring and whilst the water stinks like sulphur it’s warm like a bath.

It’s been 27*c here today and at 8pm local time it’s still warm enough to sit out in a tee shirt and shorts.

Carriann has found a washing machine to pursue her continual need for an empty laundry bag and I’ve cooked a BBQ whilst enjoying a few Peronis.

Life is good.

Friday facts and stats “Boris style.”* Today is our 22nd day.* We’ve travelled through France, Germany, Austria, Italy, ...
12/04/2024

Friday facts and stats “Boris style.”

* Today is our 22nd day.

* We’ve travelled through France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Sicily, Malta and Gozo. (And now in Tuscany Italy.)

* Craziest drivers? Italian, hands down bonkers.

* Coldest temperature was in the German mountains 0*c. Warmest was this week in Italy 27*c

* Boris has covered 2000 miles by road.

* The front of Boris is covered in flies and the windscreen needs cleaning properly once a day.

* Boris has been on 7 ferries and covered approx 500 miles on the sea.

* Boris is doing an average of 24mpg (I have a heavy right foot).

* We’re cruising at 60-65mph on the motorway.

* The cheapest fuel was in Malta at £1.04

* Diesel is £1.54 in Italy

* The roads that are in the worst state are in Sicily / Italy. Not many big potholes. Just bumpy and breaking up.

* The cheapest park up has been free. The most expensive in Sorrento at 40 euros a night.

* We’ve spent around £130 in tolls (we have an electronic toll tag)

* The majority of vans / mohos we see (that are not Italian) are German. We’ve only seen 4/5 British vans the whole trip.

* The friendliest people we’ve met were from Malta.

* Boris has 220 watts of flexible solar panels on the roof and 230 amp hours of lithium batteries on board. We never use plug in electric now. Boris is totally off grid.

* We’ve used one tank of LPG gas so far (it powers the fridge, heating and hot water. It’s 50p a litre here so a fill up was £15.)

* Mobile data signal is crap in the UK and Europe so I’m fitting Starlink satellite broadband when I get back. (Average 200mb).

* Italians drive at 30-50% over every speed limit and tailgate those who don’t.

* The narrowest road was a wrong turn in Malta with only 2 inches either side of each wing mirror 😂.

* Our lowest rated destination so far is Naples. Our favourites Taormina Sicily, Rome and Tuscany so far - and Malta for the people.

* How many times have I accidently driven on the wrong side of the road? Once, TODAY! I was quickly enlightened by my co-driver. 😬🤪😂

This morning our Segway tour (in true Italian style) turned into a bike tour. 🤪 The tour guide Marco was passionate, ent...
11/04/2024

This morning our Segway tour (in true Italian style) turned into a bike tour. 🤪

The tour guide Marco was passionate, entertaining and had a great sense of humour.

The e-bikes were cool although Carriann reckons that the saddle and cobblestone combo must have played havoc on the Roman ladies 😳😂

Marco informed us that if you swim in the Trevi fountain it’s an immediate 450 euro fine. It’s cash only and the same fine if you’re clothed or naked. There was a big police presence and a fat, pale, hairy Englishman is easy to pick out from a crowd, (of mainly Japanese tourists) so I didn’t risk it. 🙂

This afternoon Carriann went on a tour of the Coliseum while I sat in a restaurant in the Jewish quarter for a few hours drinking Israeli beer and people watching. She enjoyed the Coliseum tour, but said that I would have been bored to tears, so everyone was happy.

Rome is a wonderful city. Lots of stuff to see. Great shopping. Lovely food. Friendly people. (It wasn’t crazy expensive either) High recommended.

Boris score - it’s defo a strong 8/10.

Last night we stayed at a small motorhome site in Terracina (2 hours out of Naples) and had the place to ourselves.This ...
10/04/2024

Last night we stayed at a small motorhome site in Terracina (2 hours out of Naples) and had the place to ourselves.

This morning we hit the road and drove two hours to Rome.

We’re staying in a camper car park which is 50 minutes walk into the centre of Rome.

We walked in to the city at lunchtime and did part of the bus tour jumping off in the shopping district for a mooch and lunch.

Carriann went and got her nails done while I stumbled across a display of Italian Police vehicles.

Tomorrow we’ve got a Segway tour booked and Carriann is off to the Sistine Chapel. You’re not allowed to talk or take photos and there was only one ticket available, so I deferred to her greater need 😂

Tomorrow is supposed to be around 22*c but by the weekend it’s reported to get up to 28*c, so we’re doing the touristy stuff before it gets warmer.

We both agree that we like Rome and are looking forward to exploring more tomorrow.

Naples. Famous for inventing Pizza.Scooters. Litter. Graffiti. Traffic. Manic.Save your money and take a trip to the rou...
09/04/2024

Naples. Famous for inventing Pizza.

Scooters. Litter. Graffiti. Traffic. Manic.

Save your money and take a trip to the roughest part of London, it’s probably more elegant.

We did the full bus tour, tried a proper Neapolitan pizza (which was lovely) and got the hell out of there!

Boris score 1/10. Wouldn’t go back.

Pompei this morning.Interesting fact about Pompei - it had 40 bakeries and 30 brothels.Now I like a firm pair of Foccach...
08/04/2024

Pompei this morning.

Interesting fact about Pompei - it had 40 bakeries and 30 brothels.

Now I like a firm pair of Foccachias and I’ve seen a few crusty Fugassas in my time, but 40 bakeries is a lot. 🙂

Pompei is a pile of rubble with loads of tourists. If you like that kind of thing, perfect. I couldn’t find the exit quick enough. Giving it a Boris score of 2/10.

We’re now parked up in the closest place we could find to park a motorhome and get into Naples in the morning. See last photos. 😂😂😂

A day of walking in Sorrento today. Onwards to Pompei tomorrow.
07/04/2024

A day of walking in Sorrento today.

Onwards to Pompei tomorrow.

We arrived at last nights beach stop in the dark and didn’t appreciate what we’d wake up to.We left there at 7:30am this...
06/04/2024

We arrived at last nights beach stop in the dark and didn’t appreciate what we’d wake up to.

We left there at 7:30am this morning with 4 hours to destination on the SatNav. After a few stops and traffic into Sorrento arrive 8 hours later 🤣

One of the stops involved gas for the JetBoil that we use for cups of tea. Things got pretty desperate on that front. I reckon we only had enough gas left for 8 cups a day. We’ve now got enough gas on the van to flatten all of Sorrento.

Top tip - If you’re coming to Italy and need to sit on the throne, bring your own bog seat, there’s none here. 😂

Second top tip - If you’re here and need a candle with a Pope on it, Lidl sell them - right above the bin liners.

Top tip three. Vodka and tonic tastes so much better with fresh Sicilian lemons that you stole off a tree on a campsite.

If you’ve done any sort of driving test recently you’ll have taken a hazard perception test. It’s a test involving a vid...
05/04/2024

If you’ve done any sort of driving test recently you’ll have taken a hazard perception test.

It’s a test involving a video type application on a screen where you’re driving down a road and when you see dangers in front, you click a button. Well, driving in Italy is just like that but it’s all the time and in real life scenarios 😂😂 We’ve seen some crazy driving today. I’m enjoying the buzz of it.

This morning we caught a cable car and off road bus up Mt Etna. We both loved it and marvelled that the live volcano blows smoke rings 😂 At 2920m (or 9580ft) above sea level it was a tad chilly. It was like walking on a moonscape. Great experience.

This afternoon we went to Taormina, Sicily. It’s our favourite place in Sicily and probably on this trip so far. If I was going back to Sicily in the future this is where I’d revisit. It was stunning.

Late afternoon we drove to Messina and caught a 20 minute ferry to (the toe of) mainland Italy. We’re currently parked up next to the beach and setting the alarm for a dash North.

Tomorrow we’re gonna smash out some kilometres and head to Sorrento.

We said goodbye to the site dog in Noto this morning and headed for Catania for laundry and supplies. (Including a trip ...
04/04/2024

We said goodbye to the site dog in Noto this morning and headed for Catania for laundry and supplies. (Including a trip to a DIY store for sealant for the sink in Boris. Look familiar?)

Catania is on par with Palermo for glitz and glamour - it has none 🤣

After driving an hour up the road from Catania, we’re now parked up at the base of the cable car to go up Mt Etna tomorrow. The journey here was during Sicilian rush hour and OMG they are in a rush. 😳😬

We wound our way up the mountain (volcano) and are now at 6300ft or 1900m above sea level and temperature has dropped 12 degrees 🥶🥶

This morning we left Pozzallo and drove 30 minutes up the road to Noto. (Which is known for its Baroque architecture acc...
03/04/2024

This morning we left Pozzallo and drove 30 minutes up the road to Noto. (Which is known for its Baroque architecture according to my guidebook)

We’re staying at a small camper site amongst some lemon groves. It’s got nice clean facilities, a pool and they’ll take you in to town in their minibus free of charge if required.

I’ve hatched a plan to recoup the 20 euro a night charge in smuggled lemons before I leave 😂😂

Noto centre was only 17 minutes by bike, so for the first time this trip, I set up the electric bikes up and we rode into town. (Whilst trying to remember to ride on the right! 😬😂)

As Sicily still thinks it’s in the 1970’s some places are shut all day on a Wednesday and others have a half day 😂 There was nearly as many barber shops as we have in Billericay, but no estate agents windows strangely. The main town centre was lovely. No litter or detritus of any kind.

One of our favourite shops since we’ve been away has been in pharmacies. (Being over 50 now we both take a few tablets.) The European pharmacies will tell you that you’re supposed to have a prescription in one breath but sell you whatever you request anyway. 🤣 I needed 40mg of one particular tablet that I’m low on and the pharmacist gave me the 80mg version and told me to cut it in half 😂😂 The diabetic nurse is gonna be amazed at my blood sugar levels when I get home 🤪

After lunch and a brief wander we got back on the bikes negotiating the cobbles and potholes as we sped downhill back to Boris.

This afternoon we got the chairs out and sat next to the van in the 24c sunshine like a pair of old duffers reading and watching other old duffers sitting next to their vans. We tutted at anyone who spoke in more than a whisper and racked our brains about how many lemons we could make off with in the morning.

We left Gozo this morning catching the ferry back to Malta (58 euros return - 25 mins)From the ferry port in the north o...
02/04/2024

We left Gozo this morning catching the ferry back to Malta (58 euros return - 25 mins)

From the ferry port in the north of Malta we drove back down to Valletta in preparation for our second ferry of the day to Sicily.

Upon arrival in Valletta we had time to kill so wandered into town and I had a haircut and wet shave in a barbers. The young lady doing the barbering had previously lived in Manchester and was amazed that we had driven all the way here.

Feeling refreshed, we walked back towards where we had parked Boris.

Carriann spotted the sign at a local bar and we stopped for a beer and some lunch.

At 4:30pm we boarded the ferry from Valletta back to Pozzallo in Sicily. The ferry was busy and slightly more rough than on the way out. It’s the nicest ferry though and the two hours flew by.

We’re now back on the same small site near Pozzallo port (15 euros for the night) until we start exploring Sicily tomorrow.

It was a different guy at the site this time and he greeted us in the dark with a parakeet on his shoulder. 😂 (I’ll try to get a photo tomorrow)

Last night when we parked up we didn’t realise that it was one of the must see places in Gozo! 😂This morning we went on ...
01/04/2024

Last night when we parked up we didn’t realise that it was one of the must see places in Gozo! 😂

This morning we went on a small boat trip through a cave and our tour guide showed us where a famous stone arch called the Azure Window “used to be” before a storm sealed its fate seven years ago.

We also saw the “Blue Hole” a bucket list place for divers round the world. The photos don’t do the colour justice.

After that we looked at the map and chose our next place to go. On the way, we stopped for diesel because it’s 1.21 euros per litre here - or £1.04 if you prefer. How can a small island in the middle of nowhere manage this and we can’t do it in the UK ?! I’ll be coming here to fill up in future! 😂😂

This afternoon we moved on to Ramla Beach where the coral makes the sand an orangey colour (like brick laying sand) It’s not a national holiday here today but the beach was mobbed with tourists. I watched three Japanese girls posing for photos for what seemed like an eternity, presumably trying to catch the perfect Instagram photo. The Japanese are interesting people when they are on holiday. Everything seems to be about taking photos and wandering around in a daze like they’ve stepped off a spaceship and it’s their first trip to Earth. 😂

Leaving the tourists and Instagrammers behind we headed for Hondoq Bay, had lunch and chilled in what was left of the 28 degree heat. It’s a tiny bay where you can rent kayaks, jet skis and boats and go across to Comino.

We’re currently parked up next to the beach where will stay for the night. It’s a short journey from here to the ferry terminal where we’ll get the 20 minute ferry back to Malta in the morning. (When you come across from Malta to Gozo you don’t pay the ferry toll, only on the way back. )

Gozo has been a nice chill. The people are friendly and it’s a laid back place. Perfect for a beach holiday, but as we’re not good at sitting still for too long, two nights is enough for us.

Tomorrow it’s meant to be windy here, so we’re really looking forward to the two ferries we are catching 😂 Gozo to Malta and later Malta back to Sicily.

If either ferry sinks and I don’t make it, I’d like “We Are Sailing” as I come into the church and the theme to the Titanic movie as I go through the curtains. 😛😂

(Today has been a Landy day on the car front)

This morning we left Valletta and visited our mate Teddy at the campsite for a top up of water.From there we drove to th...
31/03/2024

This morning we left Valletta and visited our mate Teddy at the campsite for a top up of water.

From there we drove to the port and caught the ferry from Malta to Gozo, which takes about 25 minutes. It’s been a lovely 22 degrees here and sunny. 😎

We had lunch in a small place called Xlendi Bay (the most romantic place on Gozo apparently! 🤣) and then got the bus into the main town on Gozo - Victoria.

Their main town makes Billericay look exciting and sprawling 😂 We walked it in ten minutes.

After a bit of people watching, we caught the bus back to Boris via a few small bays and saw our park up for the night.

We’re currently sitting here, drink in hand on the waterfront waiting for the sunset.

(A few car photos included for the petrolheads)

Feet refreshed from yesterday’s 8 mile stroll,  I made a strategic plan to see all of the “three cities” that sit opposi...
30/03/2024

Feet refreshed from yesterday’s 8 mile stroll, I made a strategic plan to see all of the “three cities” that sit opposite Valletta in the most efficient way.

After a ferry to Birgu we checked in with a company called Rolling Geeks who operate self guided buggy tours of the main sites.

After lunch we picked up our buggy and set off through the streets at a heady 18kmph.

The buggies are tracked by HQ, so if you take a wrong turn or start driving down a one way street like we did 🤦, they’ll call you Big Brother style and set you back on course.

If navigating potholes, speed bumps and trying to follow an unreliable satnav with cars coming from all directions isn’t a recipe for divorce and you get to the end of your tour and you’re still talking to you’re partner, you’re doing well 😂

An enjoyable day and a quick way to have a look around without wandering aimlessly.

Today we walked to the ferry and went across the bay from Valletta to Sliema. (According to Google it’s where the rich e...
29/03/2024

Today we walked to the ferry and went across the bay from Valletta to Sliema. (According to Google it’s where the rich expats live)

This developed into a full on 8 mile stroll following the coastline to Spinola Bay and St Julian’s.

After lunch and a few beers we got a bus and the ferry back to Valletta where there was an evening procession through the streets.

It was in fact the slowest, most boring and last religious procession I’ll ever attend. 😂 Although we were lucky enough to see Rowan Atkinson dressed as Cleopatra - which was rather strange.

I dunno what the procession was about, but Jesus Christ it was boring! 😉

We left our park up this morning and drove to Valletta.The city has lots of parking restrictions and residents only park...
28/03/2024

We left our park up this morning and drove to Valletta.

The city has lots of parking restrictions and residents only parking - where it’s not pedestrianised.

We stopped at a recommended open car park about 10 minutes outside and confirmed that we can park up here over night for 4 euros a day.

While Carriann did the laundry I sat outside a nearby coffee shop watching the world go by.

Pleased with her successful laundry trip, Wishy Washy and I jumped on a little train that took us round the streets for a bit.

This built up an appetite for a local delicacy called Pastizz. It’s like a flakey pastry pastie with weird fillings like mushy peas and mincemeat. Carriann also talked me into a Campari Spritz that we happened to order during happy hour, so it came with a friend - bonus. The first Spritz was horrible but the second one was better. I’m guessing after 6 or 7 you can’t even taste them or care.

After lunch we mooched around admiring the many old fashioned shop fronts and marvelling at the mixture of old and new.

Now back at Boris, Wishy Washy has turned the van into a Chinese laundry and I’m wondering about the nutcase who I married whilst sipping a nice cold Peroni that we bought in Sicily.

Yesterday we had a drive around the island stopping at the only official campsite to fill up Boris with water. We made a...
28/03/2024

Yesterday we had a drive around the island stopping at the only official campsite to fill up Boris with water. We made a new helpful friend there called Teddy who was very chatty and gave us his number to arrange other water refills should they be required.

As it’s a long bank holiday weekend here Friday to Tuesday the campsite is full, so we found a quiet park up by the beach and have chilled here for the afternoon.

There’s a sand cloud coming over from Africa at the moment so it’s a bit hazy, but around 22 degrees.

In Malta they drive right hand drive cars and drive on the left like the UK, so having spent 6 days perfecting driving on the right, we’re temporarily getting our heads round the change. Malta is only 17 miles long and 9 miles wide so nothing is ever far away!

The road signs are all in English and we’ve seen lots of them warning of cats and, more bizarrely, hedgehogs. From a Google search I’ve learned that it’s the Algerian hedgehog, they are nocturnal and can grow to 25cms long with a life expectancy of 3-4 years. That’s a Trivial Pursuit question if I ever heard one!

The roads and driving are OK here once out of crowded Valletta, although one wrong turn took us down a road where we only had an inch either side of the wing mirrors 😳😬😂

We are going back into Valletta today to park up and explore - and because Carriann hasn’t seen a washing machine for 6 days and can’t find inner peace until she does some form of laundry. 😂 I am fully expecting her to produce her favourite washing powder, her iron and ironing board from somewhere. (It’s her obsession!) 😂

Another day, another ferry! This one takes 2 hours to get us to Valletta Malta where we stay for a week. We’ve covered o...
27/03/2024

Another day, another ferry! This one takes 2 hours to get us to Valletta Malta where we stay for a week.

We’ve covered over 1200 miles driving and 400 miles on the ferry from Italy to Sicily.

Boris is performing impeccably, although we did rip off the towing electric socket getting on to the ferry in Italy. 🫣 I knew that pack of zip ties that I packed would come in handy!

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