We continued on along the coast after a slow start in Marzememi. We had walked into the village in the morning to get a better look in daylight and to have a coffee. Days here are generally a 2 coffee day. One on board courtesy of the espresso maker and one on land so we can have s 'cornetto marmalata' – jam filled croissant – or in Roger's case- 'tost'- a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.
La Batala the village is called and still very nice by day. Things are beginning to shut down – summer is almost done. By October everything will close until April.
The day is a little windy so rather than stop in Pozzallo we kept going to Marina di Ragusa. We are leaving Pankina here for the next 12 months or more. It has been recommended to us by some fellow Aussie sailors whose boat is also here. And there is quite a large live aboard group who are in the Marina year round.
As you can see it is a quick sail down to Malta – 50 nautical miles or about 7 hours sail. Definitely on the list.
As we are leaving the boat in MdiR we had to complete check in with the Port Authority in Pozzallo. So a car was rented and off we headed to the Capitanero in Pozzallo.
'You need a stamp in your passports from the carabinieri ' he says as he looks at our paperwork.
Off we go to the carabinieri. 'No' he says – 'You must go to the Polizia in Modica' and we fang it up into the hills. Great town!
'No,no,no' the polizia say and after many phone calls about the 'australiens ' we get given an appointment 5.30 at the carabinieri- yes in Pozzallo. Now on top of all this , no one speaks English and they all close between 1 and 3 plus tomorrow- Wednesday is only a half day – everywhere.
We are not put off. We sightsee in Modica and Ragusa which are truly amazing baroque towns.
We drove back to Pozzallo for 5.30pm and met the Commandant of the carabinieri.
Finally he tells us that he needs to stamp our crew list, not our passports but as it is now 5.40pm we will have to do it all again tomorrow as the Capitanero has our paperwork and he has finished for the day.
Wednesday bought success and we now have permission to stay in Italy for 18 months – Pankina that is – we only get 3 months at a time unless you request a special visa.
The town of Marina di Ragusa is very nice. A real sea side resort – kite surfing on the beach, loads of cafes and bars – it feels energetic and popular.
Pankina is all packed up now, Roy and Jessica from Holland, live opposite and will keep an eye on things. Piero will check everything once a month, start the engine, open the hatches, check the lines(ropes).
We have had a wonderful time. It's been fabulous sharing it with friends. It's sad to leave and exciting to plan the next bit.
Bye for now
janeandrogersadventure 